Meta Ends Messenger Desktop Apps on December 15
Meta has announced that it will be shutting down its standalone Messenger desktop applications for Windows and Mac on December 15. This decision comes as part of a broader strategy to unify user access to Messenger via web browsers instead of separate desktop apps. Starting mid-December, users attempting to sign in to the dedicated applications will be automatically redirected to the Facebook website to use Messenger.
For those currently using the desktop apps, Meta will send in-app notifications informing them about the shutdown. Mac users will have a grace period of 60 days to utilize the application before it is completely deactivated. During this transition, Meta is encouraging users to delete the app from their devices and switch to the Facebook desktop app or access Messenger through its web version.
To ensure that users do not lose their conversation history, Meta advises enabling secure storage and creating a PIN. By following a few simple steps within the app’s settings, users can verify if secure storage is activated. This will allow them to keep their chat history accessible across all platforms once they switch to Facebook’s online service.
This move follows Meta's decision in September 2024 to replace the original native Messenger client with a progressive web client. The goal is to streamline how users communicate, making it easier for them to access Messenger through web browsers or the main Facebook app, rather than relying on separate applications.
In summary, while the shutdown of Messenger desktop apps may seem inconvenient at first, it represents a significant step toward simplifying user experience. Transitioning to the web version will not only maintain access to messaging but also provide users with a more integrated platform for communication. As the digital landscape evolves, such changes are essential to keep pace with user needs and preferences.
