Facebook Messenger has discontinued its desktop app for Mac and Windows users, officially ending support on December 15, 2025. Existing users are now advised to utilize the web version, Facebook app, or mobile app for iOS and Android to access the messaging service.
The desktop app, introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, faced limitations compared to business-oriented competitors like Zoom. It struggled with accommodating multiple video call participants and lacked features such as screen sharing and easy URL sharing.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, had been signaling the diminishing significance of Messenger’s desktop app even before the formal shutdown announcement in October 2025. In 2023, Facebook commenced the process of integrating Messenger back into the main Facebook app.
Recent technological transitions saw Messenger for Mac developed using Catalyst, a platform enabling iPad apps on Mac. However, this approach faced criticism from developers due to additional work demands and from users who found the apps lacking a native feel. The app’s previous versions included an Electron app for Mac and a React Native Desktop app.
On Windows, the app evolved into a progressive web app last year. Meta’s strategic move to consolidate Messenger back into Facebook reflects efforts to rejuvenate usage of its core social network, which had been experiencing a decline.
Users were forewarned about the impending desktop app deprecation and were encouraged to safeguard their chat history by setting up a PIN before transitioning to the web version. Non-Facebook account holders utilizing Messenger are redirected to Messenger.com post-shutdown.
Source: TechCrunch
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