Meta shuts down desktop Messenger: dates, changes, and how to prepare

Meta has decided to put an end to the applications of Messenger for macOS and Windows. From December 15, it will no longer be possible to log in to desktop clients, and those attempting to log in will be sent back to the browser to continue their conversations.

The company is notifying the change within the apps themselves and is granting a period of 60 days since the notice appears to complete the transition. In the meantime, the app has already been removed from the Mac App Store and will also stop being supported in the Windows environment, with the express recommendation to uninstall it once it becomes unusable.

What changes and since when

The key milestone comes on December 15: since that day, Messenger desktop apps will block login and redirect directly to the webUntil then, those who have received the notification in the app have a period of 60 days of additional use before the software becomes unusable.

After the effective closure, Meta points out that the most prudent thing is remove the desktop app, since it will not work againThe move fits with the company's focus on experiences. web and mobile, and reducing the maintenance of duplicate platforms.

The process is being progressive: some users report the warning in advance, but The date that consistently appears is December 15th as an operational limit for Mac and Windows.

What will happen to your chats and how to save them?

To avoid scares, Meta urges enable secure storage before disconnection. This function Encrypt and back up your conversations so they remain available when you move to the web or mobile apps.

In addition to enabling secure storage, You must set up a PIN that will allow you to regain access to your history on any device.This is a quick step, and in this context, especially important for those who have primarily used the desktop app.

1. Open Messenger on the desktop y touch your profile picture.
2. Sign in Privacy & Security and locates the encrypted chats.
3. Access a Message storage and click on Enable secure storage.
4. Create a PIN (for example, 6 digits) and confirm the process.

Once activated, your chat history will appear in Facebook.com, Messenger.com and the mobile apps without loss of messages or files.

Where you can use Messenger from now on

With the closure of native apps, access will be concentrated on the versión web and on mobile devices. If you use Messenger with a Facebook account, you will be redirected to Facebook.com; if you use Messenger without a Facebook account, you will go directly to Messenger.com.

On mobile, everything remains the same: applications iOS and Android They continue to operate normally, with calls, video calls, reactions, and the rest of the usual functions.

If you prefer to feel like you have an “app” on your desktop, you can create a separate shortcut from your browser: safari (macOS) with “Add to Dock”, or in Chrome/Edge (Windows) with “Install site as app”. It’s an easy way to get a similar experience to a PWA.

Background and product strategy

La Messenger desktop app was launched in 2020, in the midst of the teleworking boom, as a native alternative for Mac and Windows. Over time underwent replacements and adjustments: in 2024 September Meta replaced the native version with a progressive web app (PWA), a prelude to the total shutdown that is now taking place.

No single reason has been officially detailed, but Everything points to a consolidation of development on platforms where there is more use: mobile and webThe closure underscores that most activity already occurs outside of desktop clients.

It is not an isolated movement either: the withdrawal of apps from stores (such as the Mac App Store) and automatic browser redirection indicate a bet on more uniform and less fragmented experiences.

Impact according to the type of user

Those who worked from a computer with the native app will need to adapt to the web version or rethink their workflow with complementary tools. For teams and SMEs that served customers via desktop, it's a good idea to review notifications, multi-user support, and conversation management in the browser.

If you use multiple messaging services, You may be interested in third-party apps that aggregate channels. (for example, clients that centralize Messenger, WhatsApp, or Telegram). These are useful for avoiding jumping between tabs, although they depend on web access.

Another possibility, within the same ecosystem, is to promote the use of WhatsApp desktop, which maintains native apps on macOS and Windows. However, This option only works if your contacts also move to that platform..

For users who do not have a smartphone or depend on a PC, the change requires getting used to Facebook.com o Messenger.comWith proper browser notification settings, the experience is stable for everyday use.

quick questions

Will I lose my conversations?

No, as long as you activate the secure storage and establish a PIN before closing. This way, your history will remain available on the web and mobile.

How long do I have before it stops working?

You have 60 days from the notification in the app. After that period, the desktop application will be disabled.

Where will I be redirected when I close?

If you use Messenger with a Facebook account, you will go to Facebook.comIf you don't have it, you will access Messenger.com directly.

Are the mobile apps still available?

Yes. The versions of iOS and Android They continue to operate, with the usual messaging, calling and video functions.

Can I keep something like an app on my computer?

You can “install” the web as PWA from your browser to have a dedicated icon and window. It's not native, but it's pretty similar.

Anyone who relies on Messenger on their computer should activate the secure storage, fix your PIN and familiarize yourself with the web version as soon as possible; with the closing date set for December 15, act now Avoid setbacks, keep your chats safe, and leave everything ready to continue the conversation without interruptions.