Particle.news
Download on the App Store
4 ARTICLES
·
4d ago

Meta to Retire Messenger Desktop Apps on Windows and macOS in December

To keep encrypted chats, users must enable secure storage with a PIN ahead of the web-only transition.

A man walks past a logo of Facebook messenger
Image
Meta to discontinue Facebook's Messenger desktop app.

Overview

  • Both desktop apps have been pulled from the Microsoft Store and Mac App Store, with access set to be blocked in mid-December 2025.
  • Windows users will be redirected to the Facebook desktop app or Messenger.com, while macOS users will use the web version only.
  • Meta says Mac users get a 60-day grace period from notification and Windows users are warned of a December 14–15 cutoff.
  • Users risk losing chat history unless they turn on secure storage and set a PIN from the desktop app before the shutdown; Messenger-only accounts can continue at Messenger.com.
  • Mobile apps and browser versions remain available, and reporting indicates Meta also plans to move WhatsApp’s Windows client to a web-wrapper model.