Facebook Messenger Desktop App Discontinued

The End of Facebook Messenger’s Desktop Application

The standalone desktop application for Facebook Messenger has been discontinued, effective December 15, 2025. Users on both Mac and Windows platforms will no longer have access to the native app.

Instead, users are now directed to utilize the messaging service through the Facebook website. This marks the end of an application initially released during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Limitations of the Desktop App

Messenger’s desktop version faced challenges in competing with business-oriented platforms like Zoom. It lacked crucial features such as screensharing capabilities and support for a large number of participants in video calls.

Furthermore, the app did not provide the convenience of easily shareable URLs, hindering its functionality for certain use cases.

A Gradual Decline and Technological Shifts

Signs of the app’s diminishing importance to Meta were apparent even prior to the official shutdown announcement in October. The company had already begun integrating Messenger more closely with the core Facebook application in 2023.

A significant technological shift occurred with the Mac version of Messenger. It was rebuilt using Catalyst, a framework allowing developers to adapt iPad applications for the Mac environment.

Developer and User Feedback

Catalyst received criticism from both developers and end-users. Developers reported increased development effort, while users noted a lack of the responsiveness expected from a native Mac application.

Previously, the Mac app had been developed as an Electron app, and later transitioned to a React Native Desktop application, as revealed by a former Meta software engineer.

Transition to Progressive Web App on Windows

The Windows version of Messenger underwent a different transition, becoming a progressive web app last year.

These downgrades likely contributed to a decrease in demand for a dedicated Mac application. Simultaneously, Meta’s strategy of re-integrating Messenger into Facebook suggested an effort to revitalize usage of its primary social network.

Preparing for the Shutdown

Meta proactively informed users this fall about the impending deprecation of the desktop app by the end of the year.

Users were encouraged to establish a PIN to safeguard their chat history before migrating to the web-based version.

Access for Non-Facebook Account Users

Individuals who accessed Messenger without a Facebook account are now redirected to Messenger.com following the shutdown.

They retain the ability to log in and continue using the service without the necessity of creating a Facebook account.

Further Information

Comprehensive information regarding this transition is readily available on Facebook’s help center.

Dedicated sections have been created to address the specific needs of both Mac and Windows users.