Meta to shut down Messenger desktop apps for Mac and Windows

Meta has officially announced the discontinuation of its standalone Messenger applications for both Windows and Mac, effective December 15. This decision was confirmed to TechCrunch, marking a significant shift for users who rely on these desktop platforms. Starting on the designated date, individuals will no longer be able to log into the Messenger apps. Instead, they will be automatically directed to the Messenger service on the Facebook website. Users currently utilizing the desktop applications will receive an in-app notification as the deprecation process begins, giving them a heads-up about the impending changes. According to a Messenger help resource, users will have a 60-day grace period to use the Mac Messenger app before it becomes fully obsolete. After this period, access will be blocked, and users are encouraged to uninstall the application, as it will no longer function. This decision, initially highlighted by Appleinsider, aims to guide users toward alternative means of accessing Messenger. For instance, Windows users can opt for the Facebook desktop app, while both Windows and Mac users can access Messenger online. Meta is advising users to enable secure storage and set up a personal identification number (PIN) to safeguard their chat history prior to transitioning to the web version. Once users migrate to Facebook.com, their chat history will remain accessible across all devices. To verify secure storage activation, users can click on the settings icon above their profile picture, navigate to "Privacy & Safety," and check the "End-to-End Encrypted Chats" section. From there, they can confirm if the secure storage feature is enabled. This move follows Meta's prior introduction of a Progressive Web App to replace the native Messenger application in September 2024. While the company is implementing this change, it is anticipated that some dedicated users may express dissatisfaction with the complete removal of the desktop apps.