Meta Retiring Messenger Desktop App on Dec 15, Redirecting Users to Web Version

Meta has announced the discontinuation of its Messenger desktop application for macOS and Windows, redirecting users to the web-based version instead. The desktop app will cease functioning on 15 December, after which those wishing to access Messenger on non-mobile devices will need to use either the Windows version of the Facebook app or the Facebook and Messenger websites to continue chatting. Meta has not provided a specific reason for retiring the desktop app.

To ensure message histories are safely preserved, Meta recommends enabling Secure Storage and setting a PIN for the account, with the following steps: click the gear icon above your profile picture to open Settings, select Privacy & Safety, then End-to-End Encrypted Chats, tap Message Storage and ensure that Secure Storage is turned on. Meta originally separated Messenger from Facebook in 2014, and the article notes a 2023 abandonment of plans to merge Messenger with Instagram Direct.