Meta Shuts Down Standalone Messenger Apps for Windows and macOS
Meta has officially shut down the standalone Facebook Messenger app for desktop users. From December 15, 2025, the native Messenger applications for macOS and Windows are no longer usable. Existing users are now being directed to access Messenger through Facebook’s website. The information was reported by TechCrunch.
Launched at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the desktop app gradually lost relevance. Limitations such as a cap on video call participants, the absence of screen-sharing features, and the lack of easily shareable meeting links meant it could not compete effectively with commercial platforms like Zoom.
Earlier, Meta had already moved to reintegrate Messenger more closely with the main Facebook app. Several technical changes were also introduced to the desktop version, but these failed to satisfy users, leading to a steady decline in demand for a separate desktop app.
In October, Meta announced that the app would be discontinued by the end of the year and advised users to prepare for a transition to the web. Users who previously accessed Messenger without a Facebook account can continue using the service through Messenger.com.
DBTech/BMT/OR
