Meta has ceased operation of the standalone Messenger app for Windows and macOS

As of December 15, 2025, the desktop version of Facebook Messenger has officially ceased to exist. Mac and Windows users can no longer download or use the standalone app; they are redirected to the web version on Facebook's website or Messenger.com.

What is known

The desktop app was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic. It had limited video call capabilities and lagged behind business-oriented services like Zoom, especially in terms of the number of participants. Additionally, the platform did not support screen sharing or convenient link sharing.

Later, Messenger for macOS was rewritten from Electron to Catalyst (a technology for transferring iPad apps to Mac), and then to React Native Desktop. A year ago, the Windows version transitioned to the format of a progressive web application.

Back in 2023, Facebook started reintegrating Messenger into the main app, signaling a gradual winding down of the service's autonomy. In the fall of 2025, the company officially warned about the closure of the desktop app, advised creating a PIN to save chat history, and encouraged switching to the web version.

Users without a Facebook account are now automatically directed to Messenger.com, where they can log into their account without needing to create a Facebook profile.

Source: Meta