Meta has announced that it will shut down the Messenger desktop apps for both Windows and Mac on December 15, 2025. After that date, users will no longer be able to access the app on their computers.
Users Must Switch to Web Version:
Starting December 16, users will need to use Facebook.com or Messenger.com to continue chatting on their computers, according to a report by CNET. Meta will notify users inside the app once the shutdown process begins.
60 Days Before the Final Shutdown:
Messenger users will have a 60-day grace period to continue using the desktop app before it is
permanently disabled. After that, the app’s help page confirms that users will be blocked from accessing Messenger on Mac.
Meta Advises Users to Secure Their Chat History:
Meta has advised users to enable secure storage in Messenger so their chat history remains saved. Those who haven’t enabled it will need to turn it on and set up a PIN before the shutdown to keep their messages backed up.
Chat History Will Stay Across Platforms:
Once secure storage is enabled, users will have access to their chat history across all devices. People using Messenger without a Facebook account will still be able to sign in through Messenger.com without needing to create a Facebook profile.
Messenger’s Journey as a Standalone App:
Meta separated Messenger from Facebook in 2014 to make it a standalone messaging platform. Later, the company worked on a project to connect Messenger with Instagram Direct, but it was cancelled in 2023 for undisclosed reasons.
Focus on Privacy and Teen Safety:
In addition to product updates, Meta has been working to improve safety and privacy. In September 2025, it launched a Teen Accounts feature worldwide, including Pakistan. This feature helps protect younger users, limits who they can message, filters content, and promotes healthier screen time.