After that date, users will no longer be able to log in to the app and are advised to uninstall it.

According to Meta, Messenger on mobile devices will not be affected. All chats and video call functions will continue operating normally on smartphones.

After December 15, Mac users will be redirected to Facebook.com to continue their conversations, while Windows users are encouraged to switch to the Facebook desktop app, which retains core features such as voice/video calls, notifications, and screen alerts.

Meta stated that users have been notified 60 days in advance, with a strong recommendation to activate “secure storage” in order to sync end-to-end encrypted conversations to the new platforms.

Who will be most affected?

The most impacted users include those who use the standalone Messenger app on Windows or macOS, individuals with Messenger accounts that are not linked to Facebook, and office workers or business users who rely on the desktop version of Messenger for workplace communication.

Those using Messenger on mobile devices, Facebook.com, or the Facebook desktop app will not experience any service disruption.

A brief history of Messenger for desktop

Messenger began as an integrated chat feature on Facebook before being spun off into a standalone app in 2011.

The desktop version was later launched to allow users to message without opening a browser - especially useful during the peak of remote work.

Over time, Messenger expanded into areas such as customer service, in-chat payments, group video calls, and end-to-end encryption.

However, Meta has recently shifted its focus toward unifying features across its platforms - Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram - leading to reduced emphasis on the standalone Messenger desktop app.

Controversy and user backlash

Meta’s decision has sparked mixed reactions. Some tech forum users have criticized the move, calling Messenger “increasingly cluttered” and describing the return to browser-based messaging as a step backward.

Still, users have no choice but to follow Meta’s new direction.

The company has issued a series of recommendations for users ahead of the December 15 shutdown:

Enable secure storage to preserve encrypted chat history.

Download important files (images, videos, documents).

Users with Messenger-only accounts (not tied to Facebook) should switch to Messenger.com.

Try out the Facebook desktop app or website in advance to get familiar with the new interface.

Finally, uninstall the Messenger app after login is disabled.

Du Lam