The desktop version of Messenger, owned by Meta (the owner of Facebook and Instagram), is no longer available for Windows and Mac users.

Has Meta shut down the desktop Messenger?
Yes. Meta has officially confirmed that the standalone Facebook Messenger app has been discontinued on Windows and Mac computers.
According to the announcements published in the Meta Help section, users had 60 days to use the app, after which their access to the app was blocked.

The announcements read:
“We recommend that you uninstall this app, as it will no longer be usable.”

Why was Messenger desktop removed?
Meta did not announce an exact date for the end of support for the desktop version, and the announcements were published without a date.

However, media outlets such as TechCrunch reported that the app was no longer available as of Monday.

Investigations show that attempting to download the Windows version of Messenger redirects users to the Facebook or Messenger website.
Meta has not yet provided an official reason for the decision.

Can Messenger still be used on a computer?
Yes. This change only applies to the installed desktop app.

Users who log in to Facebook.com or Messenger.com via browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari will still be able to use Messenger.

The mobile version of Messenger is also available without any changes.

Will conversations be deleted?
According to Meta, messages and conversations will not be deleted and will still be available after logging in to your account via the web or mobile; of course, as long as you follow a few security steps.

Users must have:

Enabled Secure Storage before the app will be disabled

Set a PIN on the desktop version to save chat history

Then, when using the web version, they will be prompted to enter this PIN.

What about users without a Facebook account?

Meta said that users who only have a Messenger account and do not have a Facebook account will still be able to log in without creating a Facebook account and will be redirected directly to Messenger.com.

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