Meta, formerly known as Facebook, is preparing to discontinue its desktop Messenger applications for Windows and macOS. Recently, both apps were removed from the Microsoft Store and Mac App Store, with existing users receiving notifications that the desktop versions will be fully phased out by December.

According to a Meta support page discovered by Apple Insider, Mac users of the Messenger app will have a 60-day window to continue using the application before it is completely deprecated. Meanwhile, Windows users have been informed that the Messenger app will cease to be available after December 14th.

With the removal of the Messenger desktop apps, Windows users will need to transition to using the Facebook app or the web version of Messenger. Similarly, macOS users will be left with only the web-based Messenger option for their communication needs. Additionally, Meta is planning to replace its native WhatsApp Windows app with a web wrapper version in the near future, indicating a strategic shift towards simplifying WhatsApp development.