In a decisive move to consolidate its ecosystem, Meta officially shut down the native Messenger desktop apps for Mac and Windows on December 15, 2025. Users who were previously using these standalone applications are now redirected to the Facebook website to continue their conversations. While some users mourned the loss of a separate, dedicated app, this decision has allowed Meta to pour all its desktop development resources into a single, unified, and more powerful web experience. As a result, the Facebook website is more feature-complete and stable than ever before.
The middle column is where you consume content. At the very top, you will find the Stories and Reels trays. Directly below is the global composer box ("What's on your mind?"), followed by your algorithmic or chronological news feed. The Right Sidebar (Social & Utilities)
The search bar on is powerful. You can filter by: facebook desktop
: If you run a business, use the desktop Saved Replies feature to quickly answer FAQs via Messenger.
: While the standalone Messenger desktop app is being phased out in some regions, users are encouraged to use the browser-based version for end-to-end encrypted chats . 🚀 Tips for Navigating Facebook Desktop in 2026 In a decisive move to consolidate its ecosystem,
Schedule posts, analyze video performance, and manage monetization. 5. Security and Privacy Checkup
For creators, marketers, and business owners, the desktop is indispensable. As a result, the Facebook website is more
Desktop allows you to turn off "Active Status" for specific people while leaving it on for others. Click the Messenger icon > Three dots > Active Status > "Turn off for only some contacts."