Facebook app leaves the Microsoft Store, Facebook says to use a browser

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Facebook directs people towards a browser now that its official app has left the Microsoft Store.

Facebook app Windows 10
Facebook app Windows 10 (Image credit: Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • The Facebook app has been removed from the Microsoft Store.
  • Facebook states that the app will not return to the Microsoft Store.
  • Facebook's Messenger and Instagram apps will remain in the Microsoft Store.

Representatives from Facebook and Microsoft told Neowin that "As of February 28, the Facebook desktop app for Windows is no longer available. People can still easily access and enjoy all of the features of Facebook via desktop browser."

Facebook's app on Windows 10 often went months without an update and wasn't as refined as its apps on other platforms, so it's not that surprising to see it leave the Microsoft Store. If you want to have a dedicated Facebook "app" on your Start Menu or taskbar, you can install Facebook's website as an app through the new Microsoft Edge or other browsers that allow you to install websites as apps.

While Facebook's app is no longer available, its Messenger and Instagram apps will remain in the Microsoft Store. In fact, Facebook recently updated its Instagram app on Windows 10 to a PWA. Facebook also has a beta version of its Messenger app that's more in line with its apps on iOS and Android.

Sean Endicott
Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a news writer and apps editor for Windows Central with 11+ years of experience. A Nottingham Trent journalism graduate, Sean has covered the industry’s arc from the Lumia era to the launch of Windows 11 and generative AI. Having started at Thrifter, he uses his expertise in price tracking to help readers find genuine hardware value.

Beyond tech news, Sean is a UK sports media pioneer. In 2017, he became one of the first to stream via smartphone and is an expert in AP Capture systems. A tech-forward coach, he was named 2024 BAFA Youth Coach of the Year. He is focused on using technology—from AI to Clipchamp—to gain a practical edge.