Previously, we had discussed how to fix the Facebook Messenger app if its voice and video call functionality stopped working. Similarly, today we’ll see what troubleshooting steps one should take when the Facebook Messenger itself is not working on a Windows computer.
Fix Facebook Messenger not working on a computer
Although not usual, Facebook Messenger may at times stop working on your computer or PC. Try updating the app, and if it’s still not working after updating, here are some suggestions that will help you resolve the issue:
- Reset the Facebook Messenger App.
- Reset Microsoft Store Cache
- Run Windows Apps Troubleshooter
- Uninstall and reinstall the Messenger app
Before proceeding with the above solutions, try logging out of the app and then, login in again. If it doesn’t help, move to the other solutions.
1] Reset the Facebook Messenger App
Click the Windows Start button and choose Settings.
From the side panel on the left, select the Apps option.
Switch to the right pane and expand Apps & features heading.
Find Messenger apps entry. Adjacent to it, click the More options menu (seen as 3 vertical dots).
From the list of options displayed, select Advanced Options.
Scroll down to locate the Reset option. Hit the button to reset the application.
2] Reset Microsoft Store Cache
To reset the cache for Microsoft Store you can use Windows Settings or use the built-in command-line tool known as WSReset.exe.
In the Start search, type wsreset.exe. On the result which appears, right-click and select Run as administrator.
A command prompt window will open. After a while, the Windows Store will open. You may (or may not) see the following confirmation message:
The cache for the Store was cleared. You can now browse the Store for apps.
When done, close the Store and restart.
3] Run Windows Apps Troubleshooter
If you’ve recently updated Windows and found the Messenger app not working, run Windows Apps Troubleshooter. The application automatically scans and fixes any issues that may prevent apps from running properly, especially the ones you downloaded from the Store.
Just click the Start button, and choose Settings > System > Troubleshoot. Here, expand the Other troubleshooters tab.
When directed to a new screen, scroll down to Windows Store Apps and hit the Run button adjacent to the entry.
4] Uninstall and reinstall the Messenger app
It’s quite possible that the App has become corrupted and needs to be replaced with a new version. So, type Messenger inside the Windows Search box. When its entry appears, right-click it and select the Uninstall option to remove the app and its related contents. Also, make sure that it has been removed from the Control Panel.
Once done, open the Microsoft Store. Then, find and install the new version of the Messenger app again.
Is there a Facebook Messenger app for PC?
Yes, there’s a Facebook Messenger app designed for Desktop versions. It makes sending messages and chatting with friends or family via video much more straightforward. The app is now available on the Microsoft Store. It is best for those who need to use the messenger all the time, else the web version of the messenger is good enough.
Can you use the Messenger app without a Facebook account?
Unfortunately, that’s not possible. You’ll need to create a Facebook account to use the Messenger service. However, you can then deactivate your Facebook account and log into Messenger using your Facebook account information. This is called a Deactivated Except Messenger Account (DEMA). Your profile information will not be visible, and you cannot post or interact with other platform features.
Hope it helps!
