Facebook Messenger is a popular messaging app used by millions of people to stay in touch with friends and family. While the Facebook Messenger app works great on smartphones, sometimes users can run into issues when trying to use Messenger on their laptop or desktop computer.
Some common Facebook Messenger problems on laptops and computers include the app freezing, crashing unexpectedly, issues with messages not sending or receiving properly, problems with notifications not working, and login issues. Thankfully, there are some troubleshooting steps you can try to fix up common Facebook Messenger problems and get the app working properly again on your laptop.
Quick Fixes to Try
If you’re experiencing problems with Facebook Messenger on your laptop, some quick things to try that may help resolve common issues include:
- Force quit the Messenger app and restart it
- Log out of Messenger and log back in
- Restart your laptop or desktop computer
- Check your internet connection
- Make sure you have the latest version of Messenger
- Clear the Messenger cache and data
Often a simple restart or relog can help fix minor glitches that may be causing Facebook Messenger issues on your computer. Also make sure you have a stable internet connection, and that you’re running the latest version of the Messenger app.
Update or Reinstall the Facebook Messenger App
If you are experiencing a lot of technical issues with Facebook Messenger on your laptop, one of the best troubleshooting steps is to update the app to the latest version, or reinstall it completely.
To update Messenger on your computer:
- Open the Microsoft Store app
- Click on the icon for your profile picture in the top right
- Select “Downloads and updates”
- You’ll see a list of all your installed apps – locate Facebook Messenger and click “Get Updates” if an update is available
If you cannot update Messenger, or updating did not resolve your issues, try reinstalling the app completely:
- Open the Microsoft Store app
- Search for “Facebook Messenger”
- Click the button that says “Install” or “Get”
- The newest version of Messenger will download and install
Disable Battery Optimization for Messenger
Some Messenger problems like delayed notifications or background crashes can occur if battery optimization settings are interfering with the app. Disabling battery optimization can help:
- Go to your laptop Settings app
- Click on “System”
- Select “Battery”
- Find Facebook Messenger in the app list and toggle “Battery optimization” to Off
This will prevent your computer from excessively restricting Messenger’s background activity and potentially improve stability.
Check Your Facebook Messenger Notifications Settings
Issues with Facebook Messenger notifications not coming through on your laptop can also commonly occur. To check your Messenger notifications settings:
- Open the Facebook Messenger app
- Tap your profile picture in the top left
- Go to Preferences or Settings
- Select “Notifications”
From here, make sure notifications are enabled for whichever options you want – messages, group notifications, calls, etc. You can also select different notification sounds and how to display notification previews.
Grant Access to Notifications
You also need to make sure your Windows notifications settings allow alerts from the Facebook Messenger app:
- Open the Windows Settings app
- Click on “System”
- Go to Notifications & actions
- Click on Facebook Messenger and make sure “Show notifications” is toggled On
Allow Facebook Messenger Through Your Firewall and Antivirus
Firewalls and antivirus software can sometimes block apps from sending notifications or accessing the internet. To make sure this isn’t causing connection issues:
- Open your firewall settings (Windows Firewall or your 3rd party firewall app)
- Ensure Facebook Messenger is allowed and not being blocked
- Open your antivirus software settings
- Make sure Facebook Messenger is on the allowed/trusted app list
Reset Your Advertising ID
Resetting your advertising ID can help fix Facebook Messenger login issues in some cases:
- Open the Windows Settings app
- Click on “Privacy”
- Select “General”
- Under “Change device advertising ID”, click Reset
- Confirm the reset
This will reset your advertising ID and can resolve conflicts that may be preventing Messenger sign-in.
Use Messenger In Your Browser
If you are still having Facebook Messenger problems on your Windows laptop even after trying the above troubleshooting, an alternative option is to use Messenger through the Facebook website in your browser instead of through the desktop app.
While this limits some of the functionality compared to the dedicated Messenger app, chatting through the browser-based version should work fine and lets you avoid any app instability issues.
To access browser-based Messenger:
- Open Facebook in your browser and log in
- Click on the Messenger icon (speech bubble) on the lower right
- A Messenger chat window will open where you can message friends
Troubleshoot Specific Facebook Messenger Problems
Messenger Keeps Crashing
If Facebook Messenger keeps crashing or freezing on your Windows laptop, try the following fixes:
- Update Messenger to the latest version
- Restart your computer
- Disable battery optimization for Messenger
- Check for overheating issues
- Update your Windows version and drivers
- Uninstall and reinstall Messenger
Messenger Can’t Send or Receive Messages
If you can’t send or get messages on Messenger for Windows, check:
- Your internet connection – try disconnecting and reconnecting WiFi
- Background data usage restrictions
- Firewall and antivirus app permissions
- Date and time is set correctly on your laptop
Messenger Not Displaying Contacts
If your contacts aren’t showing in Facebook Messenger on your laptop, try:
- Logging out and back into Messenger
- Ensuring Contacts permissions are enabled for Messenger
- Syncing your contacts in the Facebook app
Messenger Notifications Not Working
To fix Facebook Messenger notifications not coming through on your Windows laptop:
- Check notification settings in Messenger
- Make sure Windows notifications are allowed for Messenger
- Disable battery optimization
- Allow Messenger in antivirus and firewall apps
Messenger Has Login Issues
If you can’t log into Facebook Messenger on your computer, try:
- Resetting your Facebook password
- Clearing cookies and cached data
- Allowing Messenger through firewall and antivirus
- Resetting your advertising ID
Get Help from Facebook Support
If you continue experiencing Facebook Messenger problems on your Windows laptop that you can’t resolve, you can also reach out to Facebook’s support channels for additional troubleshooting help:
- Check the Facebook Messenger Help Center for troubleshooting guides.
- Tweet @Facebook to get help via Twitter
- Use the Facebook Messenger Contact Form
Describe the Messenger for Windows issue you are encountering in detail and a member of the Facebook support team may be able to provide fixes or workarounds.
Conclusion
Troubleshooting Facebook Messenger problems on laptops and computers can involve many potential fixes, but some common tips like updating the app, checking notification settings, restarting your device, and reinstalling Messenger can help resolve a lot of general issues that may come up.
If your problem is more specific, like crashes, login failures or contact syncing errors, targeted troubleshooting steps can get Facebook Messenger working properly again. Just be sure to check your Windows settings as well as Messenger itself to cover all bases. With some diligent work, you should be able to get Messenger for desktop back up so you can seamlessly message with all your friends and family.