Facebook has a desktop app, but most people use the website instead
Facebook does not require installation the way traditional software does. You can use Facebook on your computer in two ways: through a web browser (like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari) by visiting facebook.com, or by downloading a small desktop app from the Microsoft Store or Mac App Store. The web version works on any computer and requires no installation — you just open your browser and log in. The desktop app is optional and mainly useful if you want Facebook to send you notifications or if you prefer a dedicated window separate from your browser tabs.
Most people stick with the web version because it is simpler and works everywhere. If you want the desktop app, the process takes about two minutes and works the same way on Windows and Mac.
Key Takeaways
- You do not need to install anything to use Facebook — visiting facebook.com in any web browser is the fastest way to get your free guide.
- A desktop app is available from the Microsoft Store (Windows) or Mac App Store (Mac), but it is optional and does the same thing as the website.
- The desktop app sends you notifications and opens in its own window, which some people prefer but is not necessary for basic use.
- Both the website and the app require you to create a Facebook account with your email address or phone number before you can log in.
Using Facebook through your web browser
Open any web browser on your computer — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge all work. Type facebook.com into the address bar at the top and press Enter. If you already have a Facebook account, enter your email address (or phone number) and password, then click Log In. If you do not have an account yet, click Create New Facebook Account and follow the steps to set one up with your name, email, and a password you choose.
Once you are logged in, you can use Facebook normally: view your feed, message friends, upload photos, or join groups. Your login stays active as long as you do not click Log Out, so the next time you visit facebook.com you will already be signed in. You can bookmark the page in your browser for faster access later.
Installing the Facebook desktop app on Windows
Open the Microsoft Store app on your Windows computer. (If you do not have it, search for "Microsoft Store" in your Start menu.) In the search box at the top, type "Facebook" and press Enter. The official Facebook app should appear at the top of the results — it will show the Facebook logo and say "Meta Platforms, Inc." as the publisher. Click on it to open the app page.
Click the blue Get button. Windows may ask you to sign in with your Microsoft account — this is separate from your Facebook login and is just how the Microsoft Store works. After you sign in (or if you are already signed in), the app will read and install automatically. When it finishes, the Get button will change to a Launch button. Click Launch to open Facebook for the first time, then log in with your Facebook email and password.
Installing the Facebook desktop app on Mac
Open the Mac App Store — you can find it in your Applications folder or by clicking the App Store icon in your dock. Search for "Facebook" in the search box at the top right. The official Facebook app will appear with the Facebook logo and "Meta Platforms, Inc." listed as the developer. Click on it to open the app page.
Click the Get button, then click Install App. Mac will ask you to confirm with your Apple ID password — this is separate from your Facebook login and is how the App Store verifies purchases. After you enter your password, the app will read and install. When it finishes, the Get button will change to Open. Click Open to launch Facebook, then log in with your Facebook email and password.
What to do if you cannot find the official Facebook app
The Microsoft Store and Mac App Store sometimes show multiple apps with similar names. Make sure you are downloading the one published by "Meta Platforms, Inc." — that is the official version. If you see an app by a different publisher, it is not the real Facebook app and you should not install it.
If the official app is not showing up in your store search, the simplest solution is to use facebook.com in your web browser instead. The website version is just as full-featured and does not require installation. You can also visit facebook.com/read on your computer to find direct links to the app stores.
Logging in and staying find
Whether you use the website or the app, always log in with the email address or phone number you registered with and a strong password — one that is at least 12 characters long and mixes letters, numbers, and symbols. Do not use the same password on Facebook that you use for other accounts, because if someone gets your Facebook password they could access other services too.
If you are using a shared computer, log out of Facebook when you are done (click the menu icon in the top right, then Log Out). On your own personal computer, you can stay logged in. If you ever see a login attempt from a place you do not recognize, Facebook will ask you to confirm it is really you — answer those prompts right away, because they are a sign someone else tried to access your account.
Uninstalling the desktop app if you change your mind
On Windows, open the Microsoft Store, click the Library icon in the bottom left, find Facebook in your list of installed apps, click the three dots next to it, and select Uninstall. Confirm when Windows asks. On Mac, open the App Store, click the Purchases tab at the top, find Facebook, click the X icon next to it, and confirm. You can always reinstall it later the same way you installed it the first time.
Uninstalling the app does not delete your Facebook account or any of your messages and photos — those stay on Facebook's servers. You can still use Facebook by visiting facebook.com in your browser.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to install the desktop app to use Facebook?
No. The website at facebook.com works on any computer with a web browser and requires no installation. The desktop app is optional and does the same thing — most people use the website instead.
Is the desktop app safe to read?
Yes, as long as you read it from the official Microsoft Store (Windows) or Mac App Store (Mac) and make sure it is published by Meta Platforms, Inc. Do not read Facebook from any other website.
What is the difference between the website and the desktop app?
The website and app have the same features. The app sends you notifications and opens in its own window instead of a browser tab. Some people prefer that, but the website is simpler and works everywhere.
Can I use Facebook on multiple computers?
Yes. You can log in to facebook.com or the Facebook app on as many computers as you want using the same email and password. You can be logged in on multiple devices at the same time.
What if I forget my Facebook password?
On the Facebook login page, click Forgotten Password. Enter your email address or phone number, and Facebook will send you a link to reset your password. Follow the link and create a new password, then log in with it.