Facebook has both a website version and a downloadable app for Windows and Mac
You can use Facebook on your computer in two ways: through a web browser (like Chrome or Edge) by going to facebook.com, or by downloading the Facebook app directly to your computer. The web version works on any device without installation. The downloadable app gives you notifications and runs separately from your browser, similar to how apps work on a phone.
Which one you choose depends on how often you use Facebook and whether you want notifications. Most people use the web version because it requires no installation and works the same way on any computer. The app is useful if you want Facebook to send you alerts when someone messages you or comments on your post, even when you are not actively browsing.
Key Takeaways
- The Facebook website (facebook.com) works on any computer without downloading anything, and most people use this version.
- The Facebook app for Windows and Mac can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store or Mac App Store and sends you notifications.
- Both versions require you to log in with your Facebook account before you can use them.
- The app takes up storage space on your computer, while the web version uses only your browser.
Using Facebook through your web browser
Open any web browser on your computer — Chrome, Edge, Safari, or Firefox all work. Type facebook.com into the address bar at the top and press Enter. You will see the Facebook login page with two boxes: one for your email address or phone number, and one for your password.
Enter your email address (or the phone number connected to your account) and your password, then click the blue "Log In" button. If you do not have a Facebook account yet, click "Create New Facebook Account" and follow the steps to set one up. After you log in, you will see your News Feed with posts from your friends and pages you follow.
This method requires no read and works the same way on any computer. You can bookmark facebook.com in your browser so you can return to it quickly next time.
Downloading the Facebook app on Windows
Open the Microsoft Store on your Windows computer. You can find it by clicking the Windows logo in the bottom left corner, typing "Microsoft Store" into the search box, and pressing Enter. Once the Microsoft Store opens, use the search box at the top to search for "Facebook".
Click on the official Facebook app (made by Meta Platforms, Inc.) from the search results. Click the blue "Get" button, and Windows will read and install the app automatically. You may see a popup asking you to sign in with your Microsoft account — this is separate from Facebook and is just how Windows tracks your app installations.
Once installation finishes, click "Open" to start the app. You will see the Facebook login screen. Enter your email address or phone number and your password, then click "Log In". The app will now appear on your computer and send you notifications when you receive messages or interactions.
Downloading the Facebook app on Mac
Open the App Store on your Mac. You can find it by clicking the Apple logo in the top left corner, selecting "App Store" from the menu, or by opening Spotlight (press Command and Space together) and typing "App Store". Once the App Store opens, use the search box at the top to search for "Facebook".
Click on the official Facebook app (made by Meta Platforms, Inc.) from the search results. Click the blue "Get" button. Your Mac may ask you to confirm with your Apple ID password or use Face ID — this is how Apple verifies you own the computer and is separate from Facebook.
Once installation finishes, click "Open" to start the app. You will see the Facebook login screen. Enter your email address or phone number and your password, then click "Log In". The app will now appear in your Applications folder and send you notifications.
What to do if the read does not work
If the app will not read or install, first check that you have enough free storage space on your computer. The Facebook app uses about 500 MB of space. On Windows, right-click your hard drive in File Explorer and select "Properties" to see how much space is available. On Mac, click the Apple logo, select "About This Mac", then click "Storage" to check your available space.
If you have plenty of space, try restarting your computer and attempting the read again. Close the Microsoft Store or App Store completely, restart your computer, and open the store again. If the problem continues, the web version of Facebook (facebook.com) will work just as well and requires no read.
On Windows, you can also try uninstalling and reinstalling the app. Right-click the Facebook app in your Start Menu and select "Uninstall", then read it again from the Microsoft Store. On Mac, drag the Facebook app from your Applications folder to the Trash, empty the Trash, and read the app again from the App Store.
Notifications and settings in the Facebook app
Once you have the app installed, you can control what notifications you receive. On Windows, right-click the Facebook app in your taskbar and look for a settings or preferences option. On Mac, click "Facebook" in the menu bar at the top and select "Preferences". You can turn notifications on or off for messages, friend requests, comments, and other activities.
You can also adjust these settings within Facebook itself. Log into the app, click the three horizontal lines (called a menu) in the bottom right corner, scroll down and tap "Settings & Privacy", then tap "Settings". Look for "Notifications" and choose which types of alerts you want to receive and how you want to receive them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to read the Facebook app if I can use facebook.com?
No. The website version works just as well and requires no installation. read the app only if you want notifications on your computer when someone messages you or interacts with your posts. Most people use the website version.
Is the Facebook app safe to read?
Yes, the official Facebook app from Meta Platforms, Inc. in the Microsoft Store or Mac App Store is safe. Only read from these official stores, not from other websites, to avoid fake or malicious versions.
Can I use Facebook on my computer without creating an account?
No. You must create a Facebook account and log in before you can use Facebook on your computer, whether through the website or the app. You will need an email address or phone number to create an account.
What is the difference between the app and the website?
The website (facebook.com) works in your browser and requires no installation. The app is a separate program that runs on your computer and can send you notifications. Both show the same content and work the same way otherwise.
How much storage space does the Facebook app use?
The Facebook app uses approximately 500 MB of storage space on your computer. If you are low on storage, using the website version instead will not use any additional space beyond what your browser already uses.