What you're installing and where to get it

Facebook offers two ways to use it on your computer: through a web browser (like Chrome or Edge) or through a standalone app. The web version works in any browser without installation — you just visit facebook.com and log in. The standalone app is a separate program you read and install, which some people prefer because it runs independently and sends you notifications.

If you want the standalone app, you'll read it from the Microsoft Store (on Windows) or the Mac App Store (on Apple computers). Both stores are built into your operating system, so you don't need to find a separate website or worry about downloading from the wrong place.

This guide covers installing the standalone app. If you only want to use Facebook in your browser, skip installation entirely — just open your browser, go to facebook.com, and create or log into your account.

Key Takeaways

  • The easiest way to use Facebook is through your web browser at facebook.com — no installation needed.
  • The standalone app comes from the Microsoft Store on Windows or the Mac App Store on Apple computers, not from a website.
  • You need a Facebook account before or during installation; the app will prompt you to create one if you don't have it.
  • Installation takes about two minutes and requires an internet connection.
  • After installation, the app appears in your Start menu (Windows) or Applications folder (Mac).

Installing on Windows

Open the Microsoft Store by clicking the Windows Start button (bottom left corner) and typing "Microsoft Store" into the search box. Click the Microsoft Store icon when it appears. Once the store opens, use the search box at the top to search for "Facebook".

When you see the official Facebook app in the results (it will have the blue Facebook logo), click on it. Then click the "Get" button. Windows may ask you to sign in with your Microsoft account — this is different from your Facebook account and is just how Windows verifies you. Follow the prompts to sign in if needed.

The app will read and install automatically. You'll see a progress bar. Once it finishes, the "Get" button changes to "Open". Click "Open" to start Facebook for the first time, or close the store and find Facebook in your Start menu later.

Installing on Mac

Open the Mac App Store by clicking the Apple menu (top left corner), then clicking "App Store". Alternatively, you can open Spotlight search by pressing Command + Space, type "App Store", and press Enter.

In the App Store, click the search icon at the top and search for "Facebook". Click on the official Facebook app (with the blue logo). Click the "Get" button, then "Install". Your Mac may ask you to authenticate with your Apple ID — enter your password when prompted.

The app downloads and installs automatically. Once finished, the "Install" button changes to "Open". Click "Open" to launch Facebook, or find it later in your Applications folder by opening Finder, clicking "Applications" in the sidebar, and double-clicking Facebook.

Signing in or creating an account

When you open the app for the first time, you'll see a login screen. If you already have a Facebook account, enter your email address (or phone number) and password, then click "Log In".

If you don't have an account yet, click "Create New Facebook Account" and follow the prompts. You'll need to provide your name, email address or phone number, date of birth, and gender. Facebook will send a confirmation code to your email or phone — check your messages and enter the code when prompted. Then create a password and finish setting up your profile.

After you log in or create your account, the app opens to your Facebook feed. You're ready to use it.

Uninstalling if you change your mind

On Windows, right-click the Facebook app in your Start menu and select "Uninstall". Windows will remove it completely. Alternatively, open the Microsoft Store, search for Facebook, click on the app, and click "Uninstall".

On Mac, open Finder, click "Applications" in the sidebar, find Facebook in the list, right-click it, and select "Move to Trash". Then empty your Trash to permanently remove it.

Uninstalling the app does not delete your Facebook account. Your account remains active, and you can still use Facebook through your web browser or reinstall the app later.

Troubleshooting common problems

The app won't read or install. Make sure you have an active internet connection and enough free space on your computer (the app needs about 500 MB). If the Microsoft Store or App Store is having problems, restart your computer and try again. If you're still stuck, try uninstalling and reinstalling the app.

The app opens but won't let you log in. Check that you're using the correct email address or phone number and password. If you've forgotten your password, click "Forgotten Password?" on the login screen and follow the steps to reset it. Make sure your internet connection is working.

You see an error message about your account. Facebook may have temporarily locked your account for security reasons, or you may have entered the wrong credentials. Visit facebook.com in your browser to check your account status or reset your password. Once you've fixed the issue, try logging in through the app again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Facebook account before I install the app?

No. You can install the app first, and it will prompt you to create an account or log in when you open it for the first time. If you don't have an account, the app walks you through creating one.

Is the standalone app different from using Facebook in my browser?

The app and the browser version show the same content and work almost identically. The main difference is that the app sends you notifications and runs as a separate program, while the browser version only notifies you if you have the browser window open.

Will installing the app use a lot of storage space?

No. The Facebook app takes up about 500 MB of space, which is small compared to most programs. Most computers have plenty of free space available.

Can I use Facebook on my computer without installing the app?

Yes. You can use Facebook in any web browser by visiting facebook.com and logging in. This requires no installation and works just as well as the app for most people.

What if I want to remove the app but keep my Facebook account?

Uninstalling the app does not affect your account. You can uninstall the app and still use Facebook through your browser, or reinstall the app whenever you want.