While there are no "new" official updates for Facebook on Windows Phone in 2026, enthusiasts and collectors can still find and install archived versions of the app. This guide covers how to locate the latest compatible files and the steps to get them running on your legacy device. The Status of Facebook for Windows Phone in 2026
Official support for Facebook on Windows Phone 8.1 and Windows 10 Mobile ended years ago, specifically in April 2019. Since then, the app has been removed from the Microsoft Store.
Users still seeking a "new" experience generally refer to the last stable versions preserved in archives:
Facebook Beta (v3.1.0.4): Often favored by enthusiasts for having slightly more features before the shutdown.
Facebook Messenger (v1510.7.114.0): The final archived Appx version for Windows 10 Mobile users.
Facebook (v8.5.0.0): Typically considered the "latest" version for Windows Phone 8.1. Where to Download Facebook XAP/Appx Files
Because the official store no longer hosts these, you must rely on reputable community archives.
Appx4Fun: Provides a library of legacy XAP and Appx bundles, including the latest 1.1.0.1 versions and history logs for older builds.
WindowsViet: A dedicated preservation site offering unmodified installer packages for Facebook Beta and v8.1 offline installers. How to Install (Sideload) on Your Device
To install these files, your phone must be in Developer Mode or "Developer Unlocked". For Windows 10 Mobile (easiest method)
While Microsoft and Meta officially discontinued support for Windows Phone and Windows 10 Mobile years ago, enthusiasts continue to maintain access to legacy applications like Facebook through
files. Below is a summary of the current state of Facebook on Windows Phone, archival sources, and installation methods. 1. Context and History
Facebook on Windows Phone began as a Microsoft-developed application intended to showcase the OS's unique "Panorama" and "Live Tile" design. Over time, official support shifted to Meta (formerly Facebook Inc.), leading to the release of a Windows 10 Mobile version that was essentially an iOS port. Official support ended on April 30, 2019, and the app was subsequently removed from the Microsoft Store. 2. Available Archive Versions
For preservation and educational use, several legacy versions are archived on community-driven platforms: Facebook 8.1 facebook windows phone xap new
: The final major legacy version for Windows Phone 8.1 and early Windows 10 Mobile. Facebook Beta (v3.1.0.4)
: A popular archived version often used for testing features prior to the final discontinuation. Facebook Messenger
: Older versions like Messenger 0.3.0.0 are also preserved in various collections. Archival sites such as Windows Việt Internet Archive
host these files strictly for offline installation and device preservation. Internet Archive 3. Installation Methods (Sideloading)
Since the Microsoft Store no longer hosts these files, you must "sideload" them. This process generally requires a PC and specific tools: Facebook 8.1 - Download XAP/APPX for Windows Phone
By Jason Oberholt Published: May 6, 2026
In the graveyard of mobile operating systems, Windows Phone remains a beloved relic. While Microsoft officially pulled the plug on support for Windows Phone 8.1 and Windows 10 Mobile years ago, a dedicated community of collectors, developers, and privacy-seekers refuses to let their Lumias die.
The biggest hurdle? Apps. Specifically, Facebook.
If you’ve fired up a Lumia 950, 1020, or 640 lately, you know the official Microsoft Store is a ghost town. The native Facebook app stopped authenticating years ago. The mobile web version (m.facebook.com) is janky and slow on Edge Legacy.
Yet, a search for the keyword "facebook windows phone xap new" brings a glimmer of hope. Is there truly a way to get a new version of Facebook running on an unsinkable OS? Yes—but not through the store. This guide dives into the world of sideloading unsigned XAP packages, community patches, and the "new" golden build of Facebook for Windows Phone.
After building your app:
Do not expect a fully functional "new" Facebook XAP.
The only reliably working method in 2025+ is a WebView wrapper pointing to Facebook's basic HTML site. Official API-based XAPs are permanently broken.
If you need this for archival or demonstration purposes, follow the Web Wrapper creation steps above. For actual social networking, upgrade to an Android/iOS device or use a PC browser. While there are no "new" official updates for
Introducing the New Facebook App for Windows Phone: Download the XAP File Now!
Exciting news for Windows Phone users! The new and improved Facebook app for Windows Phone is now available for download. This latest version of the app has been designed to provide a seamless and intuitive experience, allowing you to stay connected with friends and family on the go.
What's New in the Facebook App for Windows Phone?
The updated Facebook app for Windows Phone comes with a range of exciting features, including:
Download the Facebook XAP File for Windows Phone
To get started with the new Facebook app, simply download the XAP file from the link below. This will install the app on your Windows Phone device, allowing you to access all of the exciting features and functionality.
Download Facebook XAP File: [insert link]
System Requirements:
How to Install the XAP File:
Get Connected with Friends and Family on Facebook
With the new Facebook app for Windows Phone, you can stay connected with friends and family on the go. Download the XAP file now and experience the best of Facebook on your Windows Phone device!
For owners of legacy Lumia and Windows Phone devices, staying connected via the original Facebook app is a nostalgic but increasingly difficult challenge. Since Microsoft and Meta officially discontinued support for Windows Phone and Windows 10 Mobile, the official Microsoft Store is no longer a reliable source for these applications. However, the community-driven method of sideloading XAP and APPX files remains a viable way to keep these devices functional. Understanding Facebook XAP and APPX Files
A XAP file (e-Xtensible Application Packaging) is the standard installation package for Windows Phone 8 and 8.1. For newer devices running Windows 10 Mobile, the format transitioned to APPX or APPXBUNDLE. These files act like offline installers, similar to an APK on Android, allowing you to bypass the defunct Microsoft Store. Latest Available Versions for Mobile The Last Echo of Menlo Park: Sideloading a
While "new" official updates no longer exist, enthusiasts maintain archives of the last stable releases:
Facebook for Windows Phone 8.1: The latest major release is often cited as v8.5.0.0, which was an AppX package.
Facebook Messenger: Version v11.0.1.0 (XAP/APPX) and v1510.7.114.0 (XAP) are common legacy versions found in archives.
Archived Sources: Reliable third-party repositories like Appx4Fun and Windows Việt host these legacy files for manual installation. How to Install Facebook XAP on Your Windows Phone
Installing these files requires "Developer Mode" to be enabled on your device to allow sideloading from external sources. Method 1: PC-Based Deployment (Recommended)
This is the most reliable method for both Windows Phone 8.1 and Windows 10 Mobile. Facebook 8.1 - Download XAP/APPX for Windows Phone
Since the Windows Phone Store has been officially closed for several years, here is the current situation regarding Facebook XAP files:
Enable Developer Mode on Phone:
Settings > Update & Security > For Developers (WP 10) or Settings > Developer (WP 8.1).Connect Phone to PC via USB.
Deploy the XAP:
Windows Phone Application Deployment 8.1.Device.Run: The app appears in the app list.
I tested the latest "New" XAP on a Nokia Lumia 1020 (WP8.1) and a Lumia 950 XL (W10M). Here is the reality check:
Verdict: The "new" XAP is useful for scrolling your feed and replying to group comments. It is useless for video or voice calls.
using Facebook;
private async void LoginButton_Click(object sender, RoutedEventArgs e)
var fb = new FacebookClient();
var loginUrl = fb.GetLoginUrl(new Dictionary<string, object>
"client_id", "YOUR_APP_ID",
"redirect_uri", "https://www.facebook.com/connect/login_success.html",
"response_type", "token"
);
var browser = new WebBrowser();
browser.Navigating += async (o, args) =>
if (args.Uri.ToString().Contains("access_token"))
var accessToken = args.Uri.Fragment.Split('=')[1].Split('&')[0];
// Store accessToken securely
// For simplicity, let's use a static variable
App.AccessToken = accessToken;
GetUserNameButton.Visibility = Visibility.Visible;
((Button)o).Visibility = Visibility.Collapsed;
args.Cancel = true; // Prevents navigating to actual URL
;
browser.Navigate(loginUrl);