new messenger opens links in EDGE instead of default browser.

I tried an older version of the app and it didn't show the popup with the option for "not now," leaving me only able to upgrade or close the app.

That's strange, assuming your version is the same as mine (mine is 2150.23.211.0, downloaded from the link I shared - you can check your version in Windows Settings > Apps > Installed Apps > Messenger > [three dots] Advanced Options). Mine does try to scare me by saying, "Update by [some date] to continue using the app." But the date keeps changing to either the day the popup appears or slightly in the future, and it's an idle threat - the rest of the popup doesn't change and I can always click "Not now" and use the app as is. Here is a screenshot of the popup it gave me right now.

Yeah, mine used to look like that, complete with the date continuing to push further out, but not anymore, it just has the button to update Messenger.

At this point my problem with using it as a web app or just having messenger.com open is that there's no indication of new messages, either on the tab or the taskbar. It's really annoying.

I tried an older version of the app and it didn't show the popup with the option for "not now," leaving me only able to upgrade or close the app.

That's strange, assuming your version is the same as mine (mine is 2150.23.211.0, downloaded from the link I shared - you can check your version in Windows Settings > Apps > Installed Apps > Messenger > [three dots] Advanced Options). Mine does try to scare me by saying, "Update by [some date] to continue using the app." But the date keeps changing to either the day the popup appears or slightly in the future, and it's an idle threat - the rest of the popup doesn't change and I can always click "Not now" and use the app as is. Here is a screenshot of the popup it gave me right now.

My solution (SIGNAL) to this specific problem plus a list of other grievances against META, Mark Zuckerburg, and frankly, all of his apps. They are so counter-intuitive and hard to use. Convoluted and hard to find settings, frustration station to the third degree. Plus, he sold out America and democracy by censoring free speech. His new messenger app is so slow that it cannot keep up with my keystrokes. I don't know if that's because it's hardwired to the NSA or Mossad, but either way, I have had enough.

I use Signal now for most of my communications. For the legacy friends and family I will keep facebook and use the browser for messenger. But The App Is ****...

Can we please stop making comments that are just complaints against Meta and Microsoft? Let's keep the discussion practical, centered around the solutions/workarounds.

I will repeat my current workaround: For me, the older version of the non-browser app is working great (downloadable from https://messenger.en.uptodown.com/windows/download/1026550438). Every time I reboot the PC and the app is loaded as part of that process, it suggests upgrading, but I simply click "Not Now" and the popup goes away. (I know that others have described how to make it a Chrome-based browser app, but I use Firefox, which Messenger doesn't yet support for video/audio calling.)

NO.
We are complaining because the complaint IS against Meta and Microsoft. The only way to get a practical ACTUAL solution is to complain about the root problem.

If/when we ALL complain, if nothing is done, once again we will be able to enjoin the eventual class-action lawsuit. I have enjoined TWO against Microsoft's monopolistic practices and been paid for both.

Time and time again, going back to Internet Explorer, Microsoft has joined monopolistic forces to require we use a browser we don't want to use. I still do NOT want to use Internet Explorer, even if they renamed it Edge and gave it a new logo some years ago. I could give you all the technical reasons this monopolistic practice in particular is bad.

I am a Microsoft Certified Professional who does not work for Microsoft.

And I am tired of people making excuses for monopolistic practices for which Microsft is repeatedly punished. Even more, I am tired of people turning the tables on those who have legitimate complaints.

The aforementioned "solutions" are no more practical than advising people to download an illegal version of Windows. And your "workaround" will stop working the second the Microsoftopoly figures out a practical way to shut that workaround door.

I had successfully edited my registry to prevent any unknowing interfacing with Edge, and this Microsoft misconduct and collusion with Meta threw that all out the window.

So, please, stop making comments shilling for Microsoft and Meta, and show some respect and support for those who aren't interested in tacit support of these monopolies.

"And my mom and I both like having an obvious app window to tab to, rather than it appearing as another browser window"

Errm, what are you talking about? The new app, looks like a real app, even though behind the scenes it is really Edge. And if you don't like that, Chrome's "Install as app" does a really good job of making a web site behave like an app.

As for issues with it making phone calls, my very brief research indicates it should work, so whether there's a bug and maybe they'll fix it, I don't know. A lot more "apps" are really wrapped web sites, both on Windows and Android than people realise. And for an app that makes no sense when not online, it's unsurprising they want to wrap it rather than developing a different app. I wouldn't be surprised if we see this more often, and other messaging apps go that way.