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The newly developed WhatsApp native desktop app for Windows is ready. It can also be used when the smartphone is offline. A variant for macOS is still in development.
Using Whatsapp on the desktop has been possible for years. Until now, however, the desktop version of the Meta daughter was just a web app in a wrapper. The new app (whatsApp native desktop app), on the other hand, has been developed natively for Windows, which, according to Whatsapp, should make the new solution faster and more responsive.
Whatsapp Native desktop app for Windows lands in the Microsoft Store
As Whatsapp writes in the announcement, the design of the app has been adapted to the operating system. In addition, notifications and messages should also be able to come in when the smartphone is offline – so the application also works independently.
The fact that the app can be used independently of the smartphone is the result of the multi-device function, which has now left the beta phase. With it, the messenger can be used on multiple devices.
Nevertheless, before using the Whatsapp native desktop app, it is necessary to pair it once with the smartphone using a QR code. Because Whatsapp continues to use your phone number as an identifier. The connection between the smartphone and the app works like in the previous Whatsapp web application:
To do this, you scan the QR code that can be called up via the “Linked Devices” function of the smartphone app. The desktop app then synchronizes with the smartphone app.
Native Whatsapp app for macOS in progress
While the Windows version is ready and available for download from the Microsoft Store, it will probably be a while before the corresponding Mac version is ready. According to Whatsapp, they are working on it, but only a beta version is currently available.
Interested parties could theoretically try out the Mac app via the test flight program, but all slots seem to be taken at the moment. The beta page shows us that the program is full.
Until the native Whatsapp version for Mac is ready, you can continue to use Whatsapp Web in the browser or use the web-based Whatsapp desktop app.
So far, Whatsapp only allows computers as additional devices; Tablets or other smartphones cannot currently be linked. However, there have been indications for a while that this could change in good time. On the one hand, Whatsapp boss Will Cathcart says he would “love to” use his messenger on an iPad, and on the other hand, the Whatsapp specialists from WABeta-Info found the first indications in a beta version for Android that the company is part of a real multinational -Device option works.
Regarding the upgraded WhatsApp Desktop interface
For Windows users, a new version of WhatsApp is now live and accessible here.
What has changed?
Users of WhatsApp Desktop have been accessing the service using our browser-based or web-based desktop applications (WhatsApp Web). We’re creating native Windows and Mac operating system apps because we’re constantly looking for ways to enhance the WhatsApp experience for our consumers.
Benefits of native applications:
You can still receive notifications and messages even when your phone is offline thanks to the following features:
- Enhanced speed and dependability
- Designed and optimized for your desktop operating system
- Even while your phone is offline, notifications and messages will still be received
Using Windows.
Download the whatsapp native app download or the latest Windows version of WhatsApp Desktop.
To log in after downloading and installing:
- Launch WhatsApp on your mobile device.
- On an Android device, tap More choices. On an iPhone, tap Settings.
- Toggle Linked Devices on.
- Scan the QR code that appears on your WhatsApp Desktop App using the camera on your phone.
Mac users
A native WhatsApp desktop application for Mac OS X is currently being created.
- You can download our beta program HERE to get early access and assist with testing.
- If you have a Mac, you can download our web-based WhatsApp Desktop App client or use WhatsApp Web in your browser.