WhatsApp has long been one of the most popular messaging apps globally, with over 2 billion users worldwide. The app allows users to easily connect with friends and family through text messages, voice calls, video calls, images, documents, and more. While WhatsApp originated as a mobile app, desktop versions were later developed for increased accessibility and convenience.
One of these desktop versions is WhatsApp for Windows. This app allows Windows users to access WhatsApp on their computers and take advantage of the platform’s larger screen size and keyboard. However, some users may have noticed changes in WhatsApp for Windows recently and are wondering exactly what is different.
User Interface Updates
One of the most noticeable changes to WhatsApp for Windows has been updates to the user interface design. Over the past year, the app has slowly implemented small visual changes to align more closely with WhatsApp on mobile devices and across platforms.
For example, the chat bubbles and fonts now match what you see on your phone. The app colors have also shifted slightly to reflect WhatsApp’s current green-and-white branding. While these may seem like subtle changes, they do give the Windows app a more cohesive and uniform look alongside WhatsApp on other devices.
Sticker Support
Another recent addition to WhatsApp for Windows is support for the app’s large library of stickers. Stickers – large, expressive images that convey emotions and messages – have been incredibly popular on mobile WhatsApp for years. But up until 2022, they were not supported on the Windows app.
Now, Windows users can both send and receive the thousands of stickers available, which help add some fun and flair to conversations. Having full sticker access brings the WhatsApp for Windows experience more in line with mobile. This has been a long-awaited update for many desktop users.
Improved Notifications
The notifications system on WhatsApp for Windows has also gone through some recent improvements. Notifications now more reliably pop up on your Windows desktop when you receive new WhatsApp messages.
In the past, notifications could be hit-or-miss, meaning you might miss a message if you weren’t actually in the app. The updates help ensure you stay up-to-date on conversations, even when WhatsApp isn’t actively open on your computer.
Updated File Sharing
WhatsApp expanded file sharing limits in 2022, enabling users to send files up to 2GB in size directly within conversations. This was a major increase from the previous 100MB limit.
Of course, WhatsApp for Windows also received this update, allowing you to securely share large files like long videos, zipped folders of images, and more. File sharing is an important part of the WhatsApp experience for many, so this change brought the Windows app at parity with mobile.
Multi-device Support
Perhaps the biggest recent update to WhatsApp was the introduction of true multi-device capability in late 2021. This allows you to use WhatsApp on up to 4 additional connected devices, such as computers or tablets, at the same time as your smartphone.
Previously, to use WhatsApp for Windows, your phone had to be actively connected online. But now, the Windows app can remain logged in and receive messages even when your phone is offline or out of coverage. This gives users much more flexibility in how and when they access WhatsApp across devices.
VoIP Support
WhatsApp also launched VoIP (voice over IP) support for voice and video calls on desktop in 2021. This means you can now place and receive WhatsApp calls directly in the Windows app, rather than having to transfer calls from your phone.
Call quality is generally very good using desktop VoIP. Combined with multi-device connectivity, this makes the calling experience on WhatsApp for Windows much more robust and convenient than ever before.
Drawing Tools
The WhatsApp desktop apps also gained new drawing and annotation tools in 2022. When sending images or screenshots, you can now easily add drawings, text, and stickers right on those images before sending.
This brings WhatsApp for Windows up to speed with the annotation capabilities that have been available on mobile. It improves workflows for communicating visually or highlighting important points on screenshots.
Conclusion
WhatsApp for Windows has received many valuable updates over the past 1-2 years. While the core messaging experience remains the same, new features like multi-device support, desktop calling, stickers, expanded file sharing, and an updated interface bring the app much closer to parity with WhatsApp on mobile operating systems.
For Windows users who rely on WhatsApp as one of their primary communication tools, these changes are welcome. They make the desktop messaging experience more seamless. Given WhatsApp’s focus on improving features across platforms, we can likely expect more desktop enhancements in the future as well.
WhatsApp Usage Statistics
WhatsApp has over 2 billion monthly active users worldwide as of 2022. This makes it the most popular messaging platform globally. Here are some key statistics on WhatsApp adoption and usage:
| Total worldwide users | Over 2 billion |
| Daily active users | Over 1.6 billion per day |
| Monthly active users | Over 2 billion per month |
| Countries with highest adoption | India (530 million users), Brazil (130 million), Indonesia (128 million) |
| Photos shared daily | 4.5 billion |
| Videos shared daily | 1 billion |
| Voice messages shared daily | 7 billion |
WhatsApp has achieved immense global scale, becoming one of the most indispensable mobile apps for billions of users worldwide. Its multi-platform availability on both mobile and desktop makes it highly accessible. Recent updates to WhatsApp for Windows have helped align the desktop and mobile experiences more closely than ever.
WhatsApp’s Competition
Despite WhatsApp’s significant user base, it does face some competition from other major messaging platforms. Its main rivals include Signal, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, WeChat, LINE, and iMessage.
Here is an overview of how some of these apps compare to WhatsApp:
Signal
- Open source, nonprofit platform focused on security and privacy
- End-to-end encrypted messaging by default
- Far smaller user base than WhatsApp
- Offers basic messaging and VoIP calling
- Minimal marketing and monetization
Telegram
- Cloud-based app with focus on speed and security
- Supports group video calls up to 1,000 viewers
- Has over 700 million monthly active users globally
- Offers channels, bots, profiles, and other advanced features
- Monetized via optional Telegram Premium subscription
Facebook Messenger
- Native messaging app for Facebook platform (over 2.9 billion MAUs)
- Seamless integration and connectivity with Facebook services
- Group video calls support up to 50 participants
- Supports chatbots, payments, games, business tools, and more
- Monetized via ads and business/enterprise offerings
While WhatsApp maintains a commanding lead in global messaging, platforms like Signal, Telegram, and Facebook Messenger have carved out solid user bases in many regions and demographics. However, WhatsApp’s continued development across mobile and desktop makes it highly competitive.
WhatsApp Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to get the most out of WhatsApp on Windows and mobile devices:
Pin Important Chats
Pin up to 3 chats to the top of your WhatsApp window for quick access. Click and hold a chat, then choose “Pin chat”. Pinned chats will stay at the top until you unpin them.
Customize Notifications
Adjust notification settings for each individual chat or group by tapping the contact name and selecting “Custom notifications”. You can mute notifications, enable a custom tone, and more.
Share Large Files
Send and receive files up to 2GB in size! Just hit attach to select documents and media to share right within any chat.
Message Yourself
Click your profile icon in the contacts list to start a chat with yourself. You can send notes, reminders, files and more for easy access across devices.
Star Important Messages
Swipe right on any message to star it. This will add it to your Starred Messages section for future reference.
Hide “Blue Ticks”
Read receipts showing when messages are read can be disabled for more privacy. Just go to WhatsApp Settings > Account > Privacy.
Share Your Status
Like Instagram Stories, you can post images, videos, and texts that disappear after 24 hours as your WhatsApp Status for contacts to see.
Forward With Care
WhatsApp limits how many times you can forward messages to help reduce spread of misinformation. Forward judiciously and only to trusted contacts.
Search Messages
Can’t find a specific message? Just use the built-in search to look up keywords across your WhatsApp chats and groups.
Use WhatsApp Web
Seamlessly sync chats between your computer and phone by scanning a QR code to connect WhatsApp Web at web.whatsapp.com.
WhatsApp Business API
In addition to consumer messaging, WhatsApp also offers a Business API that enables companies to communicate with customers at scale. Here are some key things to know about the WhatsApp Business API:
- Lets companies send notifications and replies over WhatsApp to users who have opted in
- Provides tools to automate responses, route chats, and manage conversations
- Used by over 50 million businesses monthly as of 2022
- Supports SMS in addition to WhatsApp for broader reach
- Ideal for customer service, order notifications, appointment reminders, and more
- Requires business verification and adherence to WhatsApp guidelines
- Pricing varies based on number of messages; includes free tier
The WhatsApp Business API is an effective way for companies to complement email and SMS with convenient WhatsApp messaging at scale. It helps them engage and support customers via a platform users already know and trust.
WhatsApp Payments
WhatsApp has also expanded into digital payments through WhatsApp Pay. This feature allows users to easily send and receive money securely right within WhatsApp chats. Here are some key facts about WhatsApp Pay:
- Built using Facebook Pay infrastructure for processing payments
- Utilizes India UPI system; also rolled out in Brazil, Mexico, and Indonesia
- Peer-to-peer transfers are free for consumers
- Bank account or debit card required to use payments feature
- End-to-end encrypted transactions
- Could eventually expand to ecommerce, bill pay, donations, and more
- Seen as a growth area to monetize WhatsApp’s large user base
Seamless payments and money transfers represent a logical next step for a messaging app giant like WhatsApp. WhatsApp Pay has already seen quick adoption among users in India and other launch countries. Expanding availability worldwide could allow WhatsApp to monetize its platform beyond enterprise API services.
WhatsApp Security
As user privacy and data protection concerns grow, WhatsApp has continued strengthening security across its platform:
- End-to-end encryption for messages, voice calls, video calls, files, and payments
- Encryption keys only stored on user devices, not WhatsApp servers
- Built-in reporting tools for reporting suspicious chats or abuse
- Bans accounts engaging in bulk messaging or automated behavior
- Provides advanced security options like fingerprint unlock and face unlock on mobile
- Partners with industry groups to fight spam, phishing attempts, and other issues
- Limits how many times a message can be forwarded to reduce misinformation spread
- Provides transparency into data collection and sharing through privacy policy
WhatsApp uses industry best practices in cryptography and privacy technology to keep user data and conversations secure. Recent backlash over policy changes that increased data sharing with parent company Facebook caused WhatsApp to clarify its stance on protecting privacy and security.
Conclusion
WhatsApp for Windows has gradually improved over the past couple years to provide desktop messaging and calling that is more fully featured and closely aligned with the mobile experience. Useful additions like multi-device support, desktop VoIP, stickers, and an updated interface bring the app into greater parity across platforms.
With over 2 billion users globally, WhatsApp remains the dominant messaging app worldwide. Recent innovations like payments and business messaging APIs provide new avenues for monetization and revenue beyond pure consumer messaging. And an unwavering commitment to security, encryption, and privacy sets WhatsApp apart from many competitors.
For Windows users who rely on WhatsApp as their messaging app of choice, the improvements to the desktop version make it a more seamless experience. And given the app’s momentum, we can expect more enhancements and capabilities in the future.