WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps with over 2 billion users worldwide. It allows you to send messages, make voice and video calls, share photos and videos, documents and more for free. While WhatsApp started out as a mobile-only app, desktop versions were later developed allowing users to access WhatsApp on their computers as well.
If you already have WhatsApp installed on your desktop, it will automatically update to the latest version when available. However, if you want to download the desktop app for the first time or reinstall it, here are the steps to get the latest version of WhatsApp on your desktop:
Requirements
Before downloading WhatsApp desktop, you need to make sure your computer meets the minimum system requirements:
- Operating System: Windows 8.1 or newer, macOS 10.10 or newer
- RAM: At least 4GB (recommended)
- Internet connection
- Active WhatsApp account on your smartphone
As WhatsApp desktop is simply a client to the WhatsApp account on your mobile, you must have the mobile app installed and verified on your phone first.
Download for Windows
Here are the steps to download the latest version of WhatsApp desktop on Windows:
- Open WhatsApp on your phone and tap the More Options (3 dots) menu.
- Select Linked Devices > Link a Device.
- Point your phone’s camera at the QR code displayed on the Link a Device screen.
- Go to https://www.whatsapp.com/download and click Download for Windows.
- When prompted, save the WhatsAppSetup.exe file.
- Once downloaded, double click the file to launch the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
- The installer will download the latest version automatically and set up WhatsApp desktop on your computer.
Make sure your phone remains connected to the internet during the installation process. Linked devices use your phone’s internet connection.
Download for Mac
To download the latest WhatsApp desktop for macOS:
- Open WhatsApp on your iPhone and go to WhatsApp Web > Link a Device.
- Use your phone’s camera to scan the QR code displayed on screen.
- Go to https://www.whatsapp.com/download and click Download for Mac.
- In Finder, locate the WhatsApp.dmg file and double click it.
- Drag the WhatsApp icon over to the Applications folder to install.
- Launch WhatsApp from your Applications folder. It will now stay up to date automatically.
Your iPhone needs to stay connected during the linking process and for WhatsApp desktop to receive messages and calls.
Web Version
You can also use the web version of WhatsApp which always stays updated to the latest release. Here’s how:
- Open web.whatsapp.com in your browser.
- On your phone, go to WhatsApp > Menu Button > WhatsApp Web > Link a Device.
- Scan the QR code on the web page using your phone’s camera.
The WhatsApp web app will now connect to your account. Since it’s web-based, it will always be on the latest version.
New Features
Here are some of the new features that may be available in the latest WhatsApp desktop release:
Improved Media Picker
The media picker for photos and videos has been revamped to make it easier to find the right media to send.
Sticker Search
You can now search for stickers from the sticker picker window. Just type a keyword to find relevant sticker packs.
Dark Mode Improvements
Dark mode has been enhanced for a cleaner look and now extends to all parts of the app.
Pin Chats
Important chats can now be pinned to stay at the top of your chats list for quick access.
Global Voice Message Player
Listen to voice messages right from the chat list instead of having to open each chat. Just press play on the voice message.
| Version | Release Date | Major New Features |
|---|---|---|
| 2.2246.9 | October 2022 |
|
| 2.2242.5 | September 2022 |
|
| 2.2239.6 | August 2022 | Bug fixes and performance improvements |
This table summarizes some of the recent WhatsApp desktop updates and key highlights.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you encounter any issues installing or using the latest WhatsApp desktop try these troubleshooting tips:
- Restart your computer and phone and try reconnecting.
- Ensure your phone has an active internet connection.
- Check for any antivirus or firewall blocking WhatsApp access.
- Try reinstalling WhatsApp on your computer.
- Make sure your operating system is up to date.
- Scan for malware or viruses using security software.
- Check WhatsApp’s FAQ site for solutions to common problems.
If the problem persists, you can contact WhatsApp support for further assistance.
Conclusion
Downloading the latest WhatsApp desktop version allows you to access new features and improvements as soon as they are released. Just visit the official WhatsApp download page, install on your desktop OS, scan the QR code from your phone, and you’re good to go!
Keep your phone and desktop app versions up to date to benefit from the newest additions. Let us know in the comments if you have any other questions on using WhatsApp desktop!