WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion users worldwide. The app allows you to send messages, make voice and video calls, and share photos, videos, documents and more, all for free (apart from data charges).
While WhatsApp is most commonly used on smartphones, you can also use it on your computer. WhatsApp has a desktop app that mirrors conversations and messages from your phone, allowing you to seamlessly switch between devices.
There are two ways to install WhatsApp desktop – by downloading the standalone installer, or using the web version that runs in your browser. In this article, we’ll explain how to download the standalone desktop app for Windows or Mac.
Advantages of the Desktop App
Here are some of the advantages of using the desktop app over the web version:
– Runs natively on your computer rather than in the browser. This makes it faster and more responsive.
– Receives notifications and messages even when browser is closed. The web version only works with browser open.
– Supports desktop notifications so you never miss a message.
– Syncs message history across devices.
– Allows you to send messages and make calls right from your computer.
– Easier to use camera and upload documents or photos from computer.
– Runs independently without browser security restrictions.
So in general, the desktop app provides a much smoother experience and fuller set of features compared to the browser-based web version. The standalone installer is required to get the desktop app on your Windows or Mac computer.
System Requirements
Before installing WhatsApp desktop, make sure your computer meets the minimum system requirements:
– **For Windows** – Windows 8 or newer, and macOS 10.10 or newer.
– **For Mac** – OS X 10.9 or newer.
– Both Windows and Mac require an Intel x86-64 architecture (AMD or Intel CPU). WhatsApp desktop is not supported on ARM-based computers like the Macbook Air M1.
– An active internet connection. WhatsApp requires connectivity to sync messages across devices.
– A phone with WhatsApp installed and activated with your mobile number. The desktop app needs to connect to your phone to sync messages.
As long as your computer meets these requirements, you can install the WhatsApp desktop app. Your phone also needs to remain connected to the internet for the desktop app to receive messages.
Step 1 – Download the WhatsApp Installer
To start, you need to download the standalone installer for WhatsApp desktop from the official WhatsApp website:
**Windows:** [https://www.whatsapp.com/desktop/windows/release/x64](https://www.whatsapp.com/desktop/windows/release/x64)
**Mac:** [https://www.whatsapp.com/desktop/mac/files/WhatsApp-2.2241.4.dmg](https://www.whatsapp.com/desktop/mac/files/WhatsApp-2.2241.4.dmg)
The download should start automatically when you open the link above in a browser on your computer. If prompted, click Save File to begin the download.
Take note of the download location, as you’ll need to access the installer file in the next step.
Step 2 – Run the WhatsApp Installer
Once the download completes, open the installer file:
**On Windows:** Navigate to the downloads folder and double-click on the WhatsAppSetup file.
**On Mac:** Open Finder and go to Downloads. Double-click the WhatsApp .dmg file.
This will start the installation process. Follow the on-screen prompts to install WhatsApp on your desktop.
The setup wizard will guide you through creating a desktop shortcut and selecting notifications options. Leave the defaults checked unless you have a specific preference.
Finally, the installer will ask you to scan the QR code shown on the screen using your phone’s WhatsApp. This pairs your desktop app to your WhatsApp account on mobile.
Step 3 – Scan QR Code to Link Devices
With the desktop app open, use your phone’s WhatsApp to scan the QR code displayed on the screen:
1. **On Android** – Open WhatsApp > Tap Menu > WhatsApp Web > Tap Scan Code
2. **On iPhone** – Open WhatsApp > Tap Settings > WhatsApp Web/Desktop > Tap Scan Code
Hold your phone’s camera over the QR code on desktop to scan it. This will link your WhatsApp account on mobile to the desktop app.
You may need to tap OK or Continue on your phone to confirm linking the devices. The desktop app will now start syncing your chat history and messages from the phone.
And that’s it! WhatsApp should now be fully set up and ready to use on your Windows or Mac. Linked to your mobile account, you can seamlessly message on either device.
Troubleshooting Tips
Here are some troubleshooting tips if you run into any issues setting up WhatsApp desktop:
– Make sure your desktop meets the minimum OS and hardware requirements. WhatsApp may fail to install or run on older or unsupported PCs.
– Check your internet connection. Make sure both phone and computer are connected to the internet. WhatsApp requires an active internet connection to sync messages across devices.
– On mobile, ensure you have the latest version of WhatsApp installed. Also check that you have enough storage space on your phone for WhatsApp to run properly.
– If QR code scan fails, check that you have WhatsApp Web enabled under WhatsApp Settings on mobile. On Android, go to Menu > WhatsApp Web. On iPhone, go to Settings > WhatsApp Web/Desktop.
– If notifications don’t work, make sure notifications are enabled for WhatsApp in your computer’s OS settings. On Windows, search for Notifications in the taskbar search. On Mac, check notifications settings under System Preferences.
– As a last resort, uninstall WhatsApp from both devices and redo the installation and QR scan process from scratch.
– You can also contact WhatsApp Support for troubleshooting help on the WhatsApp FAQ page: [https://faq.whatsapp.com](https://faq.whatsapp.com)
Using WhatsApp on Desktop
Once set up, WhatsApp on desktop works just like the mobile app. Here are some tips for using the desktop version:
– You can search for contacts and start new chats just like on mobile.
– Click Attach to send photos, videos and other files from your computer.
– Desktop notifications appear in the taskbar on Windows or notifications center on Mac.
– Use the menu to access settings, new group chats, starred messages and more.
– Video and voice calls work right from the desktop app by using your computer’s microphone and camera.
– Syncing may take some time when you first set up the desktop app. Let it sit for a few minutes to fully transfer message history.
– Typing indicators let you see when contacts are typing. Read receipts show when messages are opened.
– Your chat history is securely synced across devices. Messages remain end-to-end encrypted.
– Log out anytime by going to WhatsApp Settings > Log Out. This signs you out on all linked devices.
Conclusion
Installing WhatsApp desktop is quick and easy by downloading the standalone installer from WhatsApp’s website. Make sure your computer meets the system requirements, complete the desktop setup, and scan the QR code from your phone’s WhatsApp to link the devices. With your accounts linked, you can seamlessly message on phone and desktop. The desktop app offers useful features like desktop notifications, easier file sharing, voice and video calling, and more. Enjoy the convenience of WhatsApp messaging on your PC or Mac!
| Platform | Installer Download Link |
|---|---|
| Windows | https://www.whatsapp.com/desktop/windows/release/x64 |
| Mac | https://www.whatsapp.com/desktop/mac/files/WhatsApp-2.2241.4.dmg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is WhatsApp desktop free?
Yes, WhatsApp for desktop is completely free to download and use, just like the mobile app. There are no ads, fees or subscriptions.
Can I use WhatsApp desktop without my phone?
No, you need to have an active WhatsApp account on your smartphone first. The desktop app mirrors the messages and data from your phone, so your phone needs to remain connected to the internet to receive messages.
How do I logout of WhatsApp desktop?
Go to WhatsApp Settings > Log Out. This will sign you out of all linked WhatsApp devices including desktop. You can also uninstall the desktop app to sign out.
Can I use WhatsApp desktop on multiple computers?
You can only use WhatsApp desktop on one computer at a time. Your account can only be linked and synced to one desktop app instance.
Is WhatsApp desktop safe and secure?
Yes, WhatsApp desktop is safe and uses the same end-to-end encryption protocols as the mobile app to secure messages and calls. All data transfer between phone and desktop is encrypted.