WhatsApp recently announced the launch of a new desktop app for Mac and Windows computers. This new desktop app aims to provide an improved and native desktop experience for WhatsApp users. In this article, we will look at what the new WhatsApp desktop app offers, its key features, and discuss its availability and download process for Mac and Windows users.
What is the new WhatsApp desktop app?
The new WhatsApp desktop app is a standalone desktop version of WhatsApp that has been built using native desktop technology. It aims to provide a faster, more reliable, and native desktop experience compared to WhatsApp Web which runs on web browser technology.
Some key highlights of the new desktop app:
- Built using native desktop technology instead of web browser tech.
- Does not require an internet browser tab to be open.
- Offers desktop notifications, better keyboard shortcuts, and sleek desktop interface.
- Supports both light and dark mode.
- Syncs chats seamlessly with mobile app.
The desktop app provides almost all features that are available on WhatsApp mobile, such as messaging, voice and video calls, personal chats, groups, broadcast lists, status updates, and more.
Key features of the new WhatsApp desktop app
Here are some of the standout features of the new WhatsApp desktop app:
Native app experience
The biggest advantage of the new desktop app is that it provides a true native desktop experience. It does not run on web browser technology like WhatsApp Web does. This results in better performance, speed, reliability, and takes advantage of features available only in native desktop apps.
Faster performance
Since the app is built natively for Mac and Windows systems, it provides much faster and smoother performance compared to WhatsApp Web. Quicker launch times, snappy UI, faster messaging and calls are key highlights.
Enhanced desktop notifications
The desktop app comes with native OS-level notifications for messages, calls, status updates etc. These notifications are interactive, allowing users to quickly reply or take action without having WhatsApp open.
Seamless chat sync
Chats, contacts, groups, status updates etc. are synced seamlessly across mobile and desktop apps. This allows picking up conversations from where you left off regardless of device.
Keyboard shortcuts
Commonly used actions like replying to messages, archiving chats, mute notifications and more can be performed via handy keyboard shortcuts, boosting productivity.
Light and dark mode
The app nicely adapts based on your system preferences providing options for both light and dark mode. This results in a more comfortable viewing experience.
Enhanced search
Searching for chats, messages, individuals and groups is easier and more powerful with the desktop app’s enhanced search functionality. This improves the ability to retrieve past information.
Data privacy
WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption for messages and calls is also available in the desktop app, ensuring private conversations remain protected. Chats are not backed up to third-party cloud services either.
Is the new WhatsApp desktop app available for download?
The WhatsApp desktop app is available for both Windows and Mac platforms.
For **Windows**, the desktop app can be downloaded and installed from the Microsoft Store.
For **Mac**, it is available via the Apple App Store.
The app requires Windows 10+ or MacOS 10.13+ to install and run. Windows users must also have Windows 8+ or later to sync app data with their phone.
Here are the steps to get the WhatsApp desktop app on your system:
On Windows:
- Open the Microsoft Store on your Windows 10/11 computer.
- Search for “WhatsApp Desktop App”.
- Select the WhatsApp result published by WhatsApp Inc.
- Click on Get/Install to download and install the app.
- Once installed, the app will launch automatically.
- Scan the QR code shown on the app with your WhatsApp mobile app to link it.
On Mac:
- Open the Apple App Store on your Mac.
- Search for “WhatsApp Desktop App”.
- Select the WhatsApp result published by WhatsApp LLC.
- Click on Get/Install to download and install.
- Open WhatsApp Desktop from your applications folder.
- Scan the QR code to link the app to your mobile account.
Once you complete the linking process, your WhatsApp chats, contacts, groups etc. will be synced across both desktop and mobile apps. You can seamlessly message and call your contacts from the desktop app.
FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the new WhatsApp desktop app:
Does the desktop app have all features as mobile?
Yes, nearly all core messaging, calling and groups features are available on desktop. Exceptions are things like WhatsApp Payments which is still restricted to mobile only.
Do calls work on the desktop app?
Yes, high quality voice and video calls work seamlessly on the desktop app over WiFi or mobile data.
Can I use WhatsApp on multiple devices with the app?
Currently, the desktop app mirrors chats from your phone’s WhatsApp account. Using WhatsApp on multiple devices at once or with multiple accounts is not yet possible.
Is the app safe to use?
Yes, the app is safe and uses the same end-to-end encryption standard as WhatsApp mobile for security. As long as you only download the app from the official app stores, your data remains protected.
How do I transfer chats from WhatsApp Web to desktop?
There is no direct transfer available. Linking the desktop app will automatically sync all latest chats from your phone. Older chats from Web remain only in WhatsApp Web message history.
Can I use WhatsApp desktop without my phone connected?
No, the desktop app still requires your mobile device to be connected to the internet to receive messages. Using the app without the phone connected is not possible currently.
Conclusion
The new WhatsApp desktop app provides a much improved native app experience that takes advantage of desktop features and power. It delivers faster performance, seamless chat sync, notifications, voice/video calling and more without needing a browser tab open.
The app is free and available for download on Windows 10/11 via the Microsoft Store and MacOS 10.13+ via the Apple App Store. It mirrors the messaging experience from your mobile WhatsApp account and requires your phone to be connected while using the desktop app. Overall, it provides a seamless messaging experience across mobile and desktop.
| Platform | Download Link |
|---|---|
| Windows 10/11 | Microsoft Store |
| MacOS 10.13+ | Apple App Store |