WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion users globally. It allows users to send messages, make voice and video calls, and share photos, documents, and other media, all for free (aside from nominal data charges from cell providers).
WhatsApp was originally developed for smartphones and was only available on mobile platforms like iOS and Android. However, with the rise of desktop and web-based messaging, WhatsApp has expanded to PCs and the web. This allows users to access WhatsApp on their computers for easier typing and media sharing.
One natural question that arises is whether WhatsApp can be installed on Windows PCs via the Microsoft Store. The Microsoft Store provides apps and programs designed for Windows 10 and 11 devices. Having WhatsApp in the Microsoft Store would make it easy for Windows users to download and keep the app updated.
WhatsApp’s Desktop Platforms
Currently, WhatsApp offers two main desktop applications for PCs:
WhatsApp Desktop App
This is WhatsApp’s native desktop app for Windows and MacOS. It provides desktop notifications, keyboard shortcuts, and seamless syncing between desktop and mobile. However, it must be paired with an active mobile device with WhatsApp installed. The desktop app syncs messages and data via QR code pairing.
WhatsApp Web
WhatsApp Web allows users to access WhatsApp from any web browser. It’s convenient for quickly checking WhatsApp without downloading anything. However, it also requires an active paired mobile device. The web app syncs with the mobile app in real-time via QR code scanning.
Neither WhatsApp Desktop nor WhatsApp Web are standalone apps that work independently from a mobile device. They are synced companions to WhatsApp mobile, rather than self-contained PC programs.
This consideration is important when evaluating if WhatsApp is present in the Microsoft Store. The Microsoft Store primarily offers apps that work independently on Windows devices, rather than companion web or synced apps.
Is WhatsApp in the Microsoft Store?
Based on the above information, the short answer is **no, WhatsApp is not available on the Microsoft Store currently**.
Searching the Microsoft Store for “WhatsApp” yields no results for the official WhatsApp messaging app. There are a few third-party utilities related to WhatsApp, but not the actual app itself.
Instead, users who want to access WhatsApp on their Windows PC have two options:
1. Download WhatsApp Desktop App
The official desktop app can be downloaded for free from the WhatsApp website at www.whatsapp.com. The desktop app is available for both Windows and MacOS.
After downloading, the desktop app must be paired to an active WhatsApp account on mobile via QR code scanning. This allows the desktop and mobile apps to sync messages and data with end-to-end encryption.
2. Use WhatsApp Web
WhatsApp Web can be accessed by going to web.whatsapp.com in any web browser on a PC. It also requires scanning a QR code with the WhatsApp mobile app to sync the session.
Since WhatsApp Desktop and WhatsApp Web require a mobile device pairing, they do not meet the requirements for distribution through the Microsoft Store. The Microsoft Store is intended for standalone apps that run solely on Windows, rather than companion apps or web apps.
Will WhatsApp ever be in the Microsoft Store?
There is no official confirmation from WhatsApp about releasing a native UWP (Universal Windows Platform) app for the Microsoft Store.
However, since WhatsApp was acquired by Facebook in 2014, there are some plausible reasons why a Microsoft Store release is unlikely:
1. Platform Lock-In
Facebook aims to keep users within its ecosystem of apps like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Releasing WhatsApp as a standalone Windows app risks losing mobile users who might switch to only using the desktop version.
2. App Unification
Facebook is unifying the infrastructure behind Facebook Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Separating WhatsApp into a dedicated Windows app fragments that unification attempt.
3. Encouraging Mobile Usage
WhatsApp’s business model relies on people using the mobile app, which is tied to a phone number. Pushing users to access WhatsApp on mobile helps drive more engagement with the platform.
4. Development Resources
Building a new UWP WhatsApp app would require a significant development effort. With multiple platforms to support, WhatsApp may be choosing to focus resources on mobile and web instead.
5. User Base
Over 98% of WhatsApp’s user base is on mobile devices. Catering specifically to Windows PC users may not seem as critical for the platform.
So in summary, while not impossible, a native WhatsApp app for the Microsoft Store seems unlikely given strategic factors influencing Facebook and WhatsApp. Users should not expect to see official WhatsApp integration in the Microsoft Store anytime soon. The desktop and web apps remain the official PC solutions from WhatsApp.
Capabilities of WhatsApp Desktop vs. Microsoft Store App
To further compare why the official WhatsApp desktop solution differs from a hypothetical Microsoft Store app, here is a table outlining some key capabilities:
| Feature | WhatsApp Desktop App | Potential Microsoft Store App |
| Standalone App | No | Yes |
| Needs Mobile Pairing | Yes | No |
| Full Chat History Access | Yes | Yes |
| Message on Multiple Devices | No | Yes |
| OS Integration | Limited | Full |
| Notifications | Yes | Yes |
| Calling Support | Yes | Yes |
As shown, a hypothetical Microsoft Store WhatsApp app would operate independently from a mobile device, while still providing full messaging capabilities and call support.
The desktop app delivers syncing and notifications, but relies entirely on an associated mobile device for functionality.
Third-Party WhatsApp Desktop Apps
Without an official solution, some third-party developers have created standalone WhatsApp desktop apps for Windows:
WazzapMigrator
WazzapMigrator allows transferring a WhatsApp account from mobile to desktop using an unofficial workaround. It breaks the mobile pairing and enables fully independent messaging.
However, unofficial methods like this have risks. WhatsApp may ban accounts caught violating their policies around cloning accounts.
Bluestacks
Bluestacks is an Android emulator for Windows. It allows installing the Android version of WhatsApp, providing an experience close to native Microsoft Store integration.
But since it’s emulating Android, Bluestacks can have performance and compatibility issues. And Android app support requires ongoing development work.
Other Tools
Some other unofficial tools like WhatsApp Plus and GBWhatsApp exist as well. But they use protocols outside WhatsApp’s official channels and are not recommended.
None of these third-party options are endorsed by WhatsApp. They should be avoided in favor of the official desktop and web apps synced to mobile.
The Future of WhatsApp on Windows
Looking ahead, there are a few possible ways WhatsApp could further integrate with Windows:
Improved Desktop Support
Enhancements to WhatsApp’s Desktop app could add functionality like messaging without a mobile device attached. This would bring it closer to a native app experience.
Web Version Improvements
Evolving the WhatsApp Web version to be more independent and eliminating the mobile pairing requirement.
Native App for Windows 11 on ARM
Releasing a dedicated WhatsApp app for Windows running on ARM processors would allow tight OS integration. But market share for Windows on ARM remains low.
Microsoft Partnership
Potential partnership between Microsoft and WhatsApp’s parent company Facebook/Meta. This could lead to an integrated experience or bundled WhatsApp app.
However, Facebook has thus far not shown much interest in releasing WhatsApp as a standalone desktop application. And Microsoft’s own competing platforms like Teams reduce incentives.
So for the foreseeable future, accessing WhatsApp via the web or desktop app remain the preferred options for Windows users. Those craving a Microsoft Store-downloaded WhatsApp will likely be waiting a while longer. But with the web and desktop app meeting most core needs, WhatsApp still delivers messaging convenience for Windows users.
Conclusion
In summary:
– WhatsApp is not currently available in the Microsoft Store for Windows PCs.
– The official solutions are WhatsApp Desktop and WhatsApp Web, which require pairing to a mobile device.
– A standalone Windows app would require significant development effort from WhatsApp, which seems unlikely.
– Third-party tools can enable independent WhatsApp desktop access, but with risks of bans.
– Future improvements may bring WhatsApp Desktop closer to a native app experience.
– For now, Windows users can enjoy WhatsApp convenience through the paired desktop or web apps.
While not ideal for some, this strategy ensures WhatsApp remains focused on its core mobile user base while still extending access to PCs through official channels. And it avoids fragmenting the platform across too many disparate apps.
So the Microsoft Store will remain WhatsApp free for now. But the web and desktop apps fill the messaging needs of most Windows users. And they provide an official solution without risks and limitations of third-party tools.