WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion users. However, it is primarily designed for mobile devices and does not have an official desktop app for Windows PCs. This often leads to issues when trying to get WhatsApp running on Windows 10.
What are the requirements for installing WhatsApp on Windows 10?
To install WhatsApp on Windows 10, there are a few minimum requirements that need to be met:
- Windows 10 version 1607 or higher
- 1 GB RAM minimum (2 GB RAM recommended)
- 2 GHz dual core processor minimum (3 GHz quad core recommended)
- DirectX 9 or higher
- A dedicated graphics card
- Screen resolution of 720p or higher
Additionally, you’ll need an active internet connection and a phone number that you can verify with WhatsApp. Your computer also needs to support running Android apps, either natively or through an Android emulator.
Why is WhatsApp not installing on my Windows 10 PC?
There are several common reasons why you may be facing issues installing WhatsApp on Windows 10:
Unsupported Windows 10 version
WhatsApp requires Windows 10 version 1607 or higher. If you’re running an older Windows 10 version, WhatsApp will fail to install and run. To check your Windows version, go to Settings > System > About and look at the OS Build number.
Insufficient hardware specs
If your PC does not meet the minimum hardware requirements for WhatsApp, you’ll likely face performance issues or even failure to launch. Make sure your PC has at least 1 GB RAM, 2 GHz dual core processor, and dedicated graphics card with 720p display.
No Android subsystem support
WhatsApp requires the Windows Subsystem for Android to run. Older Windows 10 versions don’t have Android support built-in. You’ll need to manually install the Windows Subsystem for Android and set it up for WhatsApp.
Android emulator problems
Without native Android support, you’ll need to use an Android emulator like BlueStacks. Emulator problems like virtualization not enabled in BIOS, outdated emulator software, insufficient RAM or CPU resources etc. can prevent WhatsApp from installing.
Connection issues
An active internet connection is required to verify your phone number and activate WhatsApp. Connection drops, proxy or firewall blocks, VPN configurations etc. could also lead to WhatsApp installation failures.
Incorrect installation process
If you don’t follow WhatsApp’s installation instructions correctly, such as not scanning the QR code from your phone, it can fail to activate and install on your PC.
Corrupted files or incomplete installation
Sometimes corruption in WhatsApp installer files or incomplete installations can prevent WhatsApp from finishing set up on your Windows 10 PC. This requires cleaning out leftover files and reinstalling.
Account verification problems
Issues with your phone number verification, like entering the wrong number or verification codes, can also lead to failed WhatsApp installation and activation.
Conflicts with software
In rare cases, conflicts with antimalware software, graphics drivers, system files etc. may prevent WhatsApp from installing properly on Windows 10.
How to fix WhatsApp installation problems on Windows 10
If you’re facing WhatsApp installation failures on Windows 10, here are some troubleshooting steps you can try:
Update Windows 10 version
Make sure you’re running Windows 10 version 1607 or higher for WhatsApp support. Go to Settings > Update & Security and install the latest updates.
Check hardware meets minimum requirements
WhatsApp needs at least 1GB RAM, 2GHz dual core CPU, 720p display and dedicated graphics. Upgrade hardware if needed.
Install Windows Subsystem for Android
On Windows 10 version 2004 or higher, enable the Windows Subsystem for Android feature to install Android apps. On earlier versions, manually install the subsystem.
Update or reinstall Android emulator
If using an emulator like BlueStacks, make sure it is up-to-date. Reinstall the emulator if needed to resolve any errors.
Use a different phone number
Your phone number might be banned if you tried verifying too many times. Use a different number and carefully enter verification codes.
Disable VPN or switch networks
VPN connections and firewalls can block WhatsApp access. Disable them temporarily during installation. Also try switching WiFi or cellular networks.
Grant required permissions
Make sure to allow WhatsApp access to contacts, storage, location etc. when prompted. Denying permissions can break installation.
Reinstall WhatsApp completely
If the above steps don’t work, uninstall WhatsApp, delete any leftover files, and redownload the latest version from the Microsoft Store for a clean install.
Scan QR code properly
When you reach the QR code screen during installation, make sure to scan the code properly using your phone’s WhatsApp linked to the number you provided.
Contact WhatsApp support
For persistent issues, contact WhatsApp directly through their help center with your specific problem. They may be able to provide personalized troubleshooting tips.
Tips to avoid WhatsApp installation problems
Here are some tips to prevent WhatsApp installation issues when setting it up on Windows 10:
- Check Windows 10 version and update if needed
- Ensure hardware meets or exceeds minimum requirements
- Close unnecessary programs when installing WhatsApp
- Disable antimalware software temporarily during setup
- Use a strong internet connection
- Verify phone number carefully
- Read on-screen prompts and instructions
- Grant all requested app permissions
- Avoid interrupting the installation process
- Download WhatsApp only from the official Microsoft Store
Alternative messaging apps for Windows 10
If you’re unable to get WhatsApp working on your Windows 10 PC even after troubleshooting, here are some good alternative messaging apps you can use instead:
| App | Platforms | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Telegram | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Cloud sync, channels, bots, sticks, encrypted chats |
| Signal | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | End-to-end encryption, clean UI, group chats |
| Skype | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Video calls, screen sharing, chat and calling to phones |
| Viber | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Free messages & calls, group chats, video calls |
| Discord | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Text and voice chat, dedicated servers, user tagging |
Conclusion
WhatsApp is a hugely popular messaging platform, but the lack of an official desktop app can make it tricky to install and use on Windows 10. Issues with Windows version compatibility, hardware resource requirements, Android subsystems, account verification and more can prevent WhatsApp from installing correctly.
By troubleshooting potential causes, updating your system, reinstalling the app, and contacting WhatsApp support, you should be able to resolve most installation problems. If not, excellent alternative messaging apps like Telegram, Signal, and Skype are available for Windows 10.
With over two billion users globally, WhatsApp is still an important communications platform many want to access on their PCs. Thankfully with the right troubleshooting and workarounds, even without an official desktop app, WhatsApp can be installed and used on Windows 10.