WhatsApp Desktop: Native messenger app for Windows 11 released

The messenger service WhatsApp has released a new version of its native app for Windows 11, which comes up with some advantages. The corresponding counterpart for macOS is also starting beta.

WhatsApp Desktop: Windows 11 app with innovations

Until now, there have been various ways to use the popular WhatsApp messenger on the PC. On the one hand via the browser with the help of WhatsApp Web, on the other hand via the WhatsApp Desktop program.

The WhatsApp Windows 11 app has now been updated and fundamentally redesigned. Thanks to native integration, the stability and speed of the application should also have improved noticeably.

A practical innovation is the use completely without a smartphone, which is made possible by the multi-device function. The switch to the new UWP app also creates a basis for making the Messenger easier to run on other systems in the future. A native application for Xbox consoles would also be conceivable, for example.

To set it up, a QR code must be scanned once with the smartphone, which can then remain in the pocket. It should also be possible to receive messages in the new desktop app, even if the smartphone is not connected to the Internet. Even voice and video calls should be able to be made easily via the WhatsApp desktop app.

WhatsApp for Mac to follow

Furthermore, WhatsApp shares in the announcement that a corresponding desktop app for Mac operating systems is currently in development and is already being tested in beta. Via Apple’s Testflight you can already try out the app.

The Mac app is said to be no different from its Windows counterpart in terms of functionality and stability, but WhatsApp isn’t providing any further details on that.

In June, the messenger service made available a new tool to transfer chats and media from Android to iOS. Just a few days ago they also promised additional privacy options. Among them, for example, longer deletion options for messages that have already been sent, a screenshot block for one-time content, and an option to turn off the online display.