Overview
The desktop client is a native application rather than a browser wrapper, which shows in how it behaves: it opens quickly, keeps a local copy of the conversation history, and carries on working while the phone is off the network. Messages, calls and file transfers all run from the machine directly once the account is linked.
Linking is a one time step done by scanning a code from the phone, and after that the desktop keeps its own session. Chats, groups, media and documents sync down, search runs against the local history, and notifications arrive on the desktop rather than pulling attention back to the handset. Up to four linked devices can share one account.
Calling is the part that benefits most from the desktop. Voice and video calls run with proper microphone and camera selection, group calls are supported, and screen sharing works during a video call. File transfer handles documents up to the account limit, and drag and drop from the desktop is considerably faster than moving files through a phone.
What it does well
Native desktop client
A real application rather than a wrapped web page, with local history, fast search and desktop notifications.
Works with the phone offline
Once linked, the desktop keeps its own session and continues to send and receive without the handset connected.
Voice and video calling
One to one and group calls with device selection, plus screen sharing during a video call.
File transfer
Drag and drop documents, images and video from the desktop, with a media view that groups everything shared in a chat.
Multiple linked devices
Up to four devices linked to one account, each keeping its own synced history.
Changes in this build
- Call quality improved on unstable connections with better packet loss handling.
- Search rebuilt so long histories return results without a delay.
- Media view reorganised with separate tabs for images, video, documents and links.
- Reduced memory use with many chats open.
- Notification handling reworked so muted chats stay quiet across devices.
What is in the package
- WhatsApp desktop installer, 64-bit
- Voice and video calling module
- Local history and search index
- Notification integration
- Multilingual interface files, 60 languages
System requirements
| Processor | Any x64 processor, dual core recommended |
| Memory | 4 GB minimum |
| Graphics | Any GPU with a current driver, camera required for video calls |
| Storage | 1 GB free plus space for synced media |
| Display | 1280 x 720 minimum |
| System | Windows 10 or Windows 11, 64-bit |
Installation
- Extract the archive and run the installer.
- Open the application and choose the link a device option.
- Scan the code from the phone to link the account.
- Wait for the history sync to finish before searching old chats.
- Set the notification and media download preferences.
Before you start
The first history sync can take a while on a large account, leave it running.
Media auto download defaults on, turn it off if disk space is tight.
Unlinking from the phone clears the local session on the desktop.
Questions about this title
Does the phone need to be online?
No, once linked the desktop keeps its own session and works independently.
Can it make calls?
Yes, voice and video, one to one and group, with screen sharing during video.
How many devices can be linked?
Up to four alongside the phone.
Is chat history available on the desktop?
Yes, it syncs down and is searchable locally.
About this listing
This entry was checked on a clean install of Windows 10 / 11 (64-bit) before it was published, and it is rechecked whenever the package is rebuilt. The figures on this page come from the site index rather than from the publisher, so the download count is what people here have actually pulled.
If a mirror stops answering, use the contact form and it gets replaced. Reports about a specific title are handled faster than general messages because they name the file, the mirror and the point at which the transfer stopped.
Requests for a different version, a different language build or an older release go on the requests page. Older versions of a title are usually still held even when only the current one is listed.