WhatsApp's Native Desktop App For Windows Is Here: Everything You Should Know

Meta has made it easier to log in to the WhatsApp app on Windows as it is no longer required for the user to link the app to a device to send, receive and synchronise messages.

Previously, users were supposed to run WhatsApp on Windows by keeping their phones online to sync messages. Image: Getty

Meta has made it easier to log in to the WhatsApp app on Windows as it is no longer required for the user to link the app to a device to send, receive and synchronise messages. The new WhatsApp Windows app can work standalone and it has just been released out of beta and been made available to download via the Microsoft Store.

"WhatsApp Desktop users have been using our web-based desktop app (WhatsApp Desktop) or our browser-based app (WhatsApp Web). As we're always trying to improve the WhatsApp experience for our users, we're developing apps native to Windows and Mac operating systems. The new WhatsApp desktop app for Windows users is now live and available here," WhatsApp wrote on a FAQ page.

Previously, users were supposed to run WhatsApp on Windows by keeping their phones online to sync messages between their device and the desktop app. According to Meta-owned WhatsApp, it is also working to introduce a native app for macOS as well.

• WhatsApp has also listed the advantages of native apps which are as follows:
• Increased reliability and speed.
• Designed and optimised for your desktop operating system.
• Continue to receive notifications and messages even when your phone is offline.

Meanwhile, Meta-owned WhatsApp is working to introduce a feature that would let users customise avatars that can be used as profile pictures, according to WhatsApp beta tracker WABetaInfo. In a bid to enhance the overall user experience, WhatsApp is working to introduce the avatar feature for users on Android, iOS and desktops.

Users on the world's most popular messaging platform would be able to customise their avatars using emojis and joining the ranks of stickers, GIFs and emojis.

The Meta-owned messaging platform is also working to introduce a feature that would let users mask their phone numbers in certain WhatsApp groups and within the upcoming Communities. According to WABetaInfo, the messaging platform's beta update for Android version 2.22.17.23 has this feature that would let users hide their phone numbers.