WhatsApp has released a new version of its Windows app which can work completely standalone
An updated version of WhatsApp for Windows has been released, and it now functions independently of a smartphone. The previous Windows 11 and 10 client was a web-based (Electron) effort; the new software, which has now left beta and is in full release, is a native client and, what’s more, it functions without your smartphone, as reported by The Verge(opens in a new tab). That is to say, the Windows desktop client for WhatsApp will continue to receive messages even if your phone is not online.
WhatsApp, now a native Windows app, will function more smoothly and provide a more polished user experience than its predecessors did. The updated app is now available in the Microsoft Store (opens in a new tab). However, it seems that the rollout of the new version is being done in stages, so you may not immediately see the changes. Wait a little longer if you’re still seeing the old client in the shop; the new one is on the way.
It’s great to see WhatsApp expanding onto the desktop, where users can still receive messages and initiate things like video conversations even when their phones aren’t nearby. Because it is native software, you will continue to receive notifications even if the app is closed. Based on what users have said, the new Windows client seems to be much faster and more responsive than the old software.
The Mac platform is also making progress, with native WhatsApp software in the works. Nonetheless, interested Mac users can join the beta testing phase if the feature is something they’re interested in. But in the meantime, they have only a web-based desktop program to use (and, of course, the alternative possibility of just using WhatsApp in their browser).