WhatsApp comes to Windows 11 and 10 as an app - here's how to try it out

WhatsApp UWP app for Windows 11
(Image credit: WhatsApp)

With WhatsApp bringing out many new features this year, such as disappearing messages, an updated look and more, users had been wondering what else could be coming from the company

They didn't have long to wait, as a beta version of a native app on the Microsoft Store has been released for both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

You can try it right now and decide whether you'll prefer to use WhatsApp on your laptop or tablet device instead. But so far the app has a lot of features that you most likely use on your smartphone each day anyway, so you may prefer to keep using the app.

However, the question will be, whether a dedicated app on Windows is necessary, when your phone is an arms-length away, alongside being able to use WhatsApp on your web browser.

Analysis: Turning the WhatsApp dial to 11

While we ironically use our web browsers for more than just browsing the web, having a dedicated app for WhatsApp can enable more features compared to using a web page.

The app in testing showcases this, with handwriting features and notifications that work with Windows 10 and 11, alongside Focus Assist.

There's plenty of apps coming to the Microsoft Store, and that's not forgetting about Android apps coming to it soon thanks to Amazon.

It could be very helpful if you use WhatsApp more than others, saving you to use your smartphone, and instead replying to a message through your laptop.

However, time will tell if users will be more comfortable in using an app on the desktop, rather than through a web browser, or again, through their phone.

Daryl Baxter
Software & Downloads Writer

Daryl had been freelancing for 3 years before joining TechRadar, now reporting on everything software-related. In his spare time, he's written a book, 'The Making of Tomb Raider'. His second book, '50 Years of Boss Fights', came out in 2024, with a third book coming in 2026. He also has a newsletter called 'Springboard'. He's usually found playing games old and new on his Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch, and MacBook Pro. If you have a story about an updated app, one that's about to launch, or just anything Software-related, drop him a line.

Read more
Bangalore, India - October, 10, 2024: Close up image of WhatsApp logo on a windows desktop running windows 11. Windows on Desktop.
How to use WhatsApp on desktop
A smartphone on a sofa showing the WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal apps
Forget AI – WhatsApp is planning a simple messages feature that could be its most useful upgrade in years
A woman sitting at a desk and using a laptop while sitting in a daylit room
Essential apps and features to start getting the most out of your brand-new Windows 11 PC
WhatsApp
WhatsApp just made its AI impossible to avoid – but at least you can turn it off
iPhone 16 Pro in hand
Windows 11 users with iPhones: if you’re jealous of Android’s Start menu integration, here’s some good news – Apple phones are now getting it
WhatsApp
WhatsApp looks set to get an AI makeover soon – here's what could be coming
Latest in Email & Messaging
Gmail at 20
No joke, Gmail is 20 and we're probably better for it
Google introduced Gmail to the public on April 1, 2004, leading many to believe it was an April Fools' Day prank
Google's next AI update for Gmail could let you ask it to write emails with your voice
A laptop screen on an orange background showing the Gmail logo and an inbox
Final warning: it’s your last chance to save your old Gmail account from deletion
A phone showing WhatsApp video calling on a pink background
WhatsApp video calls get handy screen-sharing feature – here's how to use it
Gmail
Watch out Google users – your account could get deleted if it’s not used
Google Chat messaging friends
Google wants to make its Chat app a lot more personal by copying WhatsApp
Latest in News
Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses
Samsung's rumored smart specs may be launching before the end of 2025
Apple iPhone 16 Review
The latest iPhone 18 leak hints at a major chipset upgrade for all four models
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Monday, March 24 (game #1155)
NYT Strands homescreen on a mobile phone screen, on a light blue background
NYT Strands hints and answers for Monday, March 24 (game #386)
NYT Connections homescreen on a phone, on a purple background
NYT Connections hints and answers for Monday, March 24 (game #652)
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Sunday, March 23 (game #1154)