14 DAY TRIAL // We’ve known for a while that WhatsApp was working on a new desktop app for Windows, and the last weekend, it finally showed up on the Microsoft Store for some users.
As spotted by AL, the new WhatsApp desktop app is still in the beta stage, though it can already be downloaded from the Microsoft Store by those running Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Based on the Electron framework, the new WhatsApp client aligns with the modern visual updates available in Windows 10 and Windows 11, so for example, it also uses the rounded corners that are now part of the new operating system.
At the same time, the app got acrylic, therefore sporting a much more modern approach, especially on Windows 11.
Only available for some
Keep in mind, however, that the app is still part of the beta development stage, so some features may not work exactly as anticipated.
“Get WhatsApp Beta and you’ll be one of the first to try updated features and share feedback about the new app. As always, your personal messages and calls continue to be protected with end-to-end encryption. No one outside of your chats, not even WhatsApp, can read or listen to them,” the description of the app on the Microsoft Store reads.
But the good news is WhatsApp has tried to make using the desktop client as convenient as possible, so for example, you’ll be getting notifications of new messages even when the app isn’t running on the device.
WhatsApp is yet to publicly announce the new application for Windows 10 and Windows 11 users, but you can already give it a try using the link above. If the download link from the store doesn’t work, make sure you are running at least Windows 10 version 18362.