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WhatsApp for PC – Overview
On May 12, 2017, the instant messaging giant WhatsApp announced the release of its desktop version for Windows and Mac machines. This version allows users to chat on their PCs.
As per reports (2021), the WhatsApp user base in the USA is approximately 33.70 million.
Hence, with the increasing number of users, more features are demanded. People now want to use WhatsApp on their PCs as well.
You can link four devices plus one phone with a feature that no longer requires an internet connection. Thus, you don’t have to use WhatsApp only on your phone.
Installing WhatsApp on Your Laptop or PC
You can now download WhatsApp from the official website and install it on your computer or laptop. Its user interface and features are similar to those of WhatsApp Web.
WhatsApp for PC – Installing WhatsApp on Your Laptop or PC
5 Steps to Install WhatsApp on Your PC & Laptop
- You need to visit https://www.whatsapp.com/download and download WhatsApp.
- Depending on your system, choose the 64 bit or 32-bit version and click download.
- Double-click on the software to start the installation.
- Open the WhatsApp application and scan the QR code from your mobile device.
- Just launch WhatsApp on mobile and tap on Settings>Linked Devices.
Currently, the desktop app requires Windows 8 or higher, like Windows 11 and Windows 10, and for your Apple computer, you will require macOS 10.9 or higher.
The app synchronizes with WhatsApp on your smartphone.
Unlike WhatsApp web, WhatsApp runs natively on your PC, so you will have native desktop notifications support, enhanced keyboard shortcuts, and more.
6 Features of WhatsApp for PC that You Can Look Forward to
Knowing about the features of WhatsApp for PC can help you decide whether it’s suitable for you. Hence, let’s get started.
- Free to Use: WhatsApp allows you to message or call any of your contacts free of cost, whether local or international. Once you register using your mobile number, it requires an active internet connection.
- Multimedia Sharing: Like your mobile, you can share videos and images or send voice messages to your friends and contacts.
- Group Chat: This facility is also available on your desktop app. You can add or remove participants in a group chat and change group names or icons.
- Backup options: WhatsApp works with your phone number and synchronizes flawlessly with your existing contact list or address book. You can back up your WhatsApp data on Google Drive or iCloud, or you can access it on your PC.
- Complete security: WhatsApp provides end-to-end encryption to the users. You can share your moments or information without stressing about privacy issues. Whatever messages you share with a contact will be accessible only to you.
- Voice/Video Call: WhatsApp for PC allows you to have video or voice calls with your contacts as long as you meet the calling requirements.
System Requirements Make or Receive Calls on WhatsApp Desktop
- Windows 10 64-bit version 1903 and newer or macOS 10.13 and newer for an Apple Computer
- A headset or audio output device with a microphone.
- Video calls require an active camera connected/enabled on your PC
- Your computer and phone have an active internet connection.
- The permission to access your computer’s microphone and camera.
Final Words:
The new feature of the WhatsApp desktop doesn’t require your phone to be online as with the WhatsApp web. It offers private and secure one-to-one voice and video calls.
A bigger screen makes it easier to work with colleagues, and desktop calling is more valuable and fun.
It comes with portrait and landscape orientation and a resizable window on your screen.
Your calls are still encrypted end-to-end on your PC, so nobody can intrude on your hearing or seeing them, unlike on the mobile WhatsApp.
The one-to-one calls on the WhatsApp desktop app give you a reliable and high-quality experience.
Note: Group calls aren’t supported on WhatsApp desktop at this time.
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