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Windows · Communication

WhatsApp for Windows

Meta-owned messaging app with end-to-end encrypted chats and calls by default, linked to a phone number and widely used internationally.

Updated August 9, 2026 · Reviewed by SoftNexi Editorial Team, Software research and documentation

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Overview

WhatsApp is a messaging and calling app owned by Meta, with a global user base especially large outside the United States. Personal chats and calls are end-to-end encrypted by default using an implementation based on the Signal Protocol, meaning WhatsApp itself cannot read message content in transit.

The Windows desktop app functions as a linked companion to your phone-based WhatsApp account, similar to Signal's desktop model, though WhatsApp has moved toward allowing the desktop client to work even when the phone is offline, unlike WhatsApp's early web client which required the phone to stay connected.

End-to-end encryption covers message content, calls, and media by default, but Meta does collect and can see certain metadata (who you message and when) and account information, and WhatsApp Business accounts and messages to businesses can be handled differently, including by Meta-provided tools or the business's own systems.

WhatsApp is free to use for personal messaging, tied to a phone number rather than a separate account, and carries no subscription for individuals; a paid WhatsApp Business Platform exists for companies handling large-scale customer messaging, which is separate from the personal app.

Key features

  • End-to-end encrypted personal chats, group chats, and calls by default
  • Desktop app can operate even when your phone is temporarily offline
  • Voice and video calling, including group calls
  • Status updates similar to disappearing stories
  • Document and media sharing with reasonably generous file size limits
  • Disappearing messages with a configurable timer

System requirements

Operating system
Windows 11 and Windows 10 (64-bit); ARM64 builds available
Account
WhatsApp account tied to a phone number, set up via the mobile app
Connection
Internet connection required; no offline mode

How to install WhatsApp

  1. 1. Set up WhatsApp on your phone first

    A phone number and the mobile app are required before linking a desktop session.

  2. 2. Download the Windows installer

    Get the installer from whatsapp.com/download or the Microsoft Store.

  3. 3. Link the desktop app

    Open WhatsApp on your phone, go to Linked Devices, and scan the QR code shown in the Windows app.

  4. 4. Enable two-step verification

    In the mobile app's Account settings, turn on two-step verification and set a PIN.

How to use it

  1. 1. Enable encrypted backups

    In chat backup settings on the mobile app, turn on end-to-end encrypted backup so cloud copies of your chat history are also protected.

  2. 2. Set disappearing messages

    Open a chat's settings and choose a disappearing message timer for sensitive conversations.

  3. 3. Manage linked devices

    Review Linked Devices periodically on your phone and remove any device you no longer use.

  4. 4. Use group calls

    Start a call from a group chat to bring multiple participants into one encrypted voice or video call.

Safety and privacy

  • Download only from whatsapp.com/download; the app is also distributed via the Microsoft Store as an official channel.
  • Personal chats and calls are end-to-end encrypted by default with no separate mode required, unlike Telegram.
  • Metadata such as who you communicate with and when is visible to Meta even though message content is not.
Bundled software
The official installer does not bundle third-party offers.
Privacy
WhatsApp requires a phone number to register. Meta collects account and usage metadata as described in its privacy policy, even though message content is end-to-end encrypted.

Known risks

  • Phone number-based accounts can be targeted by SIM-swap style social engineering — enable two-step verification with a PIN.
  • Backups to cloud services like Google Drive or iCloud have historically not always been end-to-end encrypted unless the encrypted backup option is enabled.

What's new

    Pros and cons

    Pros

    • End-to-end encryption by default for chats and calls, no separate mode needed
    • Free for personal use with a very large global contact base
    • Desktop app works even when the phone is briefly offline
    • Encrypted backup option available for cloud chat history

    Cons

    • Owned by Meta, which raises trust concerns for some privacy-conscious users despite end-to-end encryption
    • Metadata about who you contact and when is visible to Meta
    • Requires a phone number; no fully account-independent option
    • Cloud backups are not encrypted end-to-end unless that option is specifically enabled

    Verdict

    WhatsApp offers strong default end-to-end encryption and near-universal international adoption, making it a practical choice when your contacts are already there. Users who specifically want to minimize what a parent company can see, including metadata, may prefer Signal.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is WhatsApp end-to-end encrypted?

    Yes, personal chats and calls are end-to-end encrypted by default. Metadata such as who you message and when is not encrypted the same way.

    Is WhatsApp free?

    Yes, for personal use. A separate paid WhatsApp Business Platform exists for companies handling large volumes of customer messaging.

    Do I need a phone to use WhatsApp on Windows?

    Yes, the desktop app links to an existing account set up on a phone with a phone number.

    Are WhatsApp backups encrypted?

    Chat backups to cloud services can be end-to-end encrypted, but only if you specifically enable that option in backup settings.