WhatsApp for Windows will soon fade away completely. Meta plans to replace it with a new version. This new app will work using a web wrapper.
The beta version is already out for testing. Many users are unhappy with this big change. It brings both some new features and some big issues.
also read: WhatsApp Starts Showing Status Ads and Promoted Channels for Android Users
WhatsApp for Windows is Soon Fade Away: What is Changing
The current WhatsApp for Windows uses native technology. It was launched in 2021 for better performance. Users could use it without opening any browser. It was smooth, fast, and looked like a Windows app.
Now, Meta is removing this native version fully. The new version uses a web wrapper instead. This wraps the web version inside a desktop app. It looks different from the old Windows version.
Meta says this will help in faster updates. Using a single code base saves development time. It also makes it easy to add new features. Developers will not need to maintain many versions.
What You Will Lose
The new version has many drawbacks for users. It uses 30% more RAM than before. This means it will be slower on many systems. It may cause lag or battery drain on devices.
The design also looks odd and out of place. It does not follow Windows Fluent Design system. Native Windows apps look and feel more modern. This web wrapper breaks the smooth experience.
Notifications may also work in a new way. They might not appear as fast or clearly. Meta agrees the new version is slower than native app. Even WhatsApp support documents confirm this issue.
Some users fear that important features may stop working. The native version offered better speed and performance. That may now be lost with the web-based design.
What You Might Get in Return
Despite issues, a few new things are being added. The beta version shows updates in Status and Communities. These features may become better than older versions.
Meta can now roll out updates much faster. One code base means all platforms update together. Bug fixes and new tools will reach more users quickly.
This change helps Meta but may not help users. The shift feels more technical than user-focused. Many people may not notice new benefits right away.
Meta is also testing WhatsApp on iPad now. That version is still native, not a web wrapper. So, it is strange to see Windows going backward.
WhatsApp for Windows will soon fade away with change. Native support will be gone for web-based design. Meta hopes the new system works better in future. For now, Windows users may miss the native app experience.
