Archive · 23 Jul 2025
WhatsApp for Windows to Switch from Native to Web-Based
WhatsApp on Windows is changing.
The app you use now is being swapped out for a web version, similar to how a website works inside your app.
This change means the app might use more memory and could feel a bit slower.
The upside is that it allows the same code to be used on different devices making it easier for developers.
This new version is already in testing, and requires Microsoft Edge.
You'll still be able to chat and use most of the features, but the app might feel a little different.
Meta is replacing the native WhatsApp app for Windows with a web-based version.
The new version uses Microsoft’s WebView2 technology, acting more like a browser tab.
This change simplifies development with a unified codebase across platforms.
Early reports suggest the new version uses about 30% more RAM than the native app.
The web-based version supports WhatsApp Channels, Status, and Communities.
- Who
- Meta (the company behind WhatsApp) is making the change.
- What
- WhatsApp for Windows is switching from a native app to a web-based version.
- When
- The change is rolling out in the latest beta version.
- Where
- On Windows PCs.
- Why
- To simplify development and maintain a unified codebase.
Users
Meta
Performance and Efficiency
Users
Concerned about potential performance decrease and increased RAM usage.
Meta
Benefit from having unified codebase for easier feature updates
- App Type Change
- Native app to web-based
- Technology Used
- Microsoft’s WebView2
- RAM Usage
- Reportedly uses 30% more than native app
- Key Features
- Supports Channels, Status, and Communities
- Dependency
- Requires Microsoft Edge