How to use WhatsApp on Windows PC

If you want to run WhatsApp from a stationary desktop computer or a laptop with Windows 7, 8.1 or 10 installed, you should take into consideration that PC version of the messenger works only together with an account on your mobile device. If you have not registered WhatsApp on Android, iOS, Windows Phone or a tablet before, you won’t be able to run and use WhatsApp on PC as well. So keep that in mind before you start to set up and work with the tool.

Here is the detailed instruction about how to configure the app and operate with it using Windows 10-based computer. The guide on setting up the tool on Windows 7 or 8.1 is absolutely the same.

As we have told before, install the app on your phone or tablet first. You can also read how to set up and use WhatsApp on Android, iOS, macOS or Windows Phone if you need those branches of the messenger as well.

How to install WhatsApp messenger on PC

When the messenger is set up on your mobile device, the next step is to download the Windows version of the tool and install it on the hard drive. Choose the preferenced version available and follow the instructions on the website. All the app builds, including macOS, have free access to them. When the app is downloaded, run the installation wizard. To perform this operation, open the setup.exe file. Shortly after, you will see the introductory explanation box about the further phases of the installation process.

Here is the detailed instruction on how to install and use WhatsApp on PC:

• When the explanation box with QR code pops up on the screen, run the messaging program on your mobile device.
• tap the menu button (the one with three vertical dots) and select WhatsApp Web item from the pop-up list.

  

• The embedded QR code scanner is running. Point your phone to the PC screen and scan the QR-code.

  

• When the scanning routine is done, Windows app is ready to be used. As a result, you will automatically login into your account.

The web version of the messenger operates the same way. You can run any browser (Chrome, Firefox, Mozilla, Opera, Safari etc., it's up to you) and connect to your account directly from the web by following the link. The instruction is absolutely the same.

How to start chatting on WhatsApp for Windows

In order to start a new chat with the person on PC:

• tap + button in the upper menu of the program;

  

• select the person from the pop-up list you would like to chat with;

  

• the chatting window with the needed contact appears, and you can start typing your message immediately.

You can also get the detailed info regarding how to handle a group conversation.

Status management in WhatsApp for Windows

In the same way as we did it on Android, you can view status updates which will be shown to all, or to selected contacts only, for 24 hours. Such an approach allows to handle the marketing campaign or deliver the info concerning your friends and colleagues efficiently. In WhatsApp for Windows, you can only view the status being updated from mobile phone and cannot share the statuses from the PC version of the service. The explanation of it is very simple: it provides security and protection from hacking.

If you want to view your active status updates, do the following:

• tap on the circle loop button in the upper part of the main form;

  

• if you have active status updates, you will immediately see them in the displayed box;

  

• also you are notified regarding the number of people who have viewed your status update and also who they are. The stylish picon with an eye notifies you about that.

  

These are all the options desktop-based WhatsApp can perform. As you can see, there are quite a few of them: the Windows-build and the web version of the tool carry out only the supportive mission. By the way, it is worthy to check the guide about running the tool on macOS as well, as there are some differences.