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WhatsApp for Windows Beta Switches to Web-Based Client via Edge WebView2

Meta plans to streamline development by migrating WhatsApp for Windows to a unified web-based client via Edge WebView2.

Overview

  • The latest beta replaces the native desktop code with a WebView2 container that runs WhatsApp Web as an independent app.
  • This new architecture increases memory usage by about 30 percent compared with the native client.
  • The redesign simplifies the interface and alters notification behavior by removing system-integrated UI components.
  • The beta build incorporates Channels, expanded Status updates and enhanced Communities support.
  • Meta has not formally confirmed a retirement date for the native Windows app or the full rollout of the web-based client.