How to Install WhatsApp on Windows or Mac

Edited 6 days ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging platforms in the world, reaching millions of users worldwide. While many people are familiar with using WhatsApp on their smartphones, very few know that it is also possible to access WhatsApp on your Windows or Mac computer. This can be incredibly useful if you type quickly on the keyboard or if you spend a lot of time working on your computer and want to keep your phone distractions to a minimum. In this detailed guide, we will provide step-by-step instructions on how to install WhatsApp on your Windows or Mac computer.

Why use WhatsApp on your computer?

Before we get into the details of installing WhatsApp on a computer, it is important to understand the benefits of using WhatsApp on a bigger screen:

• Efficiency and speed: Typing on a physical keyboard is generally faster than typing on a touchscreen, making it easier to send long messages quickly.
• Convenience: If you're already working at your computer, it can be convenient to check and reply to messages directly from your computer, reducing the need to switch between devices.
• Large screen view: Viewing chat threads and media files is more comfortable on a larger screen, improving user experience.

Ways to use WhatsApp on your computer

There are two main ways to use WhatsApp on your computer:

1. Via WhatsApp Web using a browser.
2. By installing the WhatsApp desktop app, which is available for both Windows and Mac.

1. Using WhatsApp Web

WhatsApp Web is a convenient way to use WhatsApp on your computer without requiring you to install any software. Here's how to set it up:

1. Open your browser: Open your preferred browser on your computer (e.g., Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox).
2. Go to WhatsApp Web: Type web.whatsapp.com in the address bar and press Enter. This will take you to the WhatsApp Web page.
3. QR Code: You'll see a QR code prominently displayed on the WhatsApp web page.
4. Open WhatsApp on your phone: Take your smartphone and open the WhatsApp application.
5. Access the menu: For iPhone users, tap Settings in the bottom right. For Android users, tap the three dots or the menu button in the top right corner.
6. Select WhatsApp Web: In the menu, select the option called WhatsApp Web.
7. Scan QR code: Use your phone to scan the QR code displayed in the browser on your computer.
8. Access WhatsApp Web: Once the code is scanned, your WhatsApp messages will appear on your computer screen. You can now chat as normal on your phone.

Keep in mind that your phone must be connected to the internet for WhatsApp Web to work continuously.

2. Installing the WhatsApp Desktop App on Windows

If you want to have a dedicated application without opening a browser on your computer, you can install the WhatsApp desktop app. Here's a step-by-step guide for Windows users:

1. Visit the official WhatsApp website: Open a browser and go to the official WhatsApp website by entering www.whatsapp.com in the address bar.
2. Go to the downloads section: Once you arrive at the website, look for the downloads section, usually labeled as Downloads at the top of the page.
3. Download WhatsApp for Windows: Click the Download for Windows option. This will begin downloading the installer file, often named WhatsAppSetup.exe.
4. Install WhatsApp: Once the download is complete, go to your Downloads folder and double-click WhatsAppSetup.exe file to begin the installation process.
5. Launch WhatsApp: After installation, WhatsApp will open automatically. If it doesn't, find the WhatsApp shortcut on your desktop or Start menu and launch it manually.
6. QR Code: When WhatsApp opens you will see a QR code.
7. Connect your smartphone: Take your phone, open WhatsApp, go to Settings > WhatsApp Web and scan the QR code on your computer screen.
8. Start using WhatsApp: Once the QR code is scanned, your conversation will load, and you can start using WhatsApp on your PC.

3. Installing WhatsApp Desktop App on Mac

If you're on a Mac, the process is pretty much the same, but there are a few changes to accommodate macOS. Follow the steps below to install WhatsApp Desktop on a Mac:

1. Visit the official WhatsApp website: Open Safari or any other browser and go to www.whatsapp.com.
2. Go to the Downloads section: Find the Downloads tab at the top of the page and click on it.
3. Download WhatsApp for Mac: Select the download option for Mac OS X. This will download a DMG file, usually named WhatsApp.dmg.
4. Install WhatsApp: Once the file is downloaded, locate it in your Downloads folder, and double-click the WhatsApp.dmg file. A new window will open.
5. Drag and Drop Installation: In the opened window, you will see the WhatsApp icon. Drag this icon to the Applications folder shortcut shown in the window.
6. Open WhatsApp. After dragging the WhatsApp icon to Applications, go to your Applications folder and double-click WhatsApp to open it. If this is your first time opening it, you may need to confirm that you want to open an application you downloaded from the Internet.
7. QR code: Just like on Windows, you'll be presented with a QR code inside the WhatsApp app.
8. Link to your phone: On your phone, open WhatsApp, go to Settings > WhatsApp Web, and scan the QR code displayed on your Mac's screen.
9. Start sending messages: After scanning, you'll see your chat list and you can start sending messages using your Mac.

Troubleshooting tips

If you encounter any problems, here are some troubleshooting tips:

• Connection issues: Make sure both your computer and phone are connected to the Internet. WhatsApp Web and WhatsApp Desktop depend on your phone's connection.
• QR code not scanning: If your phone is not scanning the QR code, make sure your phone's camera is properly focused on the QR code. Clean the camera lens if necessary.
• Re-login required: If you get logged out occasionally, follow the same procedure to re-scan the QR code and re-establish the connection.
• App won't open: If the app won't open, restart your computer or reinstall the app.

Conclusion

Whether you choose to use WhatsApp via a web browser or install the desktop app, WhatsApp on Windows or Mac is easy to access and allows for texting on a larger screen. By following the simple instructions above, you can take advantage of your computer's larger screen and keyboard to enhance your WhatsApp experience.

We hope this guide has been helpful and comprehensive in explaining how to install WhatsApp on Windows or Mac. With these instructions, you will be ready to enjoy all the benefits of using WhatsApp on your computer.

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