Using WhatsApp on Windows? Your experience is about to get slower soon

Users of WhatsApp on Windows PCs should prepare for a noticeable change in their experience, which may include slower performance. Meta is transitioning from the native WhatsApp application to a web-based version encapsulated in a desktop container. This update, currently rolling out in the latest beta version, aims to streamline the app's functionality but could impact user satisfaction, particularly among those who use WhatsApp extensively. The new version operates more like a browser tab, utilizing Microsoft’s WebView2 technology instead of functioning as a standalone application. This shift means that users may encounter a more simplified settings interface and a different approach to notifications, potentially diminishing the seamless integration that the native app offered. Despite Meta's claim that this change will enable a more unified codebase across platforms, initial feedback indicates that the new version consumes approximately 30% more RAM than its predecessor. This increase in resource usage may be frustrating for individuals who rely on WhatsApp for daily communication. The native application, which was launched only a few years ago, was designed to operate independently of a mobile device, offering a richer integration with the Windows 11 interface. However, the new web-based format could lead to a perception of WhatsApp as merely a lightweight web tool. On a positive note, the updated version introduces some new features, including support for WhatsApp Channels and improvements to Status and Communities. Users will need to have the latest version of Microsoft Edge installed to run the app, as it relies on WebView2 technology to function effectively. While Meta has not announced a specific timeline for fully retiring the native app, the trend is clear: WhatsApp for Windows is moving towards a web-centric model.