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Will the New WhatsApp for Windows Destroy Your PC’s Performance? Your Essential Guide.
The WhatsApp application on your Windows computer is about to change significantly starting November 5, 2025. The company is replacing the current app, which was built specifically for Windows, with a new version that works more like a website. This new app is based on a technology called Chromium, the same foundation used for web browsers like Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge.
This change is presented as an upgrade. However, it will affect how the app performs and how much of your computer’s resources it uses.
How This Affects You and Your Computer
When the update happens, you will be logged out of WhatsApp on your desktop. You will need your phone to scan a QR code and log back in. Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, states this change will bring new features, like Channels, to the desktop app.
While new features are coming, the switch to a web-based framework has several important consequences for performance.
Increased Memory Usage
The new app will use much more of your computer’s RAM (memory). The previous app might use under 10MB of RAM on the login screen, while the new version can use over 200MB for the same screen. This is because it runs multiple background processes, similar to how a web browser operates with many tabs open.
Slower Performance
Because the app is essentially a self-contained web browser, it may feel slower or less responsive than the old version. The previous application was a native app, meaning it was designed to work directly with the Windows operating system for better efficiency. The new version is a wrapper for the web version, which can introduce delays.
Offline and Notification Issues
The new app may not work as well when you are offline. You might also notice that its integration with Windows notifications is not as smooth as it was before.
Why Meta Is Making This Change
The decision to move to a web-based app is a strategic one for Meta. It is not primarily about improving the user experience on Windows. The main reason is cost and efficiency for the company. By using a single web-based code, Meta can develop and update WhatsApp across different platforms (like Windows, macOS, and the web) at the same time. This simplifies their work and reduces development costs. It is a common strategy used by many software companies to streamline their operations, even if it sometimes results in a less optimized experience on a specific platform.