Why is WhatsApp on Windows 11 using so much RAM and how can I revert to the native version?

Is it possible to stop WhatsApp from auto-updating on Windows 11 to keep the faster legacy app?

The recent transition of WhatsApp on Windows 11 from a native Universal Windows Platform (UWP) architecture to a WebView2 framework has introduced significant performance overhead. WebView2 essentially wraps the application in a Chromium container, forcing the software to operate like a web browser tab rather than a streamlined desktop program.

For users with limited hardware resources or those running memory-intensive creative workflows, this update is detrimental. The new architecture consumes upwards of 2GB to 3GB of RAM during peak usage. In contrast, the legacy native version typically operates under 400MB.

You can restore the efficient, native performance profile by installing a specific older build (version 2.2546.3.0 from November 2025). However, standard installation methods trigger automatic updates. To bypass this, we must modify the application package identity.

Technical Guide: Reverting to Native WhatsApp

Prerequisites

• System Privileges: Ensure you have administrative access.
• Required Tools: 7-Zip (or similar archive tool) and the MSIX Packaging Tool (available via Microsoft Store).
• Target File: The WhatsApp app bundle version 2.2546.3.0.

Phase 1: System Preparation

To install unsigned or modified packages, you must alter your system security settings.

1. Navigate to Settings > System > For developers.
2. Toggle Developer Mode to “On“. Confirm the prompt.

Phase 2: Package Modification

This process involves spoofing the application’s identity so the Microsoft Store does not recognize it as the current WhatsApp client, thereby preventing forced updates.

1. Extract the Bundle: Locate the downloaded 2.2546.3.0 package. Right-click and use 7-Zip to extract the contents to a new folder.
2. Open Package Tool: Launch the MSIX Packaging Tool. Select the option to edit an existing package.
3. Edit Manifest Data: Open the extracted MSIX file within the tool.
   • Change Package Name to: wha.wa
   • Change Version to: 10.20000.300.0
   • Note: Changing the version number to a high value tricks the system into thinking this is a future build, further preventing overwrite attempts.
4. Save Configuration: Select the “Do not sign packages” option. Save the file. The tool will generate a new MSIX file.

Phase 3: Registration and Deployment

Since the package is unsigned, you must register it manually via PowerShell rather than using the standard installer.

1. Locate Manifest: Extract your newly created MSIX package into a permanent folder (e.g., C:\Apps\OldWhatsApp).
2. Copy Path: Find the file named AppxManifest.xml inside this folder. Right-click it and select “Copy as path“.
3. Execute Command:
   • Open PowerShell as Administrator.
   • Type the following command structure, pasting your specific path:
     Add-AppxPackage -Register “PASTE_YOUR_PATH_HERE”
   • Example: Add-AppxPackage -Register “C:\Apps\OldWhatsApp\AppxManifest.xml”
4. Launch: Close PowerShell and open WhatsApp from your Start menu.

Performance Analysis

Implementing this workaround yields immediate resource recovery.

• Memory Footprint: The native app maintains a baseline of approximately 300MB. Even during high-load activities, such as viewing video statuses, usage rarely exceeds 400MB.
• Stability: Messaging latency is reduced due to the removal of the Chromium abstraction layer.

Advisory Note: This solution relies on a deprecated backend. Meta (WhatsApp) will eventually decommission the server-side APIs that support this legacy version. When that occurs, the app will cease to send or receive messages regardless of the client version installed. Until then, this remains the only viable method to maintain low resource usage.