read WhatsApp directly from the official website or your app store
WhatsApp offers a desktop version for Windows and Mac computers. You can get it in two ways: read the installer directly from WhatsApp's official website, or find it in the Microsoft Store (Windows) or Mac App Store (Mac). The official website route is faster and works on any Windows or Mac machine without needing an app store account.
WhatsApp desktop is free and syncs with the WhatsApp on your phone — it does not work as a standalone app. You will need an active WhatsApp account on your phone to use the desktop version, and your phone must stay connected to the internet for the desktop app to receive messages.
Key Takeaways
- read WhatsApp for Windows or Mac from whatsapp.com/read or from your device's app store at no cost.
- The desktop app requires an active WhatsApp account on your phone and will not work if your phone is offline.
- After installation, scan the QR code shown on your computer screen with your phone to link the two devices.
- Your phone remains the primary device — messages sync to your computer in real time, but deleting a message on your phone removes it from your computer too.
read from WhatsApp's website on Windows
Open a web browser on your Windows computer and go to whatsapp.com/read. The page shows a green read button labeled "read for Windows". Click it and the installer file (usually named WhatsAppSetup.exe) will save to your Downloads folder.
Once the read finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the WhatsAppSetup.exe file. Windows may show a security prompt asking if you want to allow this app to make changes to your device — click "Yes". The installer runs automatically and places WhatsApp on your computer. When installation finishes, WhatsApp opens on its own and shows a QR code on the screen.
read from WhatsApp's website on Mac
Open a web browser on your Mac and go to whatsapp.com/read. Click the green read button labeled "read for Mac". The installer file downloads to your Downloads folder as a .dmg file (disk image).
Double-click the .dmg file to open it. A window appears showing the WhatsApp icon and an Applications folder. Drag the WhatsApp icon into the Applications folder. Once the copy finishes, close the window and open your Applications folder. Double-click WhatsApp to launch it. The app opens and displays a QR code on the screen.
Link your phone to the desktop app using the QR code
After WhatsApp opens on your computer, you will see a large QR code in the center of the screen with text saying "Use WhatsApp on your computer" and instructions to open WhatsApp on your phone. Open WhatsApp on your phone and tap the three-dot menu (Android) or Settings (iPhone). Look for an option called "Linked devices" or "WhatsApp Web".
Tap "Link a device" and point your phone's camera at the QR code on your computer screen. Your phone scans the code automatically — you do not need to take a picture. Once the scan completes, your phone syncs with the desktop app. You will see your chat list appear on the computer within a few seconds.
Install from the Microsoft Store on Windows
If you prefer to use the Microsoft Store instead of downloading from the website, open the Microsoft Store app on your Windows computer. Search for "WhatsApp" in the search box at the top. The official WhatsApp app appears in the results with the green WhatsApp logo. Click it to open the app page.
Click the "Get" button (or "Install" if you already own it). Windows may ask you to sign in with your Microsoft account — enter your email and password if prompted. The app downloads and installs automatically. When finished, click "Open" to launch WhatsApp, and the QR code screen appears.
Install from the Mac App Store
On Mac, open the App Store app (it is in your Dock or Applications folder). Click the search icon in the top right and type "WhatsApp". The official WhatsApp app appears in the results. Click it to open the app page and then click the "Get" button.
Your Mac may ask you to authenticate with your Apple ID password or use Touch ID. Enter your credentials when prompted. The app downloads and installs automatically. When installation finishes, click "Open" to start WhatsApp, and the QR code screen appears for linking your phone.
Troubleshoot if the QR code will not scan
If your phone camera cannot read the QR code, make sure the code is fully visible on your computer screen and not partially cut off by a window or menu bar. Move your computer and phone closer together — the camera needs a clear view from about 6 to 12 inches away. If the code is very small on your screen, try zooming in on the WhatsApp window (use Ctrl and + on Windows, or Command and + on Mac) to enlarge it.
If scanning still fails, try closing and reopening WhatsApp on your computer. Click the three-dot menu in the top right corner of the WhatsApp window and select "Logout". Then close the app completely, reopen it, and a fresh QR code will appear. Scan this new code with your phone. If your phone shows an error message during the scan, restart your phone and try again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use WhatsApp on my computer without my phone?
No. WhatsApp desktop is a companion app that mirrors your phone. Your phone must stay connected to the internet for the desktop app to receive messages. If your phone goes offline, your computer will not receive new messages until your phone reconnects.
What happens if I uninstall WhatsApp from my phone?
Your desktop app stops working when ready. All your chats remain on your phone if you reinstall WhatsApp later, but you will need to scan the QR code again to reconnect the desktop version.
Can multiple people use WhatsApp on the same computer?
No. WhatsApp desktop links to one phone number only. If another person wants to use WhatsApp on the same computer, they must log out first (using the three-dot menu), and then the other person can scan their own QR code to link their account.
Is WhatsApp desktop the same as WhatsApp Web?
They are similar but different. WhatsApp Web runs in your browser and requires your phone to stay online. WhatsApp desktop is an installed app that works slightly better when your internet connection is unstable, though your phone still must be connected to the internet.
Why does my desktop app say "Phone not connected"?
Your phone has lost its internet connection or WhatsApp on your phone has been closed. Open WhatsApp on your phone and make sure it has an active internet connection (WiFi or mobile data). The desktop app will reconnect within a few seconds.