WhatsApp drops native Windows app for web-based version

Users of the WhatsApp desktop experience are in for a surprise—Meta is phasing out its native Windows app in favor of a web-based version. This major shift, already visible in the latest WhatsApp beta for Windows, replaces the fully native app with a WebView-based wrapper. The focus keyword WhatsApp drops native Windows app is generating a lot of buzz, especially among Windows 11 users worried about performance and design consistency. But why is Meta making this change, and what does it mean for desktop messaging?

Why WhatsApp is dropping the native Windows app

The decision to move away from a native app stems from Meta’s desire to streamline development. By using Microsoft’s Edge WebView2 technology, WhatsApp can deploy updates faster and maintain a unified codebase across platforms. This shift eliminates the need to separately support native Windows-specific features. However, the transition comes at a cost—users lose the sleek WinUI integration that matched Windows 11's design language. The app now looks and feels more like a browser tab than a full-fledged Windows experience.

Changes in performance and user experience

Since WhatsApp drops native Windows app support, many beta users have noticed changes in performance. The web wrapper version tends to consume more RAM, and the notification system feels less responsive. Additionally, the streamlined settings interface lacks the depth and customization options that were present in the native version. Although features like Channels, Status, and Communities are being expanded, they’re presented in a far more basic UI compared to before. Users who relied on productivity enhancements may find the new version lacking in polish and responsiveness.

What users can expect going forward

This update means Meta is aligning its desktop strategy more closely with its mobile-first development model. Despite the complaints, Meta believes the new approach will simplify feature rollouts across devices. However, many loyal users feel that WhatsApp drops native Windows app functionality at a time when productivity and platform optimization matter most. If you're on Windows 11, expect a web app that lacks native integration, higher memory usage, and a less cohesive desktop feel. Whether this shift improves or hinders the overall experience will depend on how Meta listens to user feedback and refines its approach in future updates.