To download and install WhatsApp on Windows 10 or Windows 11, open the Microsoft Store, search for “WhatsApp,” and click Get to install it. Then link your phone by scanning the QR code displayed on screen.
Applies to: Windows 10 (22H2) and Windows 11 (23H2, 24H2, 25H2) | Last updated: April 1, 2026
Key Takeaways
- WhatsApp is free in the Microsoft Store — search for “WhatsApp” and click Get to install it on Windows 10 or Windows 11.
- You need your phone to link — open WhatsApp on your phone, go to Settings > Linked Devices > Link a Device, and scan the QR code on your PC screen.
- Multi-device works independently — after the initial link, WhatsApp on your PC works even if your phone is turned off or offline.
- No Microsoft Store? You can also install WhatsApp without the Microsoft Store using a direct download or package manager.
Quick Steps
- Open the Microsoft Store on your PC (search for it in the Start menu).
- Search for WhatsApp and click Get to install.
- Click Open once the installation completes, then click Get Started.
- On your phone, open WhatsApp > Settings > Linked Devices > Link a Device.
- Scan the QR code on your computer screen with your phone’s camera.
How to Download WhatsApp From the Microsoft Store
The Microsoft Store is the quickest way to install WhatsApp on a Windows PC. The app is free and the Store handles updates automatically, so you always have the latest version.
Open the Microsoft Store from your Start menu or taskbar. If you cannot find it, type “Microsoft Store” in the Windows search bar. If the Store is missing from your system entirely, you can reinstall the Microsoft Store or install WhatsApp without it.
In the Microsoft Store, type WhatsApp in the search bar at the top. Click on WhatsApp in the results, then click the Get button. The Store will download and install WhatsApp automatically.
Once the installation finishes, click Open to launch WhatsApp. You can also find WhatsApp in your Start menu from now on.
How to Link Your Phone and Set Up WhatsApp on Your PC
When WhatsApp opens for the first time, it displays a QR code and asks you to link your phone. This is how WhatsApp verifies your account — there is no separate sign-up for the desktop app.
- On your PC, click Get Started in the WhatsApp welcome screen.
- On your phone, open WhatsApp and tap Settings (iOS) or the three-dot menu (Android).
- Tap Linked Devices, then tap Link a Device.
- Point your phone’s camera at the QR code on your computer screen.
- Once scanned, your messages will sync and WhatsApp is ready to use on your PC.
After the initial link, WhatsApp on your PC works independently thanks to multi-device support. Your phone does not need to stay online — you can turn it off and still send and receive messages on your computer.
What If the Microsoft Store Is Not Working?
If the Microsoft Store will not open, crashes, or gets stuck loading, try these quick fixes before switching to an alternative installation method:
- Run wsreset — press Win + R, type
wsreset.exe, and press Enter. This clears the Store cache and often fixes loading issues. - Check for Windows updates — go to Settings > Windows Update and install any pending updates.
- Reinstall the Store — if the Store is missing or broken, follow my guide to reinstall the Microsoft Store.
If none of these work, I have a dedicated guide on fixing the Microsoft Store not opening on Windows 11. Alternatively, you can bypass the Store entirely and install WhatsApp without the Microsoft Store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my phone need to stay connected for WhatsApp to work on my PC?
No. WhatsApp uses multi-device technology that keeps your PC app working independently after the initial QR code link. You can turn your phone off or disconnect it from the internet, and WhatsApp on your computer will continue working normally.
Can I use multiple WhatsApp accounts on one computer?
Yes. WhatsApp added multi-account support in 2024, so you can link a second WhatsApp account from the app settings without logging out of the first one. Both accounts work at the same time.
Is WhatsApp for Windows free?
Yes. WhatsApp is completely free to download and use on Windows. There is no paid version or premium tier — the desktop app has the same features as the mobile app.
How do I log out of WhatsApp on my computer?
Open WhatsApp on your phone, go to Settings > Linked Devices, and tap on the computer you want to disconnect. You can also log out directly from the WhatsApp desktop app by going to Settings > Log out.
What if WhatsApp is not available in my region’s Microsoft Store?
If WhatsApp does not appear in the Microsoft Store in your region, you can install it without the Microsoft Store by downloading the installer directly from whatsapp.com/download.
