New WhatsApp Desktop App Now Released in Pakistan

WhatsApp has released its new desktop app in Pakistan, but the update is quite different from what many users hoped for. Instead of improving the native Windows app, Meta has replaced it with a web-based version that uses Microsoft’s WebView2 technology. This change has already been introduced in other countries as well.

After using it for some time, many users — including the team  — say that the new version feels smoother, more modern, and better-looking than the old desktop app, which was often slow and dull.

If you haven’t received the update yet, don’t worry. It is rolling out gradually and will reach everyone soon.

From Native App to Web-Based Version

The old WhatsApp desktop app was a native Windows UWP app. It was supposed to be fast and responsive, but in reality, it often lagged, froze, and crashed for many users.

Now, WhatsApp has gone back to a web-wrapper system. This means the new app works more like WhatsApp Web, packaged inside a desktop window. It is not a true desktop app anymore.
Whether this change is better or worse will become clear with time.

Higher RAM Usage Raises Concerns

The shift to a web-based system may cause performance issues, especially for older or low-budget PCs.
Reports say the new version can use up to 2GB of RAM during heavy use. The previous native app used only around 120MB under similar conditions.

For many people in Pakistan who rely on WhatsApp for daily communication, this may lead to slow performance or a laggy experience.

However, it’s important to note that even the old app was extremely slow on many older laptops.

Simpler Look, But Fewer Features

The new WhatsApp desktop app comes with a cleaner and simpler interface. Some users may notice:

• Changes in how notifications work

• Fewer settings and customization options

• A design that no longer matches the Windows 11 style

On the positive side, the new version includes support for:

• WhatsApp Channels

• Improved Status and Communities integration

But overall, some features from the native app are missing for now.

Why Did Meta Make This Change?

Meta appears to be moving to a web-based system to simplify development.
With WebView2, WhatsApp can maintain one core version that works across Windows, macOS, and other platforms. This means faster updates and less work for developers.

Missing features may return over time as the new system continues to improve.

As mentioned earlier, the update is still rolling out. Keep your app updated so you receive the new version when it reaches your device.

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