WhatsApp’s transition from mobile to desktop has not been smooth. Unlike competing services like iMessage, Telegram or Signal, WhatsApp requires an active phone connected to the internet to function properly. Also, the official app of WhatsApp for Windows and Mac leaves a lot to be desired with slow performance and random shutdowns. Sometimes, WhatsApp won’t even open on PC, forcing users to choose the web version to initiate communication.
If you are among the affected, you can try the troubleshooting steps below and use WhatsApp on PC without any issues.
1. Close WhatsApp Completely
WhatsApp services running in the background on your computer may interfere when you try to open WhatsApp from scratch. To avoid this, you need to completely close WhatsApp using the Task Manager utility on the PC. Here’s how to do it.
Stage 1: Press the Windows key and type Task Manager.
Step 2: Press Enter and open Task Manager.
Stage 3: Find WhatsApp related services running in the background. Select them and hit the End Task button at the bottom.
Try opening WhatsApp again on your PC.
2. Use Same Wi-Fi Network for Connected Phone and WhatsApp Desktop
This is an annoying limitation that WhatsApp is trying to fix with the latest Multi-device feature in beta.
For now, your phone and WhatsApp desktop app need to be on the same Wi-Fi network for it to work flawlessly.
3. Use the Internet Troubleshooter
If you are having trouble with internet connection on your computer, you will only notice the loading indicator when trying to use the WhatsApp desktop app.
Windows has a built-in internet troubleshooter capable of fixing network related issues on your PC. Here’s how to use it.
Stage 1: Open the Settings app on your Windows PC (use Windows + I keys).
Step 2: Go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Internet Connections.
Stage 3: Run the troubleshooter and fix internet related problems on your computer.
4. Repair WhatsApp
Microsoft allows you to repair installed apps on PC from Advanced options in Settings menu. Follow the steps below to repair the WhatsApp app.
Stage 1: Open the Windows Settings app (Windows + I keys).
Step 2: Go to the Apps > Apps & features menu.
Stage 3: Scroll down to WhatsApp and select Advanced options.
Step 4: Select Repair under the Reset menu and let Windows do the troubleshooting.
Do not worry. The data of the application will not be affected here. Try opening WhatsApp again on your PC.
5. Reset WhatsApp
If WhatsApp still won’t open on PC, take this extreme step to fix the problem. We had to mention this excessively as the action would wipe all data from the app. You will have to create a WhatsApp account from scratch on PC.
Stage 1: Open Windows Settings and go to Apps > Apps & features.
Step 2: Open WhatsApp > Advanced options.
Stage 3: Select the Reset button under the Reset menu.
This clears all app data and you have a functional app again.
6. Reinstall WhatsApp
You cannot update the app to the latest version available because WhatsApp is not opened for you. Instead, you have to reinstall the app from the WhatsApp official website.
But first, you need to uninstall the app from the Windows Settings menu. Here’s how to do it.
Stage 1: In Windows 10, open the Settings app (use Windows + I keys).
Step 2: Go to Apps > Apps & features and scroll down to WhatsApp.
Stage 3: Click on WhatsApp and select the Uninstall button to remove the application from the computer.
Go to WhatsApp official website using the link below. Download and install the latest build available.
7. Use WhatsApp Web
If you have frequent problems with the WhatsApp desktop app, you should consider using WhatsApp web.
WhatsApp web is equally capable with all the features like gifs, stickers, starred messages, pinned conversion, native notification via browser and more.
In short, you will not miss the WhatsApp desktop app on your PC again.
Get Started with WhatsApp on Desktop
WhatsApp is a vital communication tool for millions of people. For the majority, this is the default way to stay in touch with friends and family. WhatsApp not opening on PC may force you to look for alternatives. Before doing this, you can use the above cheats and fix the problem.
Next: Are you also having trouble with WhatsApp Web? Read the post below to fix the problem.
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