WhatsApp Desktop gets an update with new Windows 11 theme

Work is progressing on WhatsApp’s new desktop app. Facebook and Meta are now equipping the beta version of the popular messenger with new design elements based on WinUI 2.6+ in order to create a uniform look for Windows 11 users. The move from a browser-based Electron app to the Universal Windows Platform (UWP) was announced back in November and added to the Microsoft Store as a beta version.

After various updates, the design in particular is now taking on new forms. Like the leaker FireCube reported, the new version of the WhatsApp desktop app is now based on a WinUI 2.6 layout (or newer) to more and more correspond to the look of the Windows 11 operating system.

WhatsApp new design

The design changes are particularly noticeable in the main menu of the messenger. While dropdowns, check boxes and sliders were reminiscent of the older Windows 10, the new elements are based on the well-known rounded look of Windows 11. Not all areas have been completely revised, but the process towards an updated, uniform WhatsApp design is clearly recognizable. It is currently not possible to say when the project can be expected to be completed. The WhatsApp Beta is available to anyone interested in the Microsoft Store.

To participate, users are asked to join the so-called multi-device beta, which allows up to four additional devices to use WhatsApp Messenger without the registered smartphone having to be online. The beta version is activated in the classic way via QR code, while joining takes place via the settings and connected devices within the mobile app for Apple iOS and Google Android.