Meta has introduced the Linked Devices feature in WhatsApp, enabling users to connect up to four devices with the same account, ensuring they continue receiving messages and calls.

Setting up multiple WhatsApp accounts on Android smartphones is now easier with features like Dual apps and Clone apps. iPhone users can download WhatsApp Business and the app separately, running two different accounts. This feature allows for easy replication of the same app.

Windows and macOS do not have native Dual apps or Clone app-like features for running multiple WhatsApp accounts on a desktop. To run multiple accounts, users need to understand the process and the limitations of these systems. While third-party options are available, they are not guaranteed to compromise privacy and security. Therefore, the process requires understanding and navigating through the system.

Now, there are multiple ways to run multiple WhatsApp accounts on a desktop, here are some versions that you can try.

• WhatsApp native app + WhatsApp Web
• WhatsApp native app + WhatsApp Web (multiple via browser profiles)
• WhatsApp native app + WhatsApp Web (via multiple browsers)
• WhatsApp native app + WhatsApp Web + WhatsApp in the side panel (Edge, Opera, others)

Here is how they work

WhatsApp native app + WhatsApp Web

To access two different WhatsApp accounts on your desktop, download the WhatsApp app from the Microsoft Store, Apple App Store, or the official website, and set it up properly. Open a web browser and navigate to "web.whatsapp.com" via the linked devices feature.

WhatsApp native app + WhatsApp Web (multiple via browser profiles)

To access WhatsApp Web from one profile, create a new browser profile by clicking on the profile icon and selecting the profile icon. This will allow you to set up another instance of WhatsApp Web. This method can be used for multiple accounts, but creating multiple profiles for multiple WhatsApp Web can cause confusion and mess within the browser. It is best suited for two or three relevant profiles.

WhatsApp native app + WhatsApp Web + WhatsApp in the side panel

To use multiple WhatsApp accounts without multiple profiles, you need two browsers with at least one WhatsApp Web on each or browsers like Edge and Opera with a dedicated side panel with WhatsApp support. These browsers can link two WhatsApp accounts, one as a regular WhatsApp Web and another as WhatsApp on the side panel.

Things you need to know about using these methods

WhatsApp Web does not support calls and offers advanced features compared to the native app. The native app offers more advanced features and end-to-end encryption for all WhatsApp chats, regardless of the method used. Additionally, the web version may not offer certain features not available on the native app.