How to Install WhatsApp Old Native App on Windows 11 (Replace WebView2 Version)

WhatsApp on Windows 11 no longer behaves like a lightweight desktop application. After Meta replaced the old native UWP app with a WebView2-based version, many users began noticing higher RAM usage, slower performance, and repeated reloads of chats and media. On systems with limited resources, the new app often feels no different from running WhatsApp Web inside a browser.

This guide explains how users can still install the WhatsApp old native app on Windows 11 by using a modified MSIX package and manual registration method.

Why WhatsApp on Windows 11 Uses More RAM Now

WhatsApp for Windows has moved from a native UWP application to a WebView2 (Chromium-based) wrapper.

As a result:

• Higher RAM usage
• Slower startup times
• Multiple Edge-related background processes
• No clear advantage over WhatsApp Web

Testing shows the WebView2 version can exceed 2–3 GB of RAM during heavy use, while the older UWP version typically stays below 400 MB.

How to Install WhatsApp Old Native App on Windows 11 (Replace WebView2 Version)

Step 1: Enable Developer Mode

1. Open Settings
2. Go to System → For developers
3. Enable Developer Mode
4. Confirm the prompt

Developer Mode is required for registering modified MSIX packages.

Step 2: Download Required Files

Old WhatsApp UWP Package

• Version: 2.2546.3.0
• Release period: November 2025
• Format: MSIX / APPX bundle

This package is no longer hosted by Meta. Use only reputable archive sources and avoid modified builds.

MSIX Packaging Tool

1. Open Microsoft Store
2. Search for MSIX Packaging Tool
3. Install the tool

Step 3: Extract the WhatsApp MSIX Package

1. Right-click the MSIX file
2. Choose 7-Zip → Extract
3. Wait until extraction completes

Step 4: Modify the Package Using MSIX Packaging Tool

1. Open MSIX Packaging Tool
2. Select Open package
3. Load the extracted WhatsApp MSIX

Apply the following changes:

• Package Name: wha.wa
• Version: 10.20000.300.0
• Enable Do not sign package

Save the package. A new modified MSIX file will be created.

These changes prevent Microsoft Store from replacing the app with the WebView2 version.

Step 5: Extract the Modified MSIX Again

1. Extract the newly created MSIX using 7-Zip
2. Locate AppxManifest.xml
3. Right-click the file and select Copy as path

Example:

C:\Wha\AppxManifest.xml

Step 6: Register WhatsApp Using PowerShell

1. Right-click Start
2. Open Windows Terminal (Admin)

Run:

Add-AppxPackage -Register "C:\Wha\AppxManifest.xml"

Use the actual path copied from your system.

If successful, the command completes without errors.

Step 7: Launch WhatsApp

1. Close PowerShell
2. Open the Start menu
3. Launch WhatsApp
4. Link your account using the QR code

You are now running the old native UWP version.

Performance Comparison

Scenario	WebView2 Version	Old UWP Version
Idle RAM usage	~700 MB	<200 MB
Heavy usage	2–3 GB	~400 MB
File downloads	Re-downloads files	Cached properly
Chat reloads	Frequent	Minimal

FAQs

Can you still use the WhatsApp old native app on Windows 11?

Yes, the WhatsApp old native app can still be used on Windows 11 through an advanced MSIX modification method, though it is no longer officially supported.

Why is WhatsApp WebView2 slow on Windows 11?

WhatsApp WebView2 is built on Chromium and runs multiple background processes, which significantly increases RAM usage and slows performance on some systems.

Is the WhatsApp old native app better than WebView2?

The old native WhatsApp app generally uses less memory, loads faster, and caches chats more efficiently than the WebView2 version.

Will Microsoft Store replace the old WhatsApp again?

If the MSIX package name and version are modified correctly, Microsoft Store cannot automatically replace it with the WebView2 version.

Is installing the old native WhatsApp app safe?

The method is safe at the system level but unsupported by Meta, meaning it does not receive updates and may stop working in the future.

Can this method stop working later?

Yes, future WhatsApp backend changes or major Windows updates can break the old native app at any time.

What is the best long-term alternative?

For long-term stability, WhatsApp Web installed as a Progressive Web App (PWA) is the most reliable alternative.

If your priority is lower RAM usage and smoother performance on Windows 11, the old UWP WhatsApp app still performs significantly better. However, this method should be used with the understanding that it is unsupported and may stop working without notice.