Are you having trouble using WhatsApp on your Windows 11 PC? Whether you’re using the native WhatsApp app or the WhatsApp Web client on your PC, there are various reasons why the popular messaging app may begin to malfunction and refuse to work at all. At times, it may fail to load your messages. At other times, it would not allow you to send any photos or videos, showing the failed error repeatedly. Worse, there are also times when the messaging app would crash and tend to freeze out time and time again. In this detailed guide, I’m going to discuss the 15 most effective ways to fix WhatsApp not working on Windows 11 24H2.
Fix WhatsApp Not Working on Your PC
What derails WhatsApp’s functionality on PC? Well, the messaging app malfunctions due to many roadblocks like the poor internet connection, random software glitches, and the interference from the overprotective firewall or VPN. Oh yes, incompatibility is also a major reason why this issue crops up.
- Internet Issues
- Outdated App
- Corrupt Cache
- System Glitch
- Firewall Block
- Compatibility Problems
“WhatsApp looks to be installed correctly but when I try to open it noting happens. The splashscreen flashes for less than a second and then nothing happens; Even task manager doesnt show whatsapp running or trying to run,” a user named Vipul2k3 complained on Microsoft Support Community.
A Redditor named Mlconian reported,
“Since the last update, Whatsapp Desktop has logged me out on both my W10 and W11 devices, and as soon as I try to log on it gets stuck on the “retrieving your messages” screen after scanning the QR code. Whatsapp Web works just fine, but is terrible to use. Kindly fix your app.”
1. Check Your Internet Connection
A poor or unstable network can stop WhatsApp from syncing.
- Open a web browser on your PC and try loading a few websites (i.e, 360-reader.com).
- If they don’t load, restart your router or switch to a different Wi-Fi or mobile network.
1. Restart Your PC
A simple reboot often does a pretty good job of fixing temporary glitches and background conflicts that might be getting in the way of WhatsApp.
- Click the Start menu on your PC > Power icon > Restart. After your system reboots, open WhatsApp and see if it’s working.
3. Update the WhatsApp App
Outdated app versions often contain bugs that affect performance, making life difficult for it to function properly.
- Open Microsoft Store on your computer > Library > Click “Get Updates” and update WhatsApp if available.
4. Use WhatsApp Web as a Temporary Alternative
If the app fails to load, WhatsApp Web can keep you connected.
- On your PC, go to web.whatsapp.com > after that, scan the QR code using your phone’s WhatsApp app.
5. Re-Link Your WhatsApp Account
Be warned that the broken links between your PC and mobile can prevent proper syncing.
- On your iPhone or Android phone, open WhatsApp > Linked Devices > Log out of the PC session > Re-link the device again.
6. Clear WhatsApp Cache (Desktop App)
Be sure to wipe out the corrupted cache files from time to time as they may crash the app.
- To get it done, press
Windows + Ron your PC > type%appdata%. - Now, press Enter and open the WhatsApp folder.
- Next, be sure to delete the “Cache” folder and reboot your PC.
7. Run the Internet Troubleshooter
Be aware of the fact that your greedy network configuration problems may block WhatsApp.
- Go to Settings on your computer > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooter.
- After that, run the “Internet Connections” troubleshooter and follow the instructions to resolve the issue.
8. Disable Proxy or VPN
VPNs and proxies are super helpful from a privacy perspective. However, they love to interfere with server connections as a wont. Therefore, make sure to turn them off – for now.
- To do so, navigate to Settings on your PC > Network & Internet> Proxy.
- Now, turn off any active proxy settings.
9. Allow WhatsApp Through the Firewall
The Windows Firewall might block WhatsApp from accessing the internet.
- Search for “Windows Defender Firewall” > Click “Allow an app through Firewall” > Ensure WhatsApp is checked for both Private and Public networks.
10. Update Windows 11
Incompatible system files or bugs may cause issues.
- On your PC, head over to Settings > Windows Update > Click “Check for updates” > Install any available updates.
11. Reset the WhatsApp App
Resetting WhatsApp can let you fix persistent errors by restoring the app to its default settings.
- On your Windows device, fire up the Settings app > Apps > Installed apps.
- Now, find WhatsApp and hit the triple-dot icon next to it.
- Choose Advanced options > click Reset and confirm the action.
12. Reinstall WhatsApp
Reinstalling WhatsApp can allow you to replace corrupted or missing files.
- Fire up the Settings app on your Windows device > Apps > Hit the triple-dot icon located next to WhatsApp > Uninstall.
- Then, reinstall it through the Microsoft Store.
13. Run WhatsApp in Compatibility Mode
Note that some builds of WhatsApp may work better with Windows settings. Hence, it would be a good idea to run WhatsApp in the compatibility mode.
- To get going, right-click the WhatsApp shortcut > Properties > Compatibility tab > Enable “Run this program in compatibility mode for” and select Windows 10.
14. Check for App Permissions
Did you know that WhatsApp needs access to certain system features in order to function with the desired freedom and smoothness? If now, be sure to grant it the needed permissions.
- On your PC, dive into the Settings app > Privacy & security > App permissions > Ensure WhatsApp has access to the network, microphone, and camera if needed.
15. Sign In to the Correct Microsoft Account
No luck as yet? It’s worth pointing out that the Microsoft Store links apps to your account. Therefore, be sure to sign in to the correct account on your PC.
- First off, open the Microsoft Store > Click your profile icon > Make sure you’re signed into the same account used to download WhatsApp.
Wrapping up…
And that wraps up our guide to fixing WhatsApp issues on Windows 11. From connection errors to app bugs, these practical solutions should help get things back on track. So, which one did the trick for you?
