Since 2021 WhatsApp added voice and video calling on desktop, letting users place and receive calls from their computer without picking up their phone
Overview
WhatsApp expanded its desktop capabilities so you can make one‑to‑one voice and video calls directly from a computer, which is especially useful for people working at a PC who prefer not to switch devices during meetings or focused tasks.
How to start calls
Open WhatsApp Desktop or WhatsApp Web, select a contact and click the call or video icon to begin. The desktop client launches the call in a resizable window and will request permission to use your computer’s microphone and camera if needed.
Features and limitations
Desktop calls support the core one‑to‑one voice and video experiences found on mobile, including call acceptance and basic call controls, but group calling on desktop may be limited compared with mobile at present and some functionality can vary by platform and app version.
Security and privacy
All WhatsApp calls remain end‑to‑end encrypted on desktop as they are on mobile, and linked desktop sessions appear in your mobile app’s linked devices list so you can monitor and revoke access if a machine is lost or shared.
Practical tips
Grant camera and microphone permissions when prompted, use a headset for clearer audio and fewer echoes, close other apps that may take exclusive control of audio devices, and keep WhatsApp Desktop updated to benefit from performance and compatibility improvements reported since the feature’s rollout in 2021.
Takeaway
WhatsApp’s desktop calling turns your computer into a full communications hub for both voice and video, simplifying conversations for remote work and daily life while preserving the platform’s encryption and easing multitasking without constantly reaching for a phone.