What do we do with the new WhatsApp Desktop Client?

[Ascar699]

@D4koon Please advise what is the recommended course of action now that Meta has released a new desktop client. Did you have a chance to check it out in terms of possible damage to Whatstray?

WhatsApp is pushing to download and install...

https://about.fb.com/news/2023/03/faster-speeds-improved-calling-whatsapp-desktop/

[didster]

How do you use it?

How do you use what? The updated version?

Until @D4koon merges the PR then the quickest way is just install the version from my fork - 1.9.1 from here. Either that or build it from source using Visual Studio.

[donnje]

How do you use it?

How do you use what? The updated version?

Until @D4koon merges the PR then the quickest way is just install the version from my fork - 1.9.1 from here. Either that or build it from source using Visual Studio.

How do you use it?

How do you use what? The updated version?

Until @D4koon merges the PR then the quickest way is just install the version from my fork - 1.9.1 from here. Either that or build it from source using Visual Studio.

I tried 1.9.1 but it doesn't work, I have this error "WhatsApp-Windows not found" even when installed and running individually

P:S:could be useful for the future is there a help to use the procedure with visual studio?

[didster]

I tried 1.9.1 but it doesn't work, it doesn't open Whatsapp

What version of whats app? It will only work with the desktop version, not the MS Store (UWP) version. It works fine for me with v2.2314.11

could be useful for the future is there a help to use the procedure with visual studio?

Not much too it - open the solution in Visual Studio 2019 and hit build.

[donnje]

I tried 1.9.1 but it doesn't work, it doesn't open Whatsapp

What version of whats app? It will only work with the desktop version, not the MS Store (UWP) version. It works fine for me with v2.2314.11

could be useful for the future is there a help to use the procedure with visual studio?

Not much too it - open the solution in Visual Studio 2019 and hit build.

I used the ver. MS Store (UWP) works now with the desktop version but before I only opened WhatsappTray and Whattapp automatically opened while now I have to first open WhatsApp (Outdated) and then WhatsappTray, is this normal? I used the ver. MS Store (UWP) now with the desktop version it works however before I only opened WhatsappTray and Whattapp automatically opened while now I have to first open WhatsApp (Outdated) and then WhatsappTray, is this normal? Otherwise I put WhatsappTray in automatic execution when starting W

[didster]

I used the ver. MS Store (UWP) works now with the desktop version but before I only opened WhatsappTray and Whattapp automatically opened while now I have to first open WhatsApp (Outdated) and then WhatsappTray, is this normal? I used the ver. MS Store (UWP) now with the desktop version it works however before I only opened WhatsappTray and Whattapp automatically opened while now I have to first open WhatsApp (Outdated) and then WhatsappTray, is this normal? Otherwise I put WhatsappTray in automatic execution when starting W

Which EXACT version of WhatsApp desktop? 3 dots -> settings -> help.

No, its not "normal" in so much as there are no changes at all to how WAT goes about starting WA. So long as the start menu shortcut is still there for WA, it should work. It does for me.

Does it start at all? Or start but just not respond? I have had issues myself when starting WAT when you have some stale WA processes left around in previous versions it can cause an unresponsive icon in the sys tray - check task manager and kill all WhatsApp.exe processes before starting WAT see if that helps.

Failing that post your WAT log after trying to start it.

[donnje]

I have Versione 2.2314.11 and It doesn't start and after many seconds i have the same error "WhatsApp-Windows not found" Log_2023-04-11_11#44#06.txt

[didster]

I have Versione 2.2314.11 and It doesn't start Log_2023-04-11_11#44#06.txt

The shortcut it's resolving is duff:

11:44:06.866 - WhatsappTray::StartWhatsapp: Starting WhatsApp from canonical-path:'C:\Users\DONNJE\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\WhatsApp\WhatsApp.lnk' 11:44:06.874 - WhatsappTray::StartWhatsapp: Resolved .lnk (Shortcut) to:'' 11:44:06.875 - CreateProcess failed(87).

Note it claims it resolves to '' - nothing.

Its probably got messed up with the UWP version installation.

Quickest fix is to probably go to settings -> apps, uninstall every whatsapp that is in there, then manually delete C:\Users\DONNJE\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\WhatsApp\WhatsApp.lnk if still present, then reinstall

Either that or check the shortcut and fix its target by hand.

[donnje]

I have Versione 2.2314.11 and It doesn't start Log_2023-04-11_11#44#06.txt

The shortcut it's resolving is duff:

11:44:06.866 - WhatsappTray::StartWhatsapp: Starting WhatsApp from canonical-path:'C:\Users\DONNJE\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\WhatsApp\WhatsApp.lnk' 11:44:06.874 - WhatsappTray::StartWhatsapp: Resolved .lnk (Shortcut) to:'' 11:44:06.875 - CreateProcess failed(87).

Note it claims it resolves to '' - nothing.

Its probably got messed up with the UWP version installation.

Quickest fix is to probably go to settings -> apps, uninstall every whatsapp that is in there, then manually delete C:\Users\DONNJE\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\WhatsApp\WhatsApp.lnk if still present, then reinstall

Either that or check the shortcut and fix its target by hand. Done but it doesn't solve, I noticed that in C:\Users\DONNJE\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\WhatsApp there is no WhatsApp.lnk but only the link to WhatsApp (Outdated)

[donnje]

Now it works, I corrected in the appdata.ini file with

WHATSAPP_STARTPATH=C:\Users\DONNJE\AppData\Local\WhatsApp\WhatsApp.exe

[ThomasSteins]

the latest WhatsApp version seems to be the first "real" UWP version of the WhatsApp messenger... Therefore it will hardly be possible to program / use something like "Whatsapp Tray" (unless the developers of whatsapp return to the "old" platform or the platform receives a corresponding functionality extension) ?

[jed84]

Perhaps it's just a generic response. Maybe its a sign of hope for upcoming change.

[Qu1goN]

Perhaps it's just a generic response. Maybe its a sign of hope for upcoming change.

That will be nice.

Can you please ask if they also make the change that you can simply drag and drop files into a chat? I think it worked with the old version, but not with the new one.

[FernandoConti]

Wait... d4koon hasn't reacted yet??! This whole repo is OBSOLETE. Be a professional dude.

[mishabutuzov]

Looking for a solution. Install different versions... stay on last from Microsoft store. Question is actual

[nazsol]

I'm now getting "This app expires in 28 days. Download the new, faster app to get group calling and more!", looks like i will be forced to download the Microsoft Store version, i'm on version 2.2310.5 currently.

[Lowburn2]

WhatsappTray had a good run. Let's just hope their customer service reply wasn't blowing smoke and they actually add this functionality to the store version.

Thanks to all who contributed to this mod.

[Qu1goN]

Yes, that would be nice, Facebook Messenger App can do that too.

[donnje]

I have this new message, will I no longer be able to use this solution?

[didster]

I have this new message, will I no longer be able to use this solution?

Yep. In 24 days what's app tray will be no more.

[donnje]

I have this new message, will I no longer be able to use this solution?

Yep. In 24 days what's app tray will be no more.

Will there be no more warning or whatsapp app tray will not work anymore?

[didster]

I have this new message, will I no longer be able to use this solution?

Yep. In 24 days what's app tray will be no more.

Will there be no more warning or whatsapp app tray will not work anymore?

I would assume the actual what's app app will stop working and force you to update to the uwp version to continue to use what's app on desktop. At that point what's app tray will become obsolete as it doesn't and can never work with the uwp version.

Best hope is meta directly add tray support to the actual app.

[donnje]

I have this new message, will I no longer be able to use this solution?

Yep. In 24 days what's app tray will be no more.

Will there be no more warning or whatsapp app tray will not work anymore?

I would assume the actual what's app app will stop working and force you to update to the uwp version to continue to use what's app on desktop. At that point what's app tray will become obsolete as it doesn't and can never work with the uwp version.

Best hope is meta directly add tray support to the actual app.

thanks We hope it

[bremaya]

Does anyone know of a way to force, hack, or change the version to look like a different or updated version, and continue using WhatsApp Desktop after support ends?

[didster]

Does anyone know of a way to force, hack, or change the version to look like a different or updated version, and continue using WhatsApp Desktop after support ends?

I really wouldn't waste your time. You can probably keep on an old version of the desktop app by following the instructions above to disable the squirrel updater, but even if it does work it's only a matter of time before the backend API changes. Who knows - WA may even use a different API for the old client than they do for the new one which they will retire along with the app in 21 days.

WA desktop is dying - and along with it WA tray. Move on and try and get used to the UWP app or look for solutions for sending that app to the tray - its far more productive than messing around with the old desktop app anymore.

[aarpro]

Кто-нибудь знает способ заставить, взломать или изменить версию, чтобы она выглядела как другая или обновленная версия, и продолжить использовать WhatsApp Desktop после прекращения поддержки?

try this WhatsApp Portable 2.2310.5 - https://ovart.ru/soft/windows/whatsapp-portable/ Remove alerts: This app will expire today at 11:59 PM. Download the new, faster app to get group calling and more! This app expires in 27 days. Download the new, faster app to get group calling and more! This app expires in 1 day. Download the new, faster app to get group calling and more!

[gkurmaev]

So it looks like their warning is just a bunch of bullshit to scare people away from using the old versions. For me the countdown stopped 2 days ago and it's now stuck at "App expires at 11:59 PM" message

[nazsol]

So it looks like their warning is just a bunch of bullshit to scare people away from using the old versions. For me the countdown stopped 2 days ago and it's now stuck at "App expires at 11:59 PM" message

Yep it seems so, mine is showing the same message as yesterday, i guess we can continue using it after all.

[Miguelmorrobel]

has anyone tried altus: https://github.com/amanharwara/altus#features

[didster]

has anyone tried altus: https://github.com/amanharwara/altus#features

Altus is great - so long as you only need messaging and not calling from desktop.

[nazsol]

Word of advice, don't unlink your phone from the desktop client, because it forces you to install the new app and you cannot reconnect.

[Bainion]

As of today WhatsApp is trying to force an update. It doesn't manage to do it but I can't use the old version anymore. Any way to bypass this? Or are we doomed to use the other subpar version?

[konzertnr9]

I finally opted to use the desktop client with "Continue to show notifications when WhatsApp is not open" set to on. I close the app whenever I don't need it and use SystemTrayMenu as the launcher for WhatsApp.

[nazsol]

I finally opted to use the desktop client with "Continue to show notifications when WhatsApp is not open" set to on. I close the app whenever I don't need it and use SystemTrayMenu as the launcher for WhatsApp.

Yeah i switched over as well, i used altus for a while and it's pretty good but i noticed that one or two times images didn't sync, also i'd rather be using the official app and it still shows notifications when closed so that's good enough for me, i can also pin it to start menu and quick launch it from there, although SystemTrayMenu is pretty cool as well.

[donutsoftorg]

Hi all!

We have written a small program to make working with the WhatsApp UWP client a little more convenient. Perhaps it will be useful for someone.

Main features:

• Create and place WhatsApp icon in Windows Tray
• Open or raise the WhatsApp window when you click on the icon
• Minimize (close) the WhatsApp window when you click on an icon
• Display the number of missed messages
• Open or raise the WhatsApp window when new messages arrive
• Monitoring the presence of Internet connection

We welcome comments, suggestions and constructive criticism.

http://donutsoft.org/assets/files/tb1083_setup.zip http://donutsoft.org/assets/files/tb1083_portable.zip

[didster]

We have written a small program to make working with the WhatsApp UWP client a little more convenient. Perhaps it will be useful for someone.

@donutsoftorg That really is great, but can/will you open source it? Few people will use it otherwise I feel given the nature of 3rd party software interfacing with private messaging apps.

[Qu1goN]

I installed it and donated it. Is there a file that I can save so that I can use all functions again after a new installation? For example, if I completely reinstall Windows. Do you have to donate again every time or how does it work?

[donutsoftorg]

We have written a small program to make working with the WhatsApp UWP client a little more convenient. Perhaps it will be useful for someone.

@donutsoftorg That really is great, but can/will you open source it? Few people will use it otherwise I feel given the nature of 3rd party software interfacing with private messaging apps.

Hello. Thank you for your interest in our program! Yes, it is quite understandable to be wary of any interactions with instant messenger programs, such as WhatsApp. However, WhatsAppTrayButton does not interfere in any way and does not use any internal WhatsApp interfaces; in fact, it knows how to open and close it, so from the point of view of the privacy of personal correspondence, there is no need to worry. It is no more dangerous than any other program running on Windows at the same time as WhatsApp. Unfortunately, we are not ready to publish the source code yet, for several reasons. Perhaps later. Let's think about how necessary it is to see the source code in the context of leaking personal correspondence? Obviously, such data needs to be transferred somewhere, therefore there must be fairly regular network activity with well-defined volumes, this is very easy to track, for example Wireshark, the source code is not needed here. WhatsAppTrayButton can check its updates approximately once a week, but you can even disable this using the [N] mini-button. Using the same button, you can start the scan manually. And of course, you can completely block all network interactions using the Windows firewall. The program will continue to perform its functions, because a network is not needed for its task. As for potentially malicious code, modern antiviruses with AI training and heuristics do a good job of identifying this. Take a look at VirusTotal, only SecureAge reports "Malicious" in WhatsAppTrayButton.exe, but we have already contacted them about this "false positive", they say it will be fixed within 72 hours. Thank you again for your interest, we hope that we did not disappoint you too much! We look forward to further discussion. :-)

[donutsoftorg]

I installed it and donated it. Is there a file that I can save so that I can use all functions again after a new installation? For example, if I completely reinstall Windows. Do you have to donate again every time or how does it work?

Hello! First of all, thank you for your donation, it seems you are the first to do this for us! The program does not have any feedback to the donation process, because then at a minimum a specific identifier for each financial transaction would be needed, which is impossible in the case of donations. So we (and the program) rely solely on your word. When reinstalling a program or Windows, simply mark (by pressing a button) that you have already made a donation and everything will work fine. The “maybe donate later” button does roughly the same thing, so you can use that too. :-) Agree, the very meaning of donations is that this action is optional. We do not require any special actions from users and there are no restrictions; the program is completely free for everyone, even for commercial use. Some cosmetic pseudo-blocking in the program interface is designed to draw users' attention to the fact that such a mechanism for supporting authors generally exists. Unfortunately, many people are not even aware of the existence of such feedback. Let us note once again: the program is completely free, you can use it on any number of devices, in any way you see fit, donations are entirely voluntary. Thank you for your interest and important question! :-)

[gkurmaev]

so from the point of view of the privacy of personal correspondence, there is no need to worry.

source - trust me bro

no thank you, i don't think i will.

[didster]

@donutsoftorg Thanks for your reply, however unfortunately for me it would be a no. Github really is the wrong platform to be making the open vs non-open source argument as the vast majority of people on here are going to be fully aware of virus scanners and such like, but it wont matter. Few will want to sit analyzing the programs network activity with Wireshark either.

Hopefully in the future you might reconsider or Meta will just add the functionality natively to the UWP app.

[FabianLoRs]

I installed it and donated it. Is there a file that I can save so that I can use all functions again after a new installation? For example, if I completely reinstall Windows. Do you have to donate again every time or how does it work?

Hello! First of all, thank you for your donation, it seems you are the first to do this for us! The program does not have any feedback to the donation process, because then at a minimum a specific identifier for each financial transaction would be needed, which is impossible in the case of donations. So we (and the program) rely solely on your word. When reinstalling a program or Windows, simply mark (by pressing a button) that you have already made a donation and everything will work fine. The “maybe donate later” button does roughly the same thing, so you can use that too. :-) Agree, the very meaning of donations is that this action is optional. We do not require any special actions from users and there are no restrictions; the program is completely free for everyone, even for commercial use. Some cosmetic pseudo-blocking in the program interface is designed to draw users' attention to the fact that such a mechanism for supporting authors generally exists. Unfortunately, many people are not even aware of the existence of such feedback. Let us note once again: the program is completely free, you can use it on any number of devices, in any way you see fit, donations are entirely voluntary. Thank you for your interest and important question! :-)

Hello, Can you add support for multiscreen? Please

[Qu1goN]

Hi all!

We have written a small program to make working with the WhatsApp UWP client a little more convenient. Perhaps it will be useful for someone.

Main features:

* Create and place WhatsApp icon in Windows Tray

* Open or raise the WhatsApp window when you click on the icon

* Minimize (close) the WhatsApp window when you click on an icon

* Display the number of missed messages

* Open or raise the WhatsApp window when new messages arrive

* Monitoring the presence of Internet connection

We welcome comments, suggestions and constructive criticism.

https://donutsoft.org/assets/files/watb1075_setup.exe

There is a new Version (1.0.77) - is there a infopage about the changes made?

[ninjaeon]

@donutsoftorg Thanks for your reply, however unfortunately for me it would be a no. Github really is the wrong platform to be making the open vs non-open source argument as the vast majority of people on here are going to be fully aware of virus scanners and such like, but it wont matter. Few will want to sit analyzing the programs network activity with Wireshark either.

Hopefully in the future you might reconsider or Meta will just add the functionality natively to the UWP app.

I agree with @didster on this. I recommend anyone throwing caution to the wind using WhatsAppTrayButton while it's closed source to at least use Windows Firewall to block it (as suggested by it's dev @donutsoftorg ) or installing something like Portmaster if you want to both monitor and block/allow/control connections in and out of WhatsAppTrayButton & Whatsapp (for example, to also whitelist known addresses associated with Whatsapp and block connections to everything else).

[donutsoftorg]

Hello, Can you add support for multiscreen? Please Hello. Thank you for your attention to our program and the tip about adding new useful features. Yes, we will try in future versions to improve the program in terms of correct operation with multiple screens.

There is a new Version (1.0.77) - is there a infopage about the changes made? Hello. Thank you for following our humble creativity. It's nice! Yes, we are working to eliminate certain shortcomings noted. Now the latest version is 1.0.79. Most of the changes in the last two versions are cosmetic in nature, mainly a change in the program name and a few typo corrections. Now "WhatsAppTrayButton" has been renamed to "TrayButton for WhatsApp" and the program icon has been changed. Nothing has changed on the technical side or in the algorithms, so if you are using version 1.0.75 (or 1.0.77) and it doesn’t matter to you what’s in the name, you don’t have to update. We also note that we have made a separate portable version without an installer. Since we see there is interest in this issue, we will add a list of changes in future versions.

I agree with @didster on this. I recommend anyone throwing caution Firstly, we would like to apologize to everyone who was disappointed by the news that it is not yet possible to study the source code of our program. But on the other hand, this is a good reminder that security in software should never be forgotten. All comments regarding open source code, firewall and antivirus software are absolutely appropriate and we agree with them. But it must be added that the issue of security is largely a matter of trust and reputation, and it applies not only to us. Check how many programs you have on your system that are not open source and how much you can trust them, because they can potentially do everything that TrayButton does, including with WhatsApp, but just not mention it. This is not a call to use our software, it is a reminder that the same risks can be expected from other sides, do not forget about it.

[Trecoolius]

We have written a small program to make working with the WhatsApp UWP client a little more convenient. Perhaps it will be useful for someone.

@donutsoftorg That really is great, but can/will you open source it? Few people will use it otherwise I feel given the nature of 3rd party software interfacing with private messaging apps.

Hello. Thank you for your interest in our program! Yes, it is quite understandable to be wary of any interactions with instant messenger programs, such as WhatsApp. However, WhatsAppTrayButton does not interfere in any way and does not use any internal WhatsApp interfaces; in fact, it knows how to open and close it, so from the point of view of the privacy of personal correspondence, there is no need to worry. It is no more dangerous than any other program running on Windows at the same time as WhatsApp. Unfortunately, we are not ready to publish the source code yet, for several reasons. Perhaps later. Let's think about how necessary it is to see the source code in the context of leaking personal correspondence? Obviously, such data needs to be transferred somewhere, therefore there must be fairly regular network activity with well-defined volumes, this is very easy to track, for example Wireshark, the source code is not needed here. WhatsAppTrayButton can check its updates approximately once a week, but you can even disable this using the [N] mini-button. Using the same button, you can start the scan manually. And of course, you can completely block all network interactions using the Windows firewall. The program will continue to perform its functions, because a network is not needed for its task. As for potentially malicious code, modern antiviruses with AI training and heuristics do a good job of identifying this. Take a look at VirusTotal, only SecureAge reports "Malicious" in WhatsAppTrayButton.exe, but we have already contacted them about this "false positive", they say it will be fixed within 72 hours. Thank you again for your interest, we hope that we did not disappoint you too much! We look forward to further discussion. :-)

I will never install this in a million years unless it's open sourced and I discourage anyone reading this from downloading this app. I don't care what you say about it, I don't know you and by defatult I don't trust you.