This version of WhatsApp is no longer available to users

Meta-owned quick messaging platform WhatsApp has officially "deprecated" its Electron-based desktop app on Windows, WABetaInfo reported Tuesday.

After the version has expired, the users will be prompted to switch to the new native app as a replacement for the deprecated version to keep using the messaging app on their websites.

As per the WhatsApp news tracker, the move is aimed at providing a "more optimised, stable, and feature-rich" experience to the users who use the app on desktop devices.

The quick transition drew reactions of dissatisfaction from some users as the native app lacks the business tools, which include quick replies, and catalog management, for effective customer communication.

"In reality, the deprecation wasn’t so unexpected as WhatsApp notified users over 4 weeks ago by displaying a countdown directly on the app’s main screen," WABetaInfo stated.

As can be seen in this screenshot, the users will see this expiration message when they open the Electron-based WhatsApp Desktop application.

Under the message, there is a button clicking, which will redirect the users to the new native app on their desktop computers.

However, the deprecation of the Electron app seems limited to WhatsApp Desktop for Windows only.

"The Electron framework allows developers to create cross-platform desktop applications using web technologies by developing a single codebase that works across different operating systems like Windows and macOS."

Whereas the native apps have a smoother and more intuitive user interface, better responsiveness, and enhanced stability, delivering a more robust and reliable messaging service.

To ensure uninterrupted access to WhatsApp on Desktop, users need to switch from the deprecated Electron version to the native app.

Since the WhatsApp Desktop app built with the Electron framework is expired, users need to download the native desktop app for Windows from the Microsoft Store.

Those who wish to have access to the business tools can consider using WhatsApp Web as a temporary solution.

The WhatsApp news tracker said it is hoping for the release of business features for the native app as well soon.