News > Social Media WhatsApp Launches Public Beta for New Desktop App Windows and Mac users can join just by installing the latest beta version By Rob Rich Rob Rich Twitter News Reporter College for Creative Studies Rob is a freelance tech reporter with experience writing for a variety of outlets, including IGN, Unwinnable, 148Apps, Gamezebo, Pocket Gamer, Fanbolt, Zam, and more. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on August 23, 2021 02:23PM EDT Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr Twitter University of Maryland Baltimore County Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire. lifewire's fact checking process Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Social Media Mobile Phones Internet & Security Computers & Tablets Smart Life Home Theater & Entertainment Software & Apps Social Media Streaming Gaming WhatsApp has opened its own public beta program for the WhatsApp desktop app, which lets Mac and Windows users help with testing out new features. WhatsApp has been available for computers in both web and app forms, but this is the first time the desktop version has seen a public beta. So if you've always wanted to try out new WhatsApp features before everyone else or help track down software bugs, this is your chance! DeFodi Images / Getty Images Once installed, the WhatsApp desktop beta will keep itself up-to-date automatically, so you won't have to worry about checking for the latest beta release. According to WABetaInfo, the new beta build already is offering up some new desktop voice message features for you to try out. You'll be able to see waveforms of your message, and you'll be able to listen to your message before you send it. So you can preview your message and then decide if you'd rather delete or re-record it. WhatsApp WABetaInfo cautions that, as this is a beta, you're likely to encounter some bugs while using the app. If you do encounter any, it's recommended that you contact WhatsApp to report the problem so it can figure out what's wrong. To send a report, go to Settings > Contact Us in the WhatsApp desktop app—and preferably attach a screenshot that illustrates the issue you're having. If you'd like to join the WhatsApp desktop beta program, all you have to do is download the Windows or Mac beta client. So long as you're running the latest beta version (2.2133.1), you're officially part of the test. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Email Address Sign up There was an error. Please try again. You're in! Thanks for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. Thank you for signing up! Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit