A lightweight, privacy-focused WhatsApp desktop client for Windows, built with Tauri. This unofficial WhatsApp wrapper provides a clean, distraction-free messaging experience with system tray integration, custom UI enhancements, and uses 10x less RAM than the official Electron-based WhatsApp Desktop app.
🚀 Perfect for users seeking: WhatsApp desktop alternative • Lightweight WhatsApp client • Privacy-focused messaging • System tray integration • Clean UI without ads
- Ultra Lightweight: Built on Tauri v2, uses 10x less RAM than official Electron-based WhatsApp Desktop
- Fast Startup: Launches in under 2 seconds
- Low CPU Usage: Minimal background resource consumption
- Small Download Size: ~5MB installer vs 150MB+ official app
- Privacy Focused: Zero tracking, zero data collection, zero telemetry
- No Third-Party Integrations: Direct wrapper around official WhatsApp Web
- Open Source: Fully auditable code for transparency
- End-to-End Encrypted: Uses WhatsApp's native encryption
- Auto-Hide Clutter: Removes "Communities", "Channels", and "Meta AI" tabs
- Banner Removal: No annoying "Get WhatsApp for Windows" promotions
- Custom Scrollbar: Sleek, minimal design matching dark/light themes
- Focus on Messaging: Clean workspace optimized for conversations
- System Tray Integration: Minimize to tray - never miss notifications
- Background Running: Keeps running even when window is closed
- Native Performance: True Windows integration using Rust backend
- Automatic Updates: Stay up-to-date with latest features (coming soon)
- Download the latest WhatsApp Lite installer (
.exe) from the Releases page - Run the installer - no admin rights required
- Launch WhatsApp Lite from Start Menu or Desktop shortcut
- Enjoy a fast, clean WhatsApp experience!
Prerequisites:
-
Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/bittu-the-coder/whatsapp-lite.git cd whatsapp-lite -
Install dependencies
npm install
-
Run in Development Mode
npm run tauri dev
-
Build for Production To create the
.exeinstaller:npm run tauri build
The output installer will be located in:
src-tauri/target/release/bundle/nsis/
- Close Window (X): Hides the application to the system tray.
- Tray Icon: Right-click or Left-click to Show/Hide or Quit the application.
App won't start / Shows blank screen
- Check your internet connection
- Try clearing browser cache: Delete
%APPDATA%\whatsapp-lite - Reinstall the application
Not receiving notifications
- Ensure app is running in system tray
- Check Windows notification settings
- Allow WhatsApp Lite in Windows Firewall
How is this different from using Chrome?
WhatsApp Lite provides:
- System tray integration for background notifications
- 90% less RAM usage than browser tab
- Auto-hidden clutter and promotional content
- Native Windows integration
Is this safe to use?
Yes! This is open-source software that acts as a wrapper around official WhatsApp Web. No data is collected or modified. All communication uses WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption.
Contributions are welcome! Here's how you can help:
- Report Bugs: Open an issue with details and reproduction steps
- Feature Requests: Suggest improvements or new features
- Code Contributions: Fork, create a feature branch, and submit a PR
- Spread the Word: Star ⭐ this repo and share with others!
# Fork and clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/bittu-the-coder/whatsapp-lite.git
cd whatsapp-lite
# Install dependencies
npm install
# Run in development mode
npm run tauri dev
# Build for production
npm run tauri buildThis project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.
If you find WhatsApp Lite useful, please consider:
- ⭐ Starring this repository
- 🐛 Reporting issues you encounter
- 💡 Suggesting features you'd like to see
- 📢 Sharing with friends and colleagues
- WhatsApp Web - Official web client
- Franz - Multi-messenger desktop app
- Rambox - Workspace organizer for web apps
- Ferdi - Fork of Franz
- Issues: GitHub Issues
- Discussions: GitHub Discussions
- Updates: Watch this repo for latest releases and updates
whatsapp desktop whatsapp client lightweight whatsapp tauri app rust desktop app privacy focused system tray app whatsapp wrapper windows app open source whatsapp whatsapp alternative electron alternative minimal ram usage fast whatsapp whatsapp windows desktop messaging secure messaging
Made with ❤️ by developers, for users who value performance and privacy
- Tauri v2 - Modern, secure framework for building lightweight desktop apps
- Rust - Backend for system tray, window management, and performance
- JavaScript - Frontend for DOM manipulation and UI cleanup
- HTML5/CSS3 - Modern web standards for UI
| Feature | WhatsApp Lite | Official WhatsApp Desktop |
|---|---|---|
| RAM Usage | ~50-100 MB | ~500-700 MB |
| Install Size | ~5 MB | ~150+ MB |
| Startup Time | <2 seconds | 5-8 seconds |
| System Tray | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Privacy | ✅ No tracking | |
| Clean UI | ✅ Ad-free | ❌ Banners/Promos |
| Open Source | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Perfect for:
- 💻 Developers and power users seeking minimal resource usage
- 🔒 Privacy-conscious users avoiding telemetry and tracking
- 🚀 Users with older/slower computers needing lightweight apps
- 📱 Multi-device users wanting clean WhatsApp desktop experience
- 💼 Professionals needing distraction-free messaging environment
- Blazing Fast: Native Rust performance means instant messaging
- Resource Friendly: Keep more RAM for your important work
- Privacy First: Your data stays between you and WhatsApp, period
- Clean Experience: No ads, no promotions, just messaging
- Always Running: System tray ensures you never miss messages
- Open Source: Auditable, trustworthy, community-driven
Not affiliated with WhatsApp or Meta Platforms, Inc.