WhatsApp’s recent transition to a Chromium-based web wrapper has left many users on Windows 11 grappling with a significant increase in resource consumption. Following the update, reports indicate that the app’s RAM usage has surged to an astonishing 2GB, a stark contrast to its previous performance. This shift has raised concerns among users, particularly those who rely on the app for daily communication.
Interestingly, users seeking a reprieve from the high resource demands can revert to an older version of WhatsApp, provided they can find a compatible download before it expires. This older version, which utilizes native code, has proven to be a more efficient alternative, consuming considerably less RAM compared to its newer counterpart.
For those determined to restore the older WhatsApp experience, the process involves several steps:
- Navigate to Settings > System > Advanced and enable the Developer Mode toggle.
- Download the 2.2546.3.0 package from Mega drive and extract it using 7-Zip software. Additionally, acquire the MSIX Packaging Tool app from the Microsoft Store.
- Right-click on the 2.2546.3.0 package, select the 7-Zip option from the context menu, and extract the contents to a designated folder.
- Open the extracted MSIX package file with the MSIX Packaging Tool.
- Modify the Package name to wha.wa and update the Version to 10.20000.300.0.
- Select the Do not sign packages option and click on Save. This action will generate a new package file on your system, which will need to be registered.
- Extract the new MSIX package with 7-Zip once more and locate the AppManifest.xml file. Right-click on it and select the copy as path option.
- In an elevated PowerShell window, type the command Add-AppxPackage -Register followed by the copied path. For example, Add-AppxPackage -Register “C:WhaAppxManifest.xml”.
- After executing the command, you can run WhatsApp by closing the PowerShell window.
How does the old WhatsApp perform?
The performance disparity between the old and new WhatsApp versions is striking. A recent demonstration highlighted that while the new app’s memory consumption can peak at 3GB during intense usage, the older version remains comfortably below the 1GB threshold. In practical tests, the older app maintained a steady resource usage, even during active messaging sessions.
During my own extended use, I observed that the app’s memory usage only approached 400 MB when viewing status updates, primarily videos, and remained under 300 MB for general messaging activities. This efficiency makes it clear why many users are inclined to revert to the older version.
However, it is essential to note that this workaround will prevent the app from receiving any new updates, and it is likely that Meta will eventually phase out the older version entirely. Users should be prepared for potential changes in the future as the company continues to refine its offerings.
