How to install WhatsApp Messenger on a PC or Laptop using Bluestacks

WhatsApp is a great cross-platform real-time chat service, and many people are using it on their cellphones. However, if you don’t have a smartphone, or just don’t want to spend money on a data plan; you now can try WhatsApp on your PC thanks to Bluestacks App Player.

Bluestacks is an Android emulator for Windows and Mac. It is currently in beta testing and absolutely free.

Step I : Go to http://bluestacks.com/

You will be greeted by a screen similar to this:

Step II : Download and install Bluestacks App Player. If you want to install it on several computers, I will recommend you to download the “different type of installer”.

Step III : You may need .NET framework 3.5 in your PC before you install Bluestacks. If Bluestacks installer gives an error and wants you to download .NET framework 3.5, click here to download.

Step IV: After installing Bluestacks, launch it from Desktop or Taskbar. In the Social tab, you can find WhatsApp. Click on it and it’ll download and install inside Bluestacks.

Step V: Set up WhatsApp at the first start by providing your mobile number (or land line will also do in this case). The app will try to send an SMS to your device, but as there is no way to get that SMS on your PC, it’ll fail. Don’t worry. The timer will eventually reach to zero, and after that click on the option to send the verification ID by calling. Keep the phone within your reach. You’ll get a computer generated call providing you with verification ID. Enter that ID in WhatsApp and it’ll be activated.

Step VI: Install Go Contacts EX on Bluestacks for contact information of all your buddies. If your contacts are synchronised with Gmail, then you can copy them on Bluestacks in a few clicks. Or you can manually add contacts, if you have a plenty of time to kill.

Note: WhatsApp can only send messages to only one device. The user is identified by the phone number. So if you register for WhatsApp on your PC, the mobile client will no longer get messages. I’d recommend using your land line (or any other) number if you want to keep receiving messages on both devices.

If you wish to discontinue using PC and want to go back to using WhatsApp on mobile again, remove it from both devices and reinstall WhatsApp on mobile.

Note: Bluestacks can also be used to install many other android apps and games, so if you don’t own an android device, you can go ahead and try it on your PC! Have fun..!