About WeChat on PC
WeChat is Tencent's messaging and calling app. You do not need an Android emulator to use it on a computer. WeChat makes its own apps for Windows and Mac.
The Windows app comes from the Microsoft Store and the Mac app from Tencent's site or the Mac App Store. There is also Web WeChat, which runs in a browser. All of them sign in through the WeChat app on your phone.
What you can do on the desktop
- Send and receive chat messages from your computer
- Move files between your phone and computer with the File Transfer assistant
- Keep messages synced with your phone
- Use the browser version at web.wechat.com if you cannot install anything
Still phone-only
- Logging in: you confirm the computer login on your phone, or scan a QR code with the phone app
- Logging out on the phone also ends a Web WeChat session
How to Install WeChat on PC
Download and install WeChat on your Windows PC or Mac using the official options below, no emulator needed.
Method 1: Official app for Windows
- Go to wechat.com and click the Windows version, which opens the Microsoft Store listing.
- Click Get or Install.
- Open WeChat and confirm the login on your phone.
Method 2: Official app for Mac
- Go to mac.weixin.qq.com and click Download, or get WeChat from the Mac App Store.
- Install and open WeChat.
- Confirm the login on your phone.
Method 3: WeChat on the web
- Open web.wechat.com in a desktop browser with cookies enabled.
- On your phone, open WeChat's QR code scanner and scan the code on screen.
- Confirm the login on your phone.
What about Android emulators?
An emulator adds nothing here. The official Windows and Mac apps and Web WeChat already cover chatting on a computer, and you still need your phone to log in.
System Requirements
- Windows: Microsoft Store version. WeChat does not state a minimum Windows version on its site.
- Mac: macOS 12 Monterey or later
- Web: A desktop browser with cookies enabled
- Phone: A WeChat account on your phone to confirm the login
Frequently Asked Questions
Is WeChat for PC free?
Yes. The Windows, Mac and web versions are free to use.
Does WeChat work on Windows 7?
WeChat does not publish a minimum Windows version, and the current app is distributed through the Microsoft Store. If the Store will not install it on your PC, use Web WeChat in a browser.
Can I use WeChat on PC without my phone?
No. You confirm each new computer login with the WeChat app on your phone.
Can I use the web version and the desktop app at the same time?
WeChat's help center says you cannot be logged in to Web WeChat and WeChat for Windows or Mac with the same account at the same time.
