Introduction
Windows Server does not include the Microsoft Store by default, making it difficult to install Microsoft Store applications such as WhatsApp Desktop. However, by downloading the required installation packages and dependencies manually, you can successfully install WhatsApp without using the Microsoft Store.
This guide provides a complete step-by-step process for installing WhatsApp Desktop manually on Windows Server.
Step 1: Verify the App Installer Service
Before installing any MSIX package, ensure that the AppX Deployment Service (AppXSvc) is running.
Open PowerShell as Administrator and execute the following command:
Get-Service AppXSvc
If the service status is Running, proceed to the next step.
If the service is Stopped, start it by running:
Start-Service AppXSvc
Step 2: Obtain the WhatsApp Microsoft Store Link
Open the following Microsoft Store page in your browser:
https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9NKSQGP7F2NH
Copy the complete URL from the browser’s address bar. This URL will be used to generate the direct download links.
Step 3: Generate Direct Download Links
Open the following website:
Perform the following steps:
- Paste the Microsoft Store URL into the search box.
- Select Retail from the drop-down menu.
- Click the ✓ (Check) button.
The website will generate a list of downloadable installation packages and dependencies.
Step 4: Download the Required Files
Download the following files from the generated list.
A. WhatsApp Package
Download the latest available WhatsApp package:
5319275A.WhatsAppDesktop_2.2627.101.0_neutral_~_cv1g1gvanyjgm.Msixbundle
B. Visual C++ Runtime Dependency
Download the latest x64 version:
Microsoft.VCLibs.140.00.UWPDesktop_14.0.33728.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe.Appx
Step 5: Create a Working Directory
Create a new folder to store all downloaded files.
Example:
C:\WhatsApp
Copy the downloaded MSIXBundle and all dependency packages into this folder.
Step 6: Open PowerShell as Administrator
Open the Start Menu.
Search for: PowerShell
Right-click Windows PowerShell and select Run as Administrator.
Step 7: Navigate to the Installation Folder
Run the following command:
cd C:\WhatsApp
Step 8: Install Required Dependencies
Install the Visual C++ Runtime package:
Add-AppxPackage -Path “.\Microsoft.VCLibs.140.00.UWPDesktop_14.0.33728.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe.appx”
Wait until the installation completes successfully before proceeding.
Now install WhatsApp bundle
Add-AppxPackage -Path “.\5319275A.WhatsAppDesktop_2.2625.101.0_neutral_~_cv1g1gvanyjgm.msixbundle”
Step 10: Verify the Installation
Open the Start Menu and search for: WhatsApp
If the installation was successful, WhatsApp Desktop will appear in the search results.
Click the application to launch it and sign in by scanning the QR code using your mobile device.






