How to install WhatsApp on Windows Server without MS Store

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: 

https://store.rg-adguard.net

Perform the following steps: 

  1. Paste the Microsoft Store URL into the search box.  
  2. Select Retail from the drop-down menu.  
  3. 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.