WeChat

Name: WeChat
Author: Tencent

Free

Tencent

Category: Messengers
Version: 3.9.12.57
Manifest checked: 2026-10-23
Size: ~270 MB
Licence terms: Free for personal and business use
Supported OS: Windows 11 · 10
Install method: Automatic install supported
Developer: Tencent
Downloads via this site

Download Add to install list

This links to Tencent’s own download source. AfterFormat neither stores nor modifies installer files.

Check before installing

It is run by a Chinese company and its servers are in China. Keep that in mind before sending anything sensitive.
The desktop client requires a QR scan from the phone app, and the phone app has to stay active.

What it is

The desktop client for Tencent’s messenger. In China it handles not just messaging but payments and bookings, so if you deal with contacts or clients there, it is effectively the only option. Free for personal and business use.

When to pick this

If you deal with people in China. KakaoTalk holds that position in Korea, and LINE in Japan and Southeast Asia.

Details

QR sign-in

The desktop client requires scanning a QR code with the phone app. With the phone off, the desktop client will not work.

Message history

History stays on the device by default. A fresh desktop sign-in may show no past conversations; they have to be migrated from the phone.

Worth knowing

It is run by a Chinese company with servers in China. Factor that in before discussing anything sensitive.

After a reformat

QR sign-in from your phone

Scan the QR code with WeChat on your phone. Chats on the phone stay; history that lived only on the PC is gone.

To carry chat history over

On the phone, Settings → Chats → Chat History Backup & Migration moves history between phone and PC. Move the PC history to the phone before formatting and you can bring it back afterwards.