WhatsApp Desktop app’s experimental lock screen feature for PC, Laptop: Report

WhatsApp for Desktop is developing a new feature that allows users to add a new layer of security while using the instant messaging platform on a PC or laptop. The Meta-owned app is testing a new screen lock feature for the Desktop app. WhatsApp now offers password-activated access to users on Android as well as iOS, where users can set a PIN to open the app. However, there is no such security feature for users logged into WhatsApp on desktop.

According to WABetaInfo report, WhatsApp is working on a new feature for the desktop app that will allow users to set up a password to restrict unauthorized access when the system is not in use. The feature is not currently available to users, is currently in development, and is expected to roll out to beta users in the coming days.

The report also shared a screenshot to show the new feature in WhatsApp Test version on desktop. When this feature is enabled, users will be asked to enter a password to open the app on their PC or laptop.

For now, the feature is speculated to be an option that can be enabled in the Settings preferences within the app. It is known that this will not cause the application to share the password, which will be saved locally. Therefore, every time a user forgets their password, they will need to log out and then log in with a QR code.

Meanwhile, recent WhatsApp roll out image blur tool for Desktop Beta users last month. The tool was first reported to be in development for Desktop Beta users back in June of this year. This feature allows users to blur the entire image or select any specific areas of detail that they want to hide with an alternative blur tool. The blur button shows up on the new drawing tool when the user tries to send an image in the chat.