WeChat Linux Version 4.0 is Here! Official Native Support, Finally on Par with Windows/Mac

The spring for Linux users has finally arrived

Do you remember the struggles of using WeChat on Linux in the past? Either relying on the Wine compatibility layer, or facing incomplete functionality, or even needing to install a Windows virtual machine just to use WeChat properly. The good news is, all of that is now history!

In November 2024, WeChat officially launched its Linux website, providing a beta app download for x86, Arm, and LoongArch architectures, marking an important step in official support for WeChat on the Linux platform.

Official Native Support, Multi-Architecture Compatibility

The newly released WeChat Linux Version 4.0 truly achieves official native support, no longer being a Wine-based compatibility version. The official website offers various installation package formats:

• x86 and Arm platforms: deb, rpm, and AppImage formats
• LoongArch architecture: deb format

This means that regardless of the hardware architecture you are using, whether it is Debian/Ubuntu or Fedora/openSUSE distributions, you can find a suitable installation method.

Comprehensive Functionality Aligned with Windows/Mac Versions

The WeChat Linux 4.0 public beta has been completely restructured, achieving not only architectural breakthroughs but also full alignment in functionality with the Windows and Mac versions. Users on any platform can enjoy a rich and consistent application experience.

Top Ten Highlighted Features

1. Automatic Login and Proxy Settings: Introduces an automatic login feature (activated after a period of use) and supports proxy settings during login to meet special network needs.

2. Completely Revamped Chat Experience: New features for sending and receiving location, notes, WeChat contacts, group announcements, etc.; supports quick forwarding, favoriting, saving, deleting, and recalling messages.

3. Moments Interaction: Supports browsing and refreshing Moments, and allows liking and commenting on posts; users can choose whether to receive notifications for Moments messages.

4. Upgraded Contact Management: Redesigned contact interface for a more intuitive operation experience; new features for setting remarks, tags, and Moments permissions for contacts.

5. Powerful Note Functionality: Provides rich note editing tools, such as inserting files, setting BIU, highlighting colors, and numbering; supports creating, editing, viewing, and forwarding notes.

6. Optimized Image and Video Browsing: Updated image and video browsing interface, supporting various operations such as zooming, rotating, editing, and text recognition.

7. Rich Official Account Features: Supports sending messages to official accounts; allows sorting followed subscription accounts by time; official account articles can be highlighted or forwarded.

8. Intelligent Search: Adds “function” search, allowing searches for Moments, video accounts, file transfer assistants, etc.; includes search suggestions to improve search efficiency.

9. Upgraded Screenshot Functionality: Not only can you add emojis, recognize text and QR codes, but it also supports screenshot translation.

10. Comprehensive Global Features: Supports locking WeChat, switching between dark and light modes, and customizing shortcut keys.

Technical Architecture: Reconstructed Based on Qt

From a technical perspective, WeChat Linux 4.0 has been completely restructured based on the Qt framework. Developers discovered the Qt library in the Weixin.dll file within the installation directory.

Interestingly, although the main interface of WeChat for Linux is written in Qt, the web rendering part is a completely independent program—implemented based on GTK. Therefore, the technical stack of WeChat for Linux is accurately described asQt + GTK combination.

Actual User Experience

Many early testers reported that the new version provides a very smooth user experience. One user stated: “After downloading and using it, I felt very good. Most of my work is done on Linux, but when communicating with colleagues and clients, I had to use WeChat. Previously, I could only install a Windows virtual machine on Linux specifically for running WeChat, which consumed a lot of resources and made file transfer inconvenient.”

The new version also addresses the following pain points:

• Supportsvoice and video calls, which has been a missing important feature in previous Linux versions.
• Supportsdynamic emojis and location sharing.
• Image viewing and editing functions are complete, eliminating the issue of images not being previewed.
• PC Mini Programs are fully supported on the Linux platform for the first time, including core functions such as payment.

How to Install WeChat for Linux

The installation process is very simple:

1. Visit the WeChat Linux official website: https://linux.weixin.qq.com/
2. Select the installation package suitable for your system architecture (x86, Arm, or LoongArch)
3. Download and install the corresponding package (deb, rpm, or AppImage)
4. You can also search for installation directly from the Deepin App Store or Kylin Software Store

Conclusion

The release of WeChat Linux 4.0 marks an important milestone for the Linux desktop ecosystem.Official native support, comprehensive functionality, and multi-architecture compatibility finally allow Linux users to enjoy a WeChat experience consistent with other platforms.

This is undoubtedly great news for Linux desktop users, as they no longer have to struggle with compatibility layers or virtual machines to use WeChat. It also reflects Tencent’s emphasis on the Linux desktop platform and support for diverse hardware platforms.

If you are also a Linux user, go download and experience it now! I believe this official native WeChat application will bring you surprises.

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