WhatsApp has just released a native app on Windows that no longer needs you to link your phone for it to work. The refreshed app just exited beta and is now available on the Microsoft Store. You no longer need the web-based desktop app or the one on the browser. This native version should run faster and be more responsive.
It also features a slightly cleaner interface than the previous app version but doesn't look drastically different. The most significant change is you no longer need to keep your phone online or close by to sync messages between your phone and the desktop app. According to the Meta-owned messaging service, it is also working on a native app for macOS.