Where are WhatsApp archives stored on a computer - briefly?
On a Windows or Mac computer, WhatsApp archives are typically stored in the "Documents" folder within your user profile directory. For example, the path might look like this: C:\Users\YourUsername\Documents\WhatsApp\Archives on Windows, and /Users/YourUsername/Documents/WhatsApp/Archives on a Mac.
Where are WhatsApp archives stored on a computer - in detail?
The storage location of WhatsApp archives on a computer can vary depending on the operating system and the method used to back up the data.
For Windows users, WhatsApp backups are typically stored in a hidden folder located at:
C:\Users\<Your Username>\AppData\Roaming\WhatsApp\
This folder contains a subfolder named "backup" where the archive files are saved. The backup files have the extension ".crypt12" and are encrypted for security purposes.
On macOS, WhatsApp backups can be found in the Library folder of the user's home directory:
/Users/<Your Username>/Library/Application Support/WhatsApp/
Similar to Windows, this directory includes a "backup" subfolder with encrypted archive files.
If you are using WhatsApp Web or Desktop, the backup storage location might differ. For example, WhatsApp Web backups could be stored in the browser's default download folder. It is essential to check the specific settings and configurations of your backup method to determine the exact location.
In case you need to locate your WhatsApp archives but cannot find them using the standard paths, consider searching for files with the ".crypt12" extension on your computer. This should help you identify and access your WhatsApp backups.