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The phone has to check in with WhatsApp every 2 weeks for any linked devices to keep working.

https://faq.whatsapp.com/579413796526134/

Definitely not, but I was referring to the macOS version. AFAIK you always need to have the app installed on some phone that is connected to the internet but things may have changed since I last checked. It doesn't bother me much on phone since i have never shared the screen but on computers is a real concern.

I believe so. Although you may need to periodically reinstall to reauth.

Install Whatsapp on a virtual android on your computer?

Can virtual Android simulate your phone number?

It doesn't need to.

The WhatsApp authentication SMS message can be sent to your (real) phone, and then manually transcribe the auth code into WhatsApp on the Android VM.

I did this for a while.