I had the exact same Problem.
You need an Android Emulator for your PC, since Whatsapp for desktop always needs to be paired with a phone, then install Whatsapp Business. The Business Version lets you sign up with a landline number. Youll geht a call with the code read to you and youre done.
If you already have a number and are planing to keep it, you can just use that and read the code from your phone.
If you decide to use a desktop app or the web version instead, you will have to open Whatsapp on your phone once every two weeks or it will unpair.
It's been 20 years, but I had a XFX geforce 7800GSO and the model had issues that caused crashes.
XFX acknowledged there was a Problem and made promises, but then just deleted the forum thread.
They're on my list now.