GitHub Desktop

by GitHub · Developer tools

Open sourceWindowsMac

Point-and-click Git client for GitHub repositories.

Official download from desktop.github.com (opens in a new tab)

Opens desktop.github.com, GitHub's own site. No mirror, no bundle.

Overview

What is GitHub Desktop?

GitHub Desktop lets you clone, commit, branch and open pull requests without the command line. It is a good first Git tool and works with any Git remote, not just GitHub.

Key features

  • Visual diffs and commits
  • Branch and pull request workflow
  • Co-authored commits
  • Open repositories in your editor

Best for

  • People new to Git
  • Designers and writers working in repos
  • Quick reviews of local changes

Included in starter kits

Install

How to install GitHub Desktop

  1. 1Open the official GitHub Desktop download page on desktop.github.com.
  2. 2Pick the build for your system (Windows, Mac; check x64, ARM or Apple silicon where offered).
  3. 3Run the installer and read each screen; decline anything you did not ask for.
  4. 4Keep it updated from the app's own updater or your package manager.

Install from the command line

  • Windows · winget

    winget install --id GitHub.GitHubDesktop -e --source winget

  • Mac · Homebrew

    brew install --cask github

Package IDs checked against the public winget, Homebrew and Flathub repositories on 1 Nov 2026. Build a script for several apps.

Safety

Download GitHub Desktop safely

  • Check the domain

    The real download lives on desktop.github.com. Look-alike domains and search ads are the most common trap.

  • Skip mirrors

    Download portals can wrap installers in adware or old versions. You never need them for this app.

  • Verify if you can

    If the publisher lists a checksum, compare it with our in-browser checker before running the file.

  • Watch the installer

    Untick extras, browser changes or trials you did not ask for.

Open the checksum checker

Alternatives

GitHub Desktop alternatives

Other developer tools apps, closest platform match first.

All development

FAQ

GitHub Desktop questions

Where can I download GitHub Desktop safely?

Download GitHub Desktop only from GitHub's official site at desktop.github.com. Avoid mirror and "download portal" sites, which can bundle extra software with the installer.

Is GitHub Desktop free?

Yes. GitHub Desktop is open-source software and free to use.

Does GitHub Desktop work on Windows and Mac?

GitHub Desktop is available for Windows, Mac. Check GitHub's download page for exact system requirements and whether your processor (x64, ARM or Apple silicon) is supported.

Can I install GitHub Desktop from the command line?

Yes, with winget on Windows (winget install --id GitHub.GitHubDesktop -e); Homebrew on Mac (brew install --cask github). Package managers fetch the publisher's files and make updates easy.

What are good alternatives to GitHub Desktop?

See the alternatives section on this page and the full developer tools list on AltFTool, which shows each app's licence and platforms side by side.