Signal Desktop

by Signal Foundation · Chat & video calls

Open sourceWindowsMacLinux

End-to-end encrypted messaging, linked to the Signal phone app.

Official download from signal.org (opens in a new tab)

Opens signal.org, Signal Foundation's own site. No mirror, no bundle.

Overview

What is Signal Desktop?

Signal Desktop links to the Signal app on your phone. All messages and calls are end-to-end encrypted by default, and the non-profit collects minimal data.

Key features

  • End-to-end encryption for everything
  • Voice and video calls
  • Disappearing messages
  • Minimal data collection

Best for

  • Private conversations
  • Journalists and activists
  • Family chats without ads

Included in starter kits

Install

How to install Signal Desktop

  1. 1Open the official Signal Desktop download page on signal.org.
  2. 2Pick the build for your system (Windows, Mac, Linux; 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 OpenWhisperSystems.Signal -e --source winget

  • Mac · Homebrew

    brew install --cask signal

  • Linux · Flatpak (Flathub)

    flatpak install flathub org.signal.Signal

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

Safety

Download Signal Desktop safely

  • Check the domain

    The real download lives on signal.org. 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

Signal Desktop alternatives

Other chat & video calls apps, closest platform match first.

All chat

FAQ

Signal Desktop questions

Where can I download Signal Desktop safely?

Download Signal Desktop only from Signal Foundation's official site at signal.org. Avoid mirror and "download portal" sites, which can bundle extra software with the installer.

Is Signal Desktop free?

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

Does Signal Desktop work on Windows, Mac and Linux?

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

Can I install Signal Desktop from the command line?

Yes, with winget on Windows (winget install --id OpenWhisperSystems.Signal -e); Homebrew on Mac (brew install --cask signal); Flatpak on Linux (flatpak install flathub org.signal.Signal). Package managers fetch the publisher's files and make updates easy.

What are good alternatives to Signal Desktop?

See the alternatives section on this page and the full chat & video calls list on AltFTool, which shows each app's licence and platforms side by side.