Telegram Desktop

by Telegram · Chat & video calls

Open sourceWindowsMacLinux

Cloud-based messenger with large groups, channels and file sharing.

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

Opens desktop.telegram.org, Telegram's own site. No mirror, no bundle.

Overview

What is Telegram Desktop?

Telegram Desktop syncs chats from your phone and handles large file transfers, groups and channels. Regular chats are cloud-stored; only Secret Chats (mobile) are end-to-end encrypted.

Key features

  • Syncs with your phone
  • Large file sharing
  • Channels and big groups
  • Bots

Best for

  • Sending files between phone and PC
  • Following channels
  • Large community groups

Included in starter kits

Install

How to install Telegram Desktop

  1. 1Open the official Telegram Desktop download page on desktop.telegram.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 Telegram.TelegramDesktop -e --source winget

  • Mac · Homebrew

    brew install --cask telegram-desktop

  • Linux · Flatpak (Flathub)

    flatpak install flathub org.telegram.desktop

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

Safety

Download Telegram Desktop safely

  • Check the domain

    The real download lives on desktop.telegram.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

Telegram Desktop alternatives

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

All chat

FAQ

Telegram Desktop questions

Where can I download Telegram Desktop safely?

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

Is Telegram Desktop free?

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

Does Telegram Desktop work on Windows, Mac and Linux?

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

Can I install Telegram Desktop from the command line?

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

What are good alternatives to Telegram 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.