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Guide · Open source

How to use GitHub Desktop: install, commit and sync

Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data

GitHub Desktop is an open-source app that lets you work with Git repositories and GitHub projects using buttons and screens instead of typed commands. This guide is for developers, beginners and teams on Windows or macOS who want a visual way to see changes, commit them and sync. By the end you will know how to install the app and what its main workflow looks like.

GitHub Desktopdesktop/desktop · ★ 22k · MIT

Quick start

  1. 1Pick your operating system. Confirm you are on Windows or macOS, since Linux is not officially supported.
  2. 2Download the official installer. Use the official download link for your system, such as Apple silicon for newer Macs or the MSI for a machine-wide Windows install.
  3. 3Or use a community package manager. On Windows, run the winget command; on macOS, run the Homebrew cask command. These are community packages.
  4. 4Open and sign in. Launch the app and follow the getting started documentation to set up and authenticate with GitHub.
  5. 5Review your changes. Open a repository and look at the changes the app shows before committing.
  6. 6Commit and sync. Write a commit message, commit your changes, then use the app to handle syncing.

What GitHub Desktop does

GitHub Desktop is an open-source app built with Electron and written in TypeScript. It uses React for its interface. Its purpose is to make Git workflows easier to follow without memorizing command-line syntax.

The app shows your changes, lets you commit them, and handles common syncing tasks. It is described as a GitHub app, so it is designed around GitHub-hosted projects.

  • Shows the changes in your repository before you commit
  • Lets you commit changes from a screen rather than a terminal
  • Handles common syncing tasks

Install GitHub Desktop on Windows or macOS

The official installers are the most direct route. Download the installer for your operating system from the official download links, including separate options for macOS on Apple silicon and Windows, plus a Windows machine-wide MSI install.

The README also lists community package managers. On Windows you can use winget, and on macOS you can use Homebrew. These are community packages, not official installers.

  • Official installers: macOS, macOS (Apple silicon), Windows, and Windows machine-wide install (MSI)
  • Community: winget on Windows
  • Community: Homebrew on macOS
c:\> winget install github-desktop $ brew install --cask github

Linux is not officially supported

The README says Linux is not officially supported. Installers for Linux distributions come from a fork of the project, listed in the Community Releases section and the shiftkey/desktop fork. If you are on Linux, plan for that trade-off before you rely on the app.

Choose a release channel

The stable installers are the default choice. The beta channel offers early builds for people who want new features and fixes before everyone else. The README notes that beta builds are early, so expect rougher edges.

Past releases can be found at the address given in the README. After you install an older version, its auto update feature will attempt to download the latest version.

  • Stable: the standard official installers
  • Beta: early builds with new features and fixes

Know what it is not built for

GitHub Desktop focuses on common workflows. If you need advanced command-line Git operations, you will still need a terminal. The app is also described as a GitHub app, so if your main host is not GitHub, it may not fit your workflow.

The project's document on what GitHub Desktop focuses on is a good check before you commit to it.

  • Advanced command-line Git operations need a terminal
  • Not a fit if your main Git host is not GitHub

Get help when something breaks

Search the open and closed issues in the project's repository first, since your problem may already be reported or fixed. The README also links a list of known issues, some with workarounds. If you still cannot find a match, open a new issue and choose the right template.

The maintainers say they are limited in time, so a friendly ping is appropriate only if nobody has responded after a few days.

What people use it for

  • Committing edits to a GitHub project without typing Git commands
  • Reviewing what changed in a repository before committing
  • Learning Git concepts such as commits and branches through a visual interface
  • Giving a team a consistent way to handle common Git tasks on Windows or macOS

Frequently asked questions

Is GitHub Desktop free?

GitHub Desktop is an open-source project released under the MIT license. The MIT license grant does not cover GitHub's trademarks and logos, which GitHub reserves.

How do I install GitHub Desktop on Windows?

Download the official installer from the download links, or use the community winget package with the command winget install github-desktop. A machine-wide MSI installer is also offered.

How do I install GitHub Desktop on Mac?

Download the official macOS or Apple silicon installer, or use the community Homebrew package with brew install --cask github.

Does GitHub Desktop work on Linux?

The README says Linux is not officially supported. Linux installers are available from a community fork, listed in the Community Releases section and the shiftkey/desktop fork.

What are the alternatives to GitHub Desktop?

Comparable projects named in the analysis include GitKraken, Sourcetree, Fork and Git Extensions. Choose based on your platform and which Git host you use.

Can I use GitHub Desktop with GitLab or Bitbucket?

The app is described as a GitHub app, so it is built around GitHub. If your main workflow uses a non-GitHub Git host, consider one of the alternatives instead.

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Our verdict

GitHub Desktop suits GitHub users on Windows or macOS who want a visual way to commit, review changes and sync, including beginners learning Git. Skip it if you are on Linux, need advanced command-line Git, or mainly use a non-GitHub host, and consider GitKraken, Sourcetree, Fork or Git Extensions instead.

Install options & downloads