GitHub Desktop: Use Git Without the Command Line
GitHub Desktop · for Windows and macOS
Developer: GitHub (opens in a new tab)
- Windows
- macOS
The download link points to the program’s official source; the file is not hosted on this site. Link address: desktop.github.com
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GitHub Desktop is a free, open-source (MIT) Git client from GitHub for macOS 12 or later and 64-bit Windows 10 or later. Linux is not officially supported.
Version control protects a website’s code and theme files: every change is recorded and can be undone. GitHub Desktop makes Git approachable for people who would rather click than type commands.
Who it is for
- Site owners keeping a theme, a static site or configuration files in a GitHub repository.
- Developers who like a visual view of changes, branches and history.
- Teams reviewing pull requests on GitHub.
What it does
- Clone repositories from GitHub
- See changed lines before you commit
- Create and switch branches
- Push, pull and open pull requests on GitHub
Requirements and installation
GitHub Desktop runs on macOS 12.0 or later and 64-bit Windows 10 or later.
- The Download button opens the official GitHub Desktop download page.
- macOS: choose Apple silicon or Intel, unzip the download and open the app.
- Windows: run the setup file; GitHub Desktop launches when installation finishes. Administrators can deploy an .msi package through Group Policy.
- Sign in with your GitHub account to connect your repositories.
Linux and licence
GitHub states that Linux is not officially supported; the project README points to a community fork for Linux packages. GitHub Desktop itself is open source under the MIT licence.
GitHub Desktop works with Git repositories and opens files in your editor, for example Visual Studio Code.
Pros
- Visual commits, branches and history
- Free and open source (MIT)
- MSI package for company deployment
Cons
- No official Linux version
- Advanced Git tasks still need the command line
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a Linux version of GitHub Desktop?
Not officially. GitHub says Linux is not yet supported; its README points to a community-maintained fork that provides Linux installers.
Does GitHub Desktop work with repositories outside GitHub?
It works with local Git repositories, and its account features are built around GitHub.
GitHub DesktopOpen source
Download (opens in a new tab)
