GitHub Desktop icon

GitHub Desktop

GitHub, Inc.·Developer Tools

Focus on what matters instead of fighting with Git.

Install Command

Run this command in PowerShell on Windows with App Installer (winget) available. Review installer prompts and publisher requirements before proceeding.

winget install --id 'GitHub.GitHubDesktop' --exact
Publisher
GitHub, Inc.
Version
3.6.9Latest
License
MIT
Category
Developer Tools

Install details for GitHub Desktop

Architectures
x64, arm64
Install scope
Machine-wide, Per-user
Installer format
EXE, WIX
Versions in winget-pkgs
75
  • •Custom EXE installer: the silent switches come from the package manifest.
  • •Windows Installer (MSI) package: winget runs it silently with standard msiexec switches.

75 versions of GitHub Desktop are currently kept in the winget community repository; the latest is 3.6.9. These details come from the package's manifests in microsoft/winget-pkgs and refresh every 12 hours.

Released: October 2026

Description

GitHub Desktop is an open-source Electron-based GitHub app. It is written in TypeScript and uses React.

GitHub Desktop is available through winget as package ID GitHub.GitHubDesktop, with version 3.6.9. Use the install command above to set it up on Windows without downloading a separate installer manually.

winget commands for GitHub Desktop

Install the latest version

winget install --id 'GitHub.GitHubDesktop' --exact

Install a specific version (3.6.9)

winget install --id 'GitHub.GitHubDesktop' --exact --version '3.6.9'

Install for the current user only

winget install --id 'GitHub.GitHubDesktop' --exact --scope user

Install for all users (machine scope)

winget install --id 'GitHub.GitHubDesktop' --exact --scope machine

Install the arm64 build

winget install --id 'GitHub.GitHubDesktop' --exact --architecture arm64

Upgrade to the latest version

winget upgrade --id 'GitHub.GitHubDesktop' --exact

Uninstall

winget uninstall --id 'GitHub.GitHubDesktop' --exact

Pin the installed version so winget upgrade --all skips it

winget pin add --id 'GitHub.GitHubDesktop' --exact

Show the package details winget sees

winget show --id 'GitHub.GitHubDesktop' --exact

Why install it with winget

Build your development setup around your projects: editor, terminal, runtimes, and optional container tools. Review each package before adding it to a repeatable setup script.

  • •Makes developer stacks easier to reinstall with one repeatable flow
  • •Useful for scripting day-one workstation setup
  • •Keep package IDs alongside project setup instructions

Good fit for

Developer workstation setupFresh machine rebuildsTeam onboarding checklists
Package ID

GitHub.GitHubDesktop

Moniker

github-desktop

Homepagehttps://github.com/apps/desktop

Tags

gitgithub

Common questions

How do I install GitHub Desktop with winget?

Open PowerShell or Windows Terminal and run winget install --id 'GitHub.GitHubDesktop' --exact. winget downloads the installer listed in the official winget-pkgs manifest, checks its SHA256 hash, and installs it.

How do I update GitHub Desktop with winget?

Run winget upgrade --id 'GitHub.GitHubDesktop' --exact. To update every installed package at once, run winget upgrade --all.

How do I uninstall GitHub Desktop with winget?

Run winget uninstall --id 'GitHub.GitHubDesktop' --exact. winget calls the uninstaller that the package registered with Windows.

Does GitHub Desktop have a native ARM64 build?

Yes. The winget manifest lists installers for x64, arm64, and winget picks the ARM64 build automatically on Windows on ARM devices.

Can I install GitHub Desktop without administrator rights?

Usually, yes. The manifest offers a per-user installer, so winget install --id 'GitHub.GitHubDesktop' --exact --scope user installs it for your account only.

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