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How to install and use the ChatGPT desktop app

The ChatGPT desktop app puts ChatGPT one keystroke away instead of in a browser tab. Here's where to download it, what your computer needs, the shortcut that opens it from anywhere, and how it can work with the apps you already have open.

Updated 30 October 2026

Checked against OpenAI's help pages on 30 October 2026. Since July 9 a single desktop app combines Chat, Work and Codex on both macOS and Windows. Some of OpenAI's help pages still describe the earlier apps, so menu names may differ slightly in your version.

Download and install

1. Check your computer. On a Mac you need macOS 14 or later, with Apple Silicon (M1 or newer) or an Intel processor. OpenAI won't release a version for older macOS. For Windows, OpenAI's help page lists Windows 10 (x64 or arm64), version 17763.0 or higher.
2. Open https://chatgpt.com/download/. On a Mac the page picks the right installer for Apple Silicon or Intel. On Windows the app comes through the Microsoft Store.
3. Install it. On a Mac, find ChatGPT in Finder (usually in Applications) and launch it.
4. Sign in with the same account you use on the website, or sign up if you're new.

At work, the Windows app follows your IT department's rules for Microsoft Store apps. If you can't install from the Store, your admin may push it to your computer instead.

Open it from anywhere with the shortcut

The biggest reason to use the desktop app is the quick window you can call up over whatever you're doing.

On a Mac you can also open the Chat Bar from the ChatGPT icon in the menu bar, and drag it anywhere on screen. Type your question and press Return or click the arrow. The + button lets you attach a file or photo, take a screenshot, or take a photo, so you can ask about a CSV or an image without leaving what you're doing.

On Windows, the shortcut works only while the ChatGPT app is open, and it won't work if another program already uses Alt+Space; pick a different hotkey in that case. New chat at the top of the companion window clears it, and a closed conversation can be picked up again from the history in the main window.

Work with other apps on a Mac

On macOS, ChatGPT can look at the app you're working in and include its content with your message. OpenAI's list of supported apps covers text editors (Apple Notes, Notion, TextEdit, Quip), code editors (Xcode, VS Code and its variants such as Cursor and Windsurf, JetBrains IDEs) and terminals (Terminal, iTerm, Warp, Prompt).

1. Open the Chat Bar with Option+Space, or click Work with Apps in the ChatGPT window.
2. Add the app you want and grant the permissions it asks for. Most apps use macOS Accessibility permission; VS Code needs the extension ChatGPT – Work with Code on macOS.
3. Look for the banner above the Chat Bar showing which app ChatGPT is reading. No banner means nothing extra is sent.
4. Ask your question. If you've selected text, ChatGPT focuses on the selection; in a terminal it reads up to the last 200 lines of open panes.

In code editors, ChatGPT can propose edits to open files as a diff you review and apply. To see which of your installed apps are compatible, go to Settings > Work with Apps > Manage Apps. To turn the feature off completely, switch off Enable Work with Apps in settings.

Good to know

• Privacy: content ChatGPT reads from your apps becomes part of the chat and is kept in your history until you delete it. On personal plans it may be used to improve models unless you turn off Improve the model for everyone (see how to stop ChatGPT training on your chats). Business and Enterprise content isn't used for training by default.
• Work accounts: Enterprise and Edu admins can switch off Work with Apps and code edits for everyone in the workspace.
• Connected services: linking Google Drive, Slack and similar services is a different feature; see how to connect apps to ChatGPT.

If it doesn't work

• The Mac app won't install. Check that you're on macOS 14 or later; older versions aren't supported.
• The shortcut does nothing. Make sure the app is running, then choose a different shortcut in case another app already uses it.
• ChatGPT can't see your app. Re-check Accessibility permission for ChatGPT in macOS System Settings, or install the VS Code extension. At work, ask your admin whether the feature is disabled.
• The Windows app is acting up. Reset it from Windows Settings (see the FAQ below).

Sources

• Downloading the ChatGPT macOS app (OpenAI Help Center, checked 30 October 2026)
• Using the ChatGPT Windows app (OpenAI Help Center, checked 30 October 2026)
• How to launch the Chat Bar (OpenAI Help Center, checked 30 October 2026)
• Work with Apps on macOS (OpenAI Help Center, checked 30 October 2026)

Frequently asked questions