The ChatGPT desktop app brings AI directly to your computer with native performance, a global keyboard shortcut, screen sharing capabilities, and seamless integration with your existing workflow. Available for both macOS and Windows, the desktop app makes ChatGPT accessible from any application without switching to a browser tab.
Press Option+Space on Mac or Alt+Space on Windows to summon ChatGPT instantly. Share your screen for contextual coding help, drag and drop files for analysis, and use voice mode hands-free while you work. All your conversations, Custom GPTs, and Memory sync automatically across desktop, web, and mobile.
The ChatGPT desktop app is a native application for macOS and Windows that provides direct access to ChatGPT without a web browser. Key features include a global keyboard shortcut (Option+Space / Alt+Space) for instant access from any application, screen sharing for contextual assistance, drag-and-drop file uploads, voice mode, and automatic updates. The app syncs all conversations, Custom GPTs, and Memory with web and mobile clients. It works with every ChatGPT plan tier including Free. The Mac app requires macOS 14+, and the Windows app requires Windows 10+.
Purpose-built features that make the desktop app the best way to use ChatGPT on your computer.
Press Option+Space on Mac or Alt+Space on Windows to open a floating ChatGPT window from any application. Whether you are writing in Google Docs, coding in VS Code, designing in Figma, or analyzing spreadsheets in Excel, ChatGPT appears instantly as a compact overlay. Type your question, get your answer, and dismiss the window to continue working without losing context.
The global shortcut is the single most-used feature of the desktop app. Users report it eliminates the constant tab-switching that disrupts focus when using ChatGPT through a browser. The shortcut is customizable in Settings for users who prefer a different key combination or need to avoid conflicts with other applications.
Share your entire screen or a specific application window with ChatGPT so it can see what you are working on and provide contextual assistance. A developer stuck on a bug can share their IDE window and ask ChatGPT to identify the issue. A designer can share a mockup and get layout feedback. A data analyst can share a spreadsheet and ask for formula suggestions based on the actual data visible on screen.
Screen sharing works in real time during voice conversations, creating a natural collaborative experience similar to pair programming or showing a colleague your screen. ChatGPT processes the visual information and responds with specific, contextual guidance that references what it can see. You control exactly what is shared and can stop sharing at any time. Learn more about the desktop app at OpenAI's download page.
The desktop app runs as a native application, not a wrapped web view. This means faster startup times, lower memory usage compared to keeping a browser tab open, and smoother interactions. The app integrates with your operating system's notification center, respects system-wide dark mode and light mode preferences, and supports native text selection, copy, and paste behaviors.
Auto-updates ensure you always have the latest features and security patches without manual downloads. Updates install silently in the background and apply the next time you open the app. Drag and drop files directly from Finder or File Explorer into the chat window for instant upload and analysis, eliminating the multi-step file selection process required in the browser version.
Choose the right ChatGPT experience for how and where you work.
| Feature | Desktop App | Web Browser | Mobile App |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global Shortcut | Option+Space / Alt+Space | — | — |
| Screen Sharing | Yes | — | — |
| Drag & Drop Files | Native | Yes | — |
| Voice Mode | Yes | Yes | Advanced |
| Camera Input | Via screen share | File upload | Live camera |
| Notifications | System native | Browser | Push notifications |
| Offline History | Yes | — | Yes |
| Auto-Updates | Yes | Always current | App Store updates |
| Memory Usage | ~150MB | Varies by browser | ~120MB |
| Custom GPTs | Full access | Full access | Full access |
| Dark Mode | System sync | Manual toggle | System sync |
| Platforms | macOS 14+, Windows 10+ | Any modern browser | iOS 16+, Android 10+ |
Minimum and recommended specifications for the best desktop app experience.
Requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later. Runs natively on Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, M4) and Intel processors. Universal binary ensures optimal performance on both architectures. Available from the Mac App Store and the OpenAI website. Supports Spotlight integration for quick access.
Requires Windows 10 version 1809 or later (Windows 11 recommended). Minimum 4GB RAM. Compatible with x64 and ARM64 processors including Qualcomm Snapdragon. Available from the Microsoft Store and the OpenAI website. Supports Windows taskbar integration and Jump Lists.
Active internet connection required for AI responses. Minimum 1 Mbps recommended for text conversations, 5 Mbps for voice mode, and 10 Mbps for screen sharing. Conversation history is cached locally for offline browsing. Supports proxy configurations for enterprise networks.
Download the native app for Mac or Windows and access AI from anywhere on your computer with a single keyboard shortcut. Free for all ChatGPT users.
Download FreeAnswers to common questions about downloading, installing, and using the desktop app.
Download the ChatGPT desktop app from the official OpenAI website, the Mac App Store for macOS, or the Microsoft Store for Windows. All three sources provide the same application. The download is free and works with every ChatGPT plan tier including Free. Installation takes under a minute on most systems. Sign in with your existing ChatGPT account credentials to sync all conversations, Custom GPTs, and preferences.
The Mac app requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later and runs natively on both Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, M4) and Intel processors as a Universal Binary. The Windows app requires Windows 10 version 1809 or later with a minimum of 4GB RAM, and supports both x64 and ARM64 processor architectures. Both platforms need an active internet connection for AI responses, with 1 Mbps minimum for text, 5 Mbps for voice, and 10 Mbps recommended for screen sharing.
The desktop app requires an internet connection for generating AI responses since all processing happens on OpenAI's servers. However, your conversation history is cached locally, so you can browse, search, and copy from previous conversations while offline. You can also draft messages while disconnected that will send automatically when connectivity returns. The app displays a clear offline indicator and queues your requests.
The desktop app supports a comprehensive set of keyboard shortcuts. The global shortcut (Option+Space on Mac, Alt+Space on Windows) opens ChatGPT from any application. Within the app: Cmd/Ctrl+N starts a new chat, Cmd/Ctrl+Shift+C copies code blocks, Cmd/Ctrl+K opens the command palette, Cmd/Ctrl+Shift+V pastes without formatting, and Cmd/Ctrl+[ and Cmd/Ctrl+] navigate between conversations. The global shortcut key combination is customizable in Settings > Keyboard Shortcuts.
Yes, the desktop app includes screen sharing that lets ChatGPT see what is on your screen and provide contextual assistance. Click the screen share icon in the chat input area or use the voice mode screen share option. You can share your entire screen or select a specific application window. This is useful for getting help with code in your IDE, spreadsheet formulas, design feedback, debugging visual layouts, or any task where showing is more efficient than describing. You control sharing at all times and can revoke access instantly.
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