Whether you're new to Git or a seasoned user, GitHub Desktop simplifies your development workflow.

Are GitHub and GitHub Desktop the same?

Git is a popular version control system (VCS) originally authored by Linus Torvalds for development of the Linux kernel back in 2005.

GitHub is a platform where Git repositories can be hosted on the cloud/online (a Microsoft subsidiary since 2018), and GitHub Desktop is the official desktop client to interact with GitHub using an app and GUI instead of the command line or a web browser.

Is there a desktop app for GitHub?

This is it. Download the GitHub Desktop app and install it on your PC/Mac.

What are the best GitHub Desktop alternatives?

SourceTree offers Windows and macOS applications just like GitHub Desktop but GitKraken and SmartGit are also compatible with Linux, which GitHub Desktop is not.

Is GitHub Desktop compatible with Windows 7?

Yes, you can install GitHub Desktop on supported operating systems, which currently include macOS Sierra 10.12 or later, and Windows 7 64-bit or later.

Features

Start a project

You'll find all the projects you're working on listed in the sidebar. If you're starting a new project, use the repository drop down menu to create a new repository or clone an existing one directly from GitHub.com.

Branch off

Branches are essential to proposing changes and reviewing code on GitHub---and they're always available in the top left corner of the repository view. Just select the current branch to switch branches or create a new one.

Craft the perfect commit

View a diff of your uncommitted changes, and form the perfect commit by selecting the files---or even the specific lines---that make up a change. Enter the summary and description, then commit.

See your history

Visualize your changes and commits in the comparison graph. You can select commits on the graph to navigate through the history of your local branches.

Create a pull request

Once you're happy with your commits, you can open a pull request for review and discussion without leaving GitHub Desktop or touching the command line.

Merge and deploy

Browse commits on local and remote branches to quickly and clearly see what changes still need to be merged. You can also merge your code to the master branch for deployment right from the app.

What's New:

New

  • Add fetch and force-push actions in a dropdown as an alternative to the main Pull/Push/Publish action button - #15907
  • Get notified when someone comments your pull requests - #16226

Added

  • Add support for VimR code editor on macOS. - #16354. Thanks @Elmar-Wiese!

Fixed

  • Preview pull request button in the no local changes suggested next action isn't intermittently disabled - #16368
  • NVDA reads number of suggestions when an autocompletion list shows up - #16526
  • The undo commit confirmation modal message is screen reader announced - #16472
  • Clipping and overlapping of the changes list is fixed at 200% zoom - #16425
  • The commit message avatar is now a toggle tip making the commit author details keyboard accessible - #16272
  • The commit length hint is keyboard and screen reader accessible - #16449
  • The changes list header checkbox tooltip description is announced by screen readers - #16457
  • The changes list header checkbox tooltip is keyboard accessible - #16487
  • Announce a file's state of inclusion in the commit on the changes list - #16420
  • Display focus ring around focused control after dismissing a dialog - #16528

Improved

  • Add icons for tabs in Repository settings dialog - #16432. Thanks @sweezyio!
  • Use correct name for VSCodium editor - #16511. Thanks @GitMensch!
  • Styling improvements on Linux to scroll bars and default layouts - #16484. Thanks @shiftkey!
  • Include remote branches in search for default branch - #15754
  • Identify the changes list and history commit list as the changes and history tab panels for screen readers - #16463
  • Windows title bar controls do not interrupt screen readers in browse mode - #16483
  • Make radio theme selection look like radio buttons. - #16525
  • Improve accessibility of GitHub Enterprise login flow - #16567
  • Screen readers announce sign in errors - #16556