ChatGPT desktop app for Windows and Mac: how to download and set it up (2026)
By the ChatGBot Team · Published October 27, 2026
Yes, ChatGPT has a desktop app for both Windows and Mac, and it is free to download. It puts ChatGPT one shortcut away, so you can ask a question without opening a browser tab. Here is how to install it on each system, the shortcut worth learning, and what to use if you want more than one AI model on your computer.
Get GPT and Claude on your desktop
GPT, Claude, DeepSeek, Qwen and GLM. One subscription.
Try ChatGBot →How to download ChatGPT on Windows
- Open the Microsoft Store, or go to OpenAI's official download page.
- Search for "ChatGPT" and make sure the publisher is OpenAI.
- Click Install, then open the app and sign in with your OpenAI account.
How to download ChatGPT on Mac
- Go to OpenAI's official download page and download ChatGPT for Mac.
- Open the downloaded file and drag ChatGPT into your Applications folder.
- Launch the app and sign in.
Only download ChatGPT from OpenAI's site or the Microsoft Store. Copycat "ChatGPT" apps are common, and some ask for payment details.
The shortcut that makes the desktop app worth it
The biggest reason to install the app is the quick-launch shortcut. Press Alt + Space on Windows or Option + Space on Mac and a small ChatGPT window pops up over whatever you are doing. You can change the shortcut in the app's settings.
Desktop app vs browser: which is better?
| Desktop app | Browser | |
|---|---|---|
| Opens with a shortcut | Yes | No |
| Works next to other apps | Yes, in a small window | Only in a tab |
| Install needed | Yes | No |
| Best for | Daily, frequent use | Occasional use or shared computers |
Features can differ between the Mac and Windows versions, and OpenAI updates both often, so check the app's settings for what is available on your system. Prefer your phone? See our guide to the ChatGPT app on iPhone and Android.
Want more than ChatGPT on your computer?
The ChatGPT app gives you OpenAI's models only. If you also want Claude for writing or DeepSeek for reasoning, ChatGBot puts GPT, Claude, DeepSeek, Qwen and GLM in one chat that runs in any desktop browser, with no install needed. You can ask one question, compare the answers and keep the best one. Curious about the free plan first? Read is ChatGPT free.
Frequently asked questions
Is the ChatGPT desktop app free?
Yes. The ChatGPT desktop app is free to download on Windows and Mac. You can use it with a free account or with a paid plan.
How do I open ChatGPT with a shortcut?
Press Alt + Space on Windows or Option + Space on Mac to open a small ChatGPT window. You can change this shortcut in the app's settings.
Where can I safely download ChatGPT for PC?
Use OpenAI's official download page or the Microsoft Store. Avoid third-party sites and lookalike apps.
Is the desktop app better than using ChatGPT in a browser?
For daily use, yes, because the shortcut makes it much faster to reach. The browser is fine for occasional use or shared computers.
Can I use Claude and GPT in one desktop app?
Yes. ChatGBot runs in your desktop browser and lets you switch between GPT, Claude, DeepSeek, Qwen and GLM in the same chat.
Ready to try it yourself?
The ChatGPT desktop app is a great shortcut for OpenAI's models. When you want GPT, Claude and DeepSeek side by side on your computer, try ChatGBot in your browser.
Ready to try it yourself?
Switch between top AI models in one chat.
Try ChatGBot →