OpenAI offers an official ChatGPT desktop app for Windows. It uses the same ChatGPT account as the website, but adds desktop conveniences such as a global shortcut and quick access from outside the browser.
Does this affect you?
Use this for Windows 10 or Windows 11 if you want the ChatGPT app instead of keeping ChatGPT open in a browser tab. Some desktop features require newer Windows builds.
Download and sign in to the ChatGPT app
Use only official sources for the installer.
- Go to chatgpt.com/download in your browser, or search for ChatGPT in the Microsoft Store.
- Download the installer from OpenAI or click Install in the Microsoft Store listing.
- Open the installed app.
- Sign in with the same email, Google, Microsoft, or Apple login you use on the ChatGPT website.
- Wait for your conversation history to sync. Chats from the web and desktop app share the same account history.
Use the global shortcut and desktop features
These are the main reasons to use the app.
- Press Alt+Space from anywhere on the PC to open the small ChatGPT window, unless you changed the shortcut.
- Change the shortcut in the app settings if another program already uses it.
- Use screenshot or screen-context features when available to ask about an error message or something visible on your screen.
- On supported versions, invoke the app on selected text to ask a question without copying and pasting manually.
- The app can remain in the system tray so it opens quickly even after you close the window.
More control
The app does not unlock paid features by itself
Free-tier limits, Plus features, model access, and account permissions are the same as they are in the browser because the app uses the same ChatGPT service.
ChatGPT is separate from Microsoft Copilot
The ChatGPT app is published by OpenAI. Microsoft Copilot is Microsoft’s assistant built into Windows and Microsoft 365. They do not share account history.
Close vs. quit
Clicking X may minimize ChatGPT to the tray so the shortcut keeps working. To fully quit, right-click the tray icon and choose Quit or Exit.
Uninstall normally if you change your mind
Open Windows Settings > Apps > Installed apps, find ChatGPT, and choose Uninstall. This removes the app from the PC but does not delete your OpenAI account or chat history.
Sources
- OpenAI Help Center – Download the ChatGPT desktop app for Windows (2026)
- OpenAI – Introducing the ChatGPT app for Windows (2024)
- OpenAI Help Center – Keyboard shortcuts in the ChatGPT app (2026)