GitHub Desktop is an open-source graphical Git client for Windows that helps users clone repositories, review file changes, create commits, manage branches, sync with GitHub, and handle common version-control tasks without relying on terminal commands.
GitHub Desktop provides a visual workflow for Git and GitHub tasks such as cloning repositories, reviewing changes, committing work, switching branches, and pushing updates. It is designed for developers, students, designers, and other contributors who want version control without performing every operation from the command line. The app shows changed files and diffs before a commit, keeps branch and repository controls visible, and connects local work directly with repositories hosted on GitHub. GitHub Desktop also supports pull-request workflows, history review, stashing, worktrees, and conflict handling, giving users a practical desktop interface for routine source-control work while preserving the underlying Git repository structure.
GitHub Desktop works with local Git repositories and can open projects in an external editor, shell, or browser when a task requires tools beyond the graphical interface. Users can publish branches, fetch remote changes, push commits, inspect history, stash unfinished work, and manage multiple worktrees from the repository view. Developers who also use Epic Games Launcher can keep game distribution separate while GitHub Desktop manages source code, branches, commits, and collaboration around development projects. The application can preview a pull request before opening it on GitHub, and current builds include Copilot-assisted capabilities for selected workflows. Some advanced Git operations may still require the command line or another specialized client.
GitHub Desktop reduces the friction of everyday version control by turning common Git operations into visible, reviewable actions instead of requiring users to remember command syntax. File-by-file diffs help contributors see exactly what changed before committing, while branch controls make it easier to separate features, fixes, and experiments without losing context. Built-in push, pull, fetch, stash, history, and pull-request workflows keep frequent repository tasks close together, saving time when moving between local code and GitHub. Worktree support is especially useful when several branches need to stay checked out at once, because users can work in parallel directories without repeatedly switching the same folder. GitHub Desktop also opens repositories directly in preferred editors and terminals, so the graphical workflow does not block access to deeper Git tools. For teams, these capabilities make commits easier to review, branch changes easier to track, and collaboration more approachable for contributors with different levels of Git experience.
Key capabilities and highlights.
The Changes view lists modified, added, and removed files and displays line-level diffs before a commit is created. Users can select which files or individual changed lines belong in a commit, helping separate unrelated work and reducing the chance of sending accidental edits into repository history.
GitHub Desktop lets users create, rename, publish, switch, and delete branches from the graphical interface. When uncommitted changes exist, the app can help carry them to another branch or stash them first, making branch changes safer during active development without requiring users to type Git commands.
The History view shows commits for the current branch and lets users inspect the files and changes associated with earlier work. Desktop also provides tools for operations such as reverting commits and reordering compatible commits, giving users practical control over local history while keeping the resulting changes visible.
Users can temporarily stash saved but uncommitted changes when they need to switch branches without committing incomplete work. GitHub Desktop can later restore or discard that stash from the relevant branch. This provides a simple way to pause one task, handle another, and return without mixing unrelated modifications.
Current releases support Git worktrees, allowing multiple working directories from the same repository to remain checked out on different branches. This helps developers work on a feature, review another branch, or handle a quick fix in parallel without repeatedly replacing the files in one working directory.
After committing and publishing a branch, users can preview changes and start a pull request on GitHub directly from the application. GitHub Desktop also surfaces pull-request status information for the active branch, helping contributors move from local work to code review without manually reconstructing the branch context.
When a merge creates conflicts, the application identifies affected files and guides users toward resolving them before continuing. Current builds also include Copilot-assisted conflict resolution for eligible users and configurations. Manual resolution remains available, so contributors can inspect and control the final content before completing the merge.
Repositories can be opened from the desktop client in a configured external editor or command-line shell when work moves beyond built-in Git operations. This keeps the visual repository workflow connected with coding, testing, scripts, and advanced commands, rather than forcing users to choose between graphical and terminal-based tools.
Browse historical releases and previous builds.
Common questions about GitHub Desktop.
GitHub Desktop provides a graphical interface for common Git and GitHub tasks. Users can clone repositories, inspect file changes, create commits, manage branches, fetch and push changes, review history, stash unfinished work, manage worktrees, and begin pull-request workflows without performing every operation from the command line.
Yes. The application is open-source software released under the MIT License. Its source code is publicly available through the official desktop/desktop repository maintained by GitHub.
Yes. Existing local Git repositories can be added to the application, and repositories hosted on GitHub can be cloned to the computer. The underlying repository remains a standard Git repository, so command-line Git and other compatible tools can still be used when necessary.
Yes. Version 3.6 introduced worktree support, allowing users to manage multiple working directories associated with the same repository. This is useful when several branches need to remain checked out simultaneously for development, review, testing, or urgent fixes.
The application can preview branch changes and start the process of creating a pull request on GitHub after the branch has been committed, published, and pushed. It also displays relevant pull-request status information for the active branch.
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