Install GitKraken Desktop on Windows, macOS & Linux | Setup Guide

Last updated: March 2026

This installation guide explains how to install GitKraken Desktop on Windows, macOS, and Linux, including platform-specific download methods, system requirements, and data locations. Use it when setting up GitKraken Desktop for the first time or when verifying the correct installer and OS support for your environment.

Requirements and platform support

• Windows: Windows 10+
• macOS: macOS 12+ on Intel and Apple Silicon
• Linux .deb: Ubuntu 18.04+ LTS or Debian 10+
• Linux .rpm: RHEL 8+ or Fedora 39+
• Linux support note: Other distributions may work but are not officially supported
• Advanced features note: Git command-line tools are optional for basic use, but recommended for features such as the terminal, experimental tools, or Git LFS

Quick Start

1. Download GitKraken Desktop for your platform.
2. Run the installer:
   • Windows: Double-click the .exe file. GitKraken Desktop installs and launches automatically.
   • macOS: Open the .dmg file and drag the GitKraken icon into your Applications folder.
   • Linux (.deb): Run wget https://release.gitkraken.com/linux/gitkraken-amd64.deb && sudo apt install ./gitkraken-amd64.deb.
   • Linux (.rpm): Run wget https://release.gitkraken.com/linux/gitkraken-amd64.rpm && sudo dnf install ./gitkraken-amd64.rpm.
3. Launch GitKraken Desktop:
   • Windows/macOS: Use the shortcut or Applications folder.
   • Linux: Run gitkraken in a terminal.

No Git command-line tools are required for basic use. For advanced features like the terminal, Git LFS, or experimental tools, install Git from git-scm.com.

How to install GitKraken Desktop on each platform

There are three simple steps to get started with GitKraken Desktop:

1. Download GitKraken Desktop
2. Install GitKraken Desktop
3. Launch and start using GitKraken Desktop

No Git command-line tools are required. Once you run the installer, you can open the app and start working with your repositories.

If you want to use advanced features such as the terminal, experimental tools, or Git LFS, we recommend you download Git from git-scm.com.

Below are platform-specific installation instructions and system requirements.

How to install GitKraken Desktop on Windows

System requirements: Windows 10+

• Download GitKraken Desktop for Windows (64-bit)

How to run the Windows installer

In your terminal, run the following:

Double-click the downloaded executable file. A splash screen will appear while GitKraken Desktop is installed. The application will automatically start when installation completes.

Where GitKraken Desktop stores data on Windows

GitKraken Desktop data is stored in your user profile directory at:

C:\Users\{user}\AppData\Roaming\.gitkraken

How to install GitKraken Desktop on macOS

System requirements:

• Intel: macOS 12+

• Apple Silicon: macOS 12+

• Download GitKraken Desktop for macOS

How to run the macOS installer

Double-click the downloaded DMG file. When prompted, drag and drop the GitKraken icon into your Applications folder.

Where GitKraken Desktop stores data on macOS

GitKraken Desktop data is stored in:

/Users/{user}/.gitkraken

or using the shorthand:

~/.gitkraken

How to install GitKraken Desktop on Linux

System requirements:

• .deb: Ubuntu 18.04+ LTS or Debian 10+
• .rpm: RHEL 8+ or Fedora 39+

How to install the .deb package

In your terminal, run:

wget https://release.gitkraken.com/linux/gitkraken-amd64.deb
sudo apt install ./gitkraken-amd64.deb

Or download the .deb installation package.

How to install the .rpm package

wget https://release.gitkraken.com/linux/gitkraken-amd64.rpm
sudo dnf install ./gitkraken-amd64.rpm

Or download the .rpm installation package.

For older distributions without dnf, use yum instead.

How to install the .tar.gz archive

wget https://release.gitkraken.com/linux/gitkraken-amd64.tar.gz
sudo tar -xvzf gitkraken-amd64.tar.gz

Or download the .tar.gz archive.

How to install from Snap

Install GitKraken from Snapcraft.io.

Where GitKraken Desktop stores data on Linux

GitKraken Desktop data is stored in:

/home/{user}/.gitkraken

or

~/.gitkraken

How to use GitKraken Desktop with WSL

To use GitKraken Desktop with Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), refer to our WSL setup guide.

How to launch GitKraken Desktop after installation

Once installed, launch GitKraken Desktop as follows:

• Windows: Use the Start Menu shortcut or search for GitKraken.
• macOS: Open the Applications folder and double-click GitKraken.
• Linux: Open a terminal and run:

gitkraken

You’re now ready to start using GitKraken! For help getting started with repositories, branches, and remotes, check out the Getting Started Guide.