GitKraken Desktop Experimental Features | Cloud Patch & Git Executable

Last updated: February 2026

GitKraken Desktop includes experimental features, which are early previews of in-development functionality. These features may change or be removed in future releases.

Quick Start

Enable and use experimental features in GitKraken Desktop, including the Git Executable and Cloud Patches.

To enable experimental features:

• Go to Preferences > Experimental and toggle the features you want to use.

To use the Git Executable:

• Enable Use Git Executable under Preferences > Experimental. This lets GitKraken Desktop use your system’s Git binary for core operations instead of the built-in library.

To create a Cloud Patch:

1. Stage files in the Commit Panel.
2. Click the Cloud Patch icon to create the patch.
3. Copy the generated link and share it with your team.

To apply a Cloud Patch:

1. Open the link in GitKraken Desktop, or find the patch in the Left Panel.
2. Select a target branch and apply the patch.

To share a commit as a Cloud Patch:

• Right-click any commit in the graph and select Share commit as Cloud Patch.

Cloud Patches are stored securely and can be shared with anyone who has the link, with your GitKraken organization, or with selected collaborators. To delete a patch, right-click it in the Left Panel and choose Delete Cloud Patch.

Access Experimental Features

To access experimental settings:

• Go to Preferences Experimental

Experimental features are optional and can be enabled or disabled at any time. If you experience issues or have feedback, contact support.

Git Executable

This setting allows GitKraken Desktop to use your system’s Git executable instead of NodeGit for core Git operations. It can enhance compatibility and performance.

Enable it from: Preferences > Experimental > Use Git Executable

GitKraken ships with Git built-in, or you can select a system Git path.

Features Using Git Executable

Git actions that currently use the Git executable (by version):

v9.4.0–11.6.0:

• Commit, fetch, push, pull
• Branch rename/delete, merge base
• Tag creation/deletion, revert commits
• Cherry-pick, rebase, checkout, clone
• Staging, unstaging, stash support
• SSH signing, Git Credential Manager
• Discard changes, undo/redo, hooks output
• Reset to commit (mixed, hard, soft)
• Undo checkout
• Submodules

See full details per release in the GitKraken Desktop release notes.

Cloud Patches

What Are Cloud Patches?

A Cloud Patch is a Git patch that GitKraken securely stores so you can share it across GitKraken Desktop, GitLens, and CLI. Use them to:

• Share work-in-progress with teammates before a pull request
• Apply changes across machines or collaborators securely

How to Enable

Cloud Patches require the Git Executable to be enabled (it is by default).

Create a Cloud Patch

1. Stage files in the Commit Panel.
2. Click the Cloud Patch icon.

You can also right-click any commit in the graph and select Share commit as Cloud Patch.

Share and Apply Cloud Patches

• Copy the link from the toast or Left Panel
• Options:
  • Anyone with the link
  • Anyone in my org (requires GitKraken login)
  • Only selected collaborators (requires login)

Recipients can open the patch and apply it to a selected branch.

Manage Cloud Patches

To delete a patch, right-click it in the Left Panel and choose Delete Cloud Patch.

Self-Hosting Cloud Patches

You can self-host Cloud Patch data on an AWS S3 instance instead of GitKraken servers. See Security Controls for setup instructions.