OpenAI has officially rolled out the ChatGPT application for Windows, making it available to all users. The macOS desktop version was introduced in June 2024, with the Windows counterpart following roughly a month later.
Initially, the ChatGPT app for Windows was exclusively available to users subscribed to ChatGPT Plus, Team, Enterprise, or those in educational contexts. Now, the app is accessible to free users as well. To get started, users can download the app from the Microsoft Store, while Mac users can obtain theirs from the official website. The Windows app requires Windows 10 version 17763.0 or higher.
Overview of the ChatGPT App for Windows
To use the app, log into your OpenAI account, with authentication managed through your default web browser. While I won’t go into the details of app usage, it is quite similar to the web version of the chatbot. Users can interact with the AI, check chat history, and create text, code, images, and more. There is a Temporary Chat feature that limits the app’s access to your history, memory, or personal data, although chat content will be stored on the server for 30 days for security reasons.
You can open the ChatGPT desktop app with the keyboard shortcut Alt + Space, as long as the application is running in the background. It also stays minimized in the system tray. The hotkey can be customized by going to your profile name (found in the bottom left corner) > Settings > App. This section also allows you to switch between a light and dark theme for the interface.
One setting to consider is located under Personalization > Memory, which stops the app from using your chat history in future interactions, thus providing a tailored experience. This option is turned off by default, likely due to settings from the web version adjustments. The specific setting that prevents ChatGPT from using your data to improve its language model can be found under Data Controls > Improve the model for everyone.
The app description states that the ChatGPT desktop app is compatible with all OpenAI models, including the o1-preview, which is a premium feature. Both the Windows and Mac versions are built on Electron technology, despite the Mac version being termed a native app.
On an additional note, the Mac version of the ChatGPT app can connect with third-party applications, though there are limitations; currently, it supports tools like VS Code, Xcode, Terminal, and iTerm2.
Is the ChatGPT Desktop App Worth Using?
You may be curious about the benefits of using the desktop app over the web version. The advantages depend on individual preferences. The keyboard shortcut can significantly enhance productivity, particularly when managing multiple applications. The desktop app also includes voice chat functionality, which, although not free, can be tested within the desktop or Android/iOS apps—a trial not available for the web version. It is important to note that the Advanced Voice Mode is a premium feature available only to ChatGPT Plus or Enterprise users utilizing GPT-4. From the app’s menu, users can access a variety of third-party GPT models, but creating a personalized model necessitates a ChatGPT Plus subscription.
One more advantage of the desktop application is its compatibility with plugins connecting to third-party services; however, this feature also requires a premium subscription. Users interested in additional features can upgrade to a premium plan directly through the app, starting at $20 per month.
Despite its freemium model, the ChatGPT desktop application offers potential competition to Microsoft Copilot.
Image Source; Unsplash
