Guide · Productivity
Gemini app for Windows and Mac: what it does and how to download it
Google's Gemini desktop app is now on Windows and Mac. See what it can do, the Alt + Space shortcut, system requirements and how it differs from the browser.
The short answer
Google's Gemini desktop app launched on macOS in April 2026 and on Windows on September 10, 2026. It runs alongside your other apps, opens instantly with Alt + Space, can draft documents using information from Gmail and Drive, and generates images with Nano Banana, all without opening a browser tab. Download it from gemini.google/desktop.
Google’s Gemini app for desktop has moved beyond the browser tab. It launched on macOS in April 2026 and arrived on Windows on September 10, 2026, as a standalone app that sits alongside whatever you’re already working on. This guide covers what it does, how to get it and what each platform needs.
Gemini for desktop at a glance
| Detail | Gemini for desktop |
|---|---|
| Windows launch | September 10, 2026 |
| macOS launch | April 2026 |
| Windows shortcut | Alt + Space |
| Windows requirements | Windows 10 or later, x64 or ARM64 |
| macOS requirements | Apple Silicon, macOS Sequoia (15.0) or later |
| Download | gemini.google/desktop |
What the desktop app does
Google describes the app as designed to work alongside your favourite tools, giving instant assistance without disrupting your workflow. On Windows, pressing Alt + Space brings Gemini up over whatever you’re doing, for a quick question or task without switching windows.
Beyond quick questions, Google highlights two capabilities:
- Drafting with your own data. You can ask Gemini to draft a project summary using information pulled directly from Google Workspace apps such as Gmail and Drive, rather than starting from a blank prompt.
- Image generation. You can generate custom images with Nano Banana directly from the desktop app. Our guide to the best AI image generators covers what Nano Banana Pro can do and how it compares with other tools.
Google also says the app is built to be lightweight, so it shouldn’t noticeably slow down your PC while it runs in the background.
How to get it
- Go to gemini.google/desktop.
- Download the version for your operating system.
- On Windows, the app runs on Windows 10 or later, on both x64 and ARM64 machines. On Mac, it needs an Apple Silicon MacBook running macOS Sequoia (15.0) or later.
- Sign in with your Google Account.
Desktop app vs the browser and mobile app
The desktop app doesn’t replace Gemini in Chrome or the mobile app; it’s a third way in, aimed at people who want Gemini available without a browser tab open. If you mainly want a voice conversation rather than typing, our tutorial on how to use Gemini Live covers that separately, and it works across the app, Chrome and mobile. For higher usage limits and extra features across any of these, see our guide to Google AI Plus vs Pro vs Ultra, and for the assistant overall, the Gemini profile.
Frequently asked questions
When did the Gemini app come to Windows?
Google announced the Windows launch on September 10, 2026, following the macOS app, which arrived in April 2026.
What can the Gemini desktop app do that the browser version can't?
It's designed to sit alongside your other work rather than living in a browser tab. Press Alt + Space on Windows to bring Gemini over whatever you're doing for a quick task, and Google says it's built to be lightweight so it doesn't slow down your PC.
Can Gemini for desktop see my Gmail and Drive files?
Yes, with your permission. Google says you can ask Gemini to draft a project summary using information pulled directly from Google Workspace apps such as Gmail and Drive.
Can I generate images from the Gemini desktop app?
Yes. Google says you can generate custom images with Nano Banana directly from the desktop app, without switching to a browser.
What are the system requirements?
The Windows app needs Windows 10 or later, on x64 or ARM64 hardware. The macOS app needs Apple Silicon and macOS Sequoia (15.0) or later.
Where do I download the Gemini desktop app?
From gemini.google/desktop, for both Windows and macOS.
Sources
Product facts are checked against the vendor's own announcements and documentation.
- The Gemini app is now available for Windows — Googlehttps://blog.google/innovation-and-ai/products/gemini-app/gemini-app-now-on-windows/
- Gemini for desktop — Googlehttps://gemini.google/desktop/
