Which Windows versions can run the Gemini desktop app?

The Gemini desktop app runs on Windows 10 or later, on both x64 and ARM64 machines, and Google describes it as available today globally. The same download page offers the macOS build, which needs an Apple Silicon Mac and macOS Sequoia 15.0 or later, so the two desktop platforms are now at parity.

Does the Gemini Windows app need a paid plan?

Google's footnote on the launch post states that a Google AI subscription is required, that availability varies, and that users must be 18 or older. Google's separate Workspace Updates post lists the desktop app as reaching all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual subscribers, and people with personal Google accounts, so the app is not limited to business plans.

Do Workspace admins have to turn the Gemini desktop app on?

No. Google's Workspace Updates post lists the desktop app as on by default for organisations with Gemini enabled, and says there is no end-user setting to configure — people download it directly. The rollout is marked available now for both Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains, so neither release track has to wait.

What can the Gemini Windows app do that the browser cannot?

The Windows app adds a system-level shortcut: Alt + Space floats Gemini over the app you are already in, instead of making you switch to a tab. From there it can draft a project summary from Gmail and Google Drive, generate images with Nano Banana, and direct video with Gemini Omni. Google says more native desktop capabilities will roll out over time.

Google · 2026-09-10 · major

Gemini for Windows — Google's desktop app opens over your work with Alt + Space

Gemini now has a native Windows app. Google released the Gemini desktop app globally for Windows 10 and 11, on x64 and ARM64 machines, with Alt + Space to pull it over whatever you are working on.

Gemini for Desktop promotional thumbnail from Google's launch announcement

Google's Gemini assistant ships as a native Windows app, one Alt + Space away from whatever you are working on.

Quick facts

Maker	Google
Platforms	Windows 10 or later (x64, ARM64)
Shortcut	Alt + Space
Availability	Global, available today
Cost	Google AI subscription required; 18+
Agent	Gemini Spark, the 24/7 personal agent
Also on	macOS (Apple Silicon, Sequoia 15.0+)

What is it?

The Gemini desktop app now installs on Windows 10 and 11, on both x64 and ARM64 machines. Alt + Space brings it over your active work for quick jobs — drafting a document, managing tasks, making an image — then gets out of the way. Google calls the app lightweight and quiet, and says it runs without slowing down your PC. It follows the macOS build, which launched in April 2026.

How does it work?

Instead of a browser tab, the Windows app runs as a local overlay signed into a Google account. From the desktop it can draft a project summary by pulling information straight out of Gmail and Google Drive, generate custom images with Nano Banana, or direct a video with Gemini Omni. Multi-step jobs can be handed to Gemini Spark, Google's 24/7 personal agent, inside the same window.

Why does it matter?

Windows is where most desktop work happens, and Gemini users there had only a browser tab while macOS got a native app in April. Google's Workspace Updates post lists the app as on by default for organisations that already have Gemini enabled, with no end-user setting to configure, so IT teams have nothing to roll out. A Google AI subscription is still required, per Google's footnote.

Who is it for?

Windows users on Workspace or a personal Google account

Frequently asked questions

Which Windows versions can run the Gemini desktop app?: The Gemini desktop app runs on Windows 10 or later, on both x64 and ARM64 machines, and Google describes it as available today globally. The same download page offers the macOS build, which needs an Apple Silicon Mac and macOS Sequoia 15.0 or later, so the two desktop platforms are now at parity.
Does the Gemini Windows app need a paid plan?: Google's footnote on the launch post states that a Google AI subscription is required, that availability varies, and that users must be 18 or older. Google's separate Workspace Updates post lists the desktop app as reaching all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual subscribers, and people with personal Google accounts, so the app is not limited to business plans.
Do Workspace admins have to turn the Gemini desktop app on?: No. Google's Workspace Updates post lists the desktop app as on by default for organisations with Gemini enabled, and says there is no end-user setting to configure — people download it directly. The rollout is marked available now for both Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains, so neither release track has to wait.
What can the Gemini Windows app do that the browser cannot?: The Windows app adds a system-level shortcut: Alt + Space floats Gemini over the app you are already in, instead of making you switch to a tab. From there it can draft a project summary from Gmail and Google Drive, generate images with Nano Banana, and direct video with Gemini Omni. Google says more native desktop capabilities will roll out over time.

Try it

https://gemini.google/desktop