Coder Desktop provides seamless access to your remote workspaces through a native application. Connect to workspace services using simple hostnames like `myworkspace.coder`, launch applications with one click, and synchronize files between local and remote environments—all without installing a CLI or configuring manual port forwarding.

- A Coder deployment running [v2.20.0](https://github.com/coder/coder/releases/tag/v2.20.0) or later

- Administrator privileges on your local machine (for VPN extension installation)

- Access to your Coder deployment URL

- Valid Coder account credentials

**Estimated setup time:** 5-10 minutes

1. Install: `brew install --cask coder/coder/coder-desktop` (macOS) or `winget install Coder.CoderDesktop` (Windows)

1. Open Coder Desktop and approve any system prompts to complete the installation.

1. Sign in with your deployment URL and session token

1. Enable "Coder Connect" toggle

1. Access workspaces at `workspace-name.coder`

Coder Desktop creates a secure tunnel to your Coder deployment, allowing you to:

- **Access workspaces directly**: Connect via `workspace-name.coder` hostnames

- **Use any application**: SSH clients, browsers, IDEs work seamlessly

- **Sync files**: Bidirectional sync between local and remote directories

- **Work offline**: Edit files locally, sync when reconnected

The VPN extension routes only Coder traffic—your other internet activity remains unchanged.

<div class="tabs">

brew install --cask coder/coder/coder-desktop

1. Download the latest release from [coder-desktop-macos releases](https://github.com/coder/coder-desktop-macos/releases)

1. Drag `Coder Desktop.app` to your Applications folder

1. Open from Applications directory

1. When prompted with **"Coder Desktop" would like to use a new network extension**, select **Open System Settings**

1. In **Network Extensions** settings, enable the Coder Desktop extension

1. You may need to enter your password to authorize the extension

✅ **Verify Installation**: Coder Desktop should appear in your menu bar

<div class="tabs">

winget install Coder.CoderDesktop

1. Download the latest `CoderDesktop` installer (`.exe`) from [coder-desktop-windows releases](https://github.com/coder/coder-desktop-windows/releases)

1. Choose the correct architecture (`x64` or `arm64`) for your system

1. Run the installer and accept the license terms

1. If prompted, install the .NET Windows Desktop Runtime

1. Install Windows App Runtime SDK if prompted

**System Requirements**

- .NET Windows Desktop Runtime (installed automatically if needed)

- Windows App Runtime SDK (may require manual installation)

</div>

Once connected, test access to your workspaces:

**SSH Connection**

ssh your-workspace.coder

**Ping Test**

ping6 -c 3 your-workspace.coder

ping -n 3 your-workspace.coder

Open `http://your-workspace.coder:8080` in your browser (replace `8080` with your service's port)

**"Can't connect to workspace"**

- Verify Coder Connect is enabled (toggle should be ON)

- Check that your deployment URL is correct

- Ensure your session token hasn't expired

- Try disconnecting and reconnecting Coder Connect

**"VPN extension not working"**

- Restart Coder Desktop

- Check system permissions for network extensions

- Ensure only one copy of Coder Desktop is installed

**VPN Conflicts**

Coder Desktop is unable to connect if the Coder deployment is only accessible via a VPN. This affects:

- [macOS](https://github.com/coder/coder-desktop-macos/issues/201)

- [Windows](https://github.com/coder/coder-desktop-windows/issues/147)

A resolution is in development. For now, use the [Coder CLI](../cli.md) when connected to corporate VPNs.

**Secure Browser Context**

Some web applications require HTTPS for certain features. While Coder Connect uses encrypted WireGuard tunnels, browsers may show security warnings for HTTP connections to `.coder` hostnames.

If you encounter issues not covered here:

- **File an issue**: [macOS](https://github.com/coder/coder-desktop-macos/issues) | [Windows](https://github.com/coder/coder-desktop-windows/issues) | [General](https://github.com/coder/coder/issues)

- **Community support**: [Discord](https://coder.com/chat)

1. **Disable Coder Connect** in the app menu

2. **Quit Coder Desktop** completely

3. **Remove VPN extension** from System Settings > Network Extensions

4. **Delete the app** from Applications folder

5. **Remove configuration** (optional): `rm -rf ~/Library/Application\ Support/Coder\ Desktop`

1. **Disable Coder Connect** in the app menu

2. **Quit Coder Desktop** from system tray

3. **Uninstall** via Settings > Apps or Control Panel

4. **Remove configuration** (optional): Delete `%APPDATA%\Coder Desktop`