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` or [later](https://github.com/coder/coder/releases/latest)

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

- Access to your Coder deployment URL

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 Connect** the primmary component of 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.

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

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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

- [.NET Windows Desktop Runtime](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/en-us/download/dotnet/8.0) (installed automatically if not present)

- Windows App Runtime SDK (may require manual installation)

ssh your-workspace.coder

ping6 -c 3 your-workspace.coder

ping -n 3 your-workspace.coder

Open `http://your-workspace.coder:PORT` in your browser, replacing `PORT` with the specific service port you want to access (e.g. 3000 for frontend, 8080 for API)

- 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

- Restart Coder Desktop

- Check system permissions for network extensions

- Ensure only one copy of Coder Desktop is installed

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`