App Compatibility
GitHub Desktop on Linux
GitHub Desktop on Linux is currently a native path. Use the community 'shiftkey/desktop' Linux fork of GitHub Desktop (deb/rpm/Flatpak), or a native Git GUI like GitKraken or git-cola.
Recommended: Switch to a Linux alternative
Does GitHub Desktop work on Linux?
A supported Linux-native workflow exists.
Best Linux method
Use the community 'shiftkey/desktop' Linux fork of GitHub Desktop (deb/rpm/Flatpak), or a native Git GUI like GitKraken or git-cola.
GitHub never shipped an official Linux client; the shiftkey fork is the de-facto Linux build.
What breaks on Linux?
- No official GitHub Desktop build for Linux (only a community fork)
- The fork can lag upstream releases
- Some GitHub-specific auth flows differ from the official app
Method Comparison
| Native Linux | Not available |
|---|---|
| Web version | Not available |
| Wine rating | na |
| Fallback path | Use the community 'shiftkey/desktop' Linux fork of GitHub Desktop (deb/rpm/Flatpak), or a native Git GUI like GitKraken or git-cola. |
Alternatives
- GitKraken
- git-cola
- Lazygit
FAQ
Does GitHub Desktop work on Linux?
GitHub Desktop on Linux is currently a native path. Use the community 'shiftkey/desktop' Linux fork of GitHub Desktop (deb/rpm/Flatpak), or a native Git GUI like GitKraken or git-cola.
What is the best Linux method for GitHub Desktop?
Use the community 'shiftkey/desktop' Linux fork of GitHub Desktop (deb/rpm/Flatpak), or a native Git GUI like GitKraken or git-cola.
Related Apps
For Windows 10 users
GitHub Desktop is one piece of your migration. Add it alongside your other apps and games to see whether this whole PC can move to Linux before Windows 10 security updates end.