Telegram Desktop Guide: Download, Login & Key Features (2026)
When phone typing and large uploads feel slow, install the desktop app. It syncs cloud chats with your phone and keeps working when the phone is off—just remember secret chats start on mobile only.
On Windows/macOS, official Telegram Desktop plus QR login is the fast path: choose the QR option on desktop, scan via phone Settings → Devices → Link Desktop Device, then enter the two-step password if enabled. After that the desktop session runs on its own. Secret chats cannot be started from desktop—see secret chats.
Desktop vs mobile—and which build to get
| Capability | Desktop | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud sync | Yes | Yes |
| Drag-and-drop large files | Easier | Possible |
| Multi-account | Yes | Yes |
| Shortcuts / full export | Yes | Full export is desktop |
| Start secret chats | No | Yes |
| Phone must stay online | Only at link time | — |
Prefer full Telegram Desktop (tdesktop). Store builds exist, but download from channels listed in the platform download guide. Skip unknown “portable power” packs.
QR login and session hygiene
- Open desktop → Log in by QR Code
- Phone: Settings → Devices → Link Desktop Device
- Scan; enter the cloud password if two-step is on
No need to retype the phone number. Multi-device notes: login guide. Only scan the QR inside your own official window—not images people send in chat (QR safety). On shared PCs, end the session under Devices when done; closing the window is not sign-out.
Where desktop shines—and where it does not
Synced cloud chats and read state; steadier large uploads (large files); multi-account switching (multiple accounts); keyboard navigation; full “Export Telegram data.” It cannot start secret chats—return to mobile for E2EE threads.
Connection issues, crashes, and when to stop
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Stuck Connecting | No proxy / dead node | Connection type or system VPN; proxy guide |
| QR fails | Wrong cloud password / fake QR page | Retry password; only scan official in-app QR |
| Crash / will not open | Corrupt install / modded build | Clean reinstall of official Desktop |
Chinese UI tips: language guide. Fix the network before reinstall loops. When an official build syncs and Devices looks clean, stop.
| Scenario | Do | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Borrowed PC | Web client + end session | Mystery portable builds |
| Daily work / export | Official Telegram Desktop | Third-party “enhanced” packs |
| Several accounts | Official Add Account | Clone/dual-app tools |
| Phone dead | Desktop keeps cloud chats | Expecting new secret chats on desktop |
FAQ
How do I log in to Telegram Desktop without a phone number?
Use QR login. Open Telegram Desktop, choose "Log in by QR Code", then on your phone go to Settings → Devices → Link Desktop Device and scan the on-screen code. No phone number or SMS is needed — just enter your two-step password if you have one set.
Does Telegram Desktop sync messages with my phone?
Yes. Regular chats live on Telegram’s cloud, so messages, media and read states mirror across your phone, desktop and web in real time. Signing in on the desktop does not log out your phone; both stay active at once.
Why can’t I start a secret chat on Telegram Desktop?
Secret chats are end-to-end encrypted and tied to a single device, so they only work in the iOS and Android apps. The desktop client handles cloud chats, channels, groups and large file transfers, but device-bound encrypted secret chats stay on your phone by design.
Telegram Desktop vs the Microsoft Store / Mac App Store build — what’s the difference?
The core features are the same; the difference is updates and permissions. The tdesktop build from the website updates fastest, has every feature and is lightweight; the store builds use each store’s sandbox and auto-update, which is convenient but occasionally a step behind on new features. Choose Telegram Desktop to get features first (or on Linux); use a store build if you prefer store signing and convenience. Both are official — don’t download "enhanced" versions from third-party sites.
I lost my computer or use a shared PC — how do I handle desktop login?
From any signed-in device, open Settings → Devices → Active Sessions to see every desktop/web session, and tap "Terminate" on the one you want to sign out remotely — that computer instantly loses access to your messages. On shared PCs, always end the session when done or enable a local passcode. It’s the same habit as regularly reviewing active sessions for account security.
Desktop keeps spinning / no messages — is the install broken?
Usually a network/proxy issue, not a corrupted install. Desktop also needs to reach Telegram’s servers: set a custom proxy under Settings → Advanced → Connection type, or confirm your system VPN works. Troubleshooting mirrors mobile — see the proxy guide. If it crashes on launch, reinstall the official package and avoid modified builds.
Can I re-import a desktop export back into Telegram?
HTML/JSON exports are mainly local archives for reading, not a one-click “restore whole account” package. After a device switch, regular chats still sync from the cloud; exports exist to survive accidental deletes, keep evidence, or read offline. Export before deleting an account, because the cloud copy disappears too.
If my phone is off, can Desktop still send and receive messages?
Yes. Desktop is its own session; regular cloud chats do not need the phone online — unlike many phone-linked messengers. Secret chats stay tied to the device that started them, and Desktop usually cannot start new secret chats — already listed under what Desktop can’t do.
Does my phone proxy automatically apply to Desktop?
No. Configure Connection type / a system VPN on the computer separately. When Desktop stays on Connecting, fix the PC-side proxy first instead of reinstalling — same order as the connecting/crash table at the end.
Should I use Web or Desktop day to day?
Use web.telegram.org for a borrowed PC with no install; prefer official Telegram Desktop for daily work, large files, exports and multi-window. Both still need a path to Telegram’s servers — Web is not a firewall bypass. Same safety habit: terminate the session on shared devices.
Can Desktop run two accounts in separate windows?
Yes. Built-in multi-account switches inside one client; some systems can also run multiple Desktop instances, but official “Add Account” is the safer default. Each number still needs its own two-step verification and device reviews — same multi-account guidance, no clone apps.
Need the installer or platform notes?
The download page lists versions, requirements, and install entry points.
Open download page