You are halfway through a report, with a spreadsheet open in one window, an email thread in another and a screenshot you need to explain. ChatGPT for Windows, published by OpenAI, is built for that kind of scattered desktop work. The version listed here is 26.1029.7803.0, released on November 4, 2026.
Switching between apps to give an AI context
The problem the app addresses is context. A browser chatbot knows only what you paste into it. This desktop version can take in material from your apps, files, browser, screenshots, email and screen, so you spend less time copying things across.
The permissions each connection asks for are worth checking after installing.
Chat, ChatGPT Work and Codex in one window
Chat covers everyday use: asking questions, exploring ideas, writing and learning. ChatGPT Work goes further and can gather context, then turn a goal into documents, presentations, spreadsheets, reports or analyses, with you keeping control of the result.
Codex is the coding agent inside ChatGPT. It is meant to help with planning, writing, reviewing and shipping code. The tags on the listing also mention agent, LLM and OpenAI, which fits that positioning.
What to check before installing a 1 GB desktop client
The package is 1003.5 MB, so plan for the disk space and download time. It needs Windows 10 or later, and the package ID is OpenAI.ChatGPT. The price is free.
An Android version also exists, if you want the same assistant on a phone.
What's new in 26.1029.7803.0
The current build is version 26.1029.7803.0, updated on November 4, 2026.
ChatGPT pros and cons
Pros
- Free to download, with the price listed as 0
- Brings Chat, ChatGPT Work and the Codex coding agent into one desktop app
- Can use context from email, files, browser and screenshots
- Works on Windows 10 and later
- Published by OpenAI and served from its official host
Cons
- Large download at 1003.5 MB
- Proprietary license, so the code cannot be inspected
- Large download size of 1003.5 MB
- Requires Windows 10 or later
Is ChatGPT safe?
The installer comes straight from OpenAI's own server, persistent.oaistatic.com, and we do not store a copy. The publisher is OpenAI and the license is proprietary. Since the app can draw on your email, files and screen, check which permissions it asks for before you grant access.
How to install ChatGPT
- Press the download button to get the official file.
- Run the installer you saved and confirm the Windows security prompt if the publisher matches.
- Follow the setup steps, then start ChatGPT from the Start menu.
