Telegram
With Telegram Desktop, you can track calls, groups and channels on your computer.
Developer Telegram
Version 7.2.9 · GPL-3.0-only · Windows · macOS · Linux
Looking for an alternative to Telegram?Compare WhatsApp, KakaoTalk, Signal.Compare alternativesWith Telegram Desktop, you can track calls, groups and channels on your computer. You can share files and search for older messages. Because ordinary chats work via the Telegram Cloud, you can open them on multiple linked devices.
It is especially useful if you communicate a lot in groups or follow channels about a hobby. With folders and notification settings, you keep personal conversations separate from busy channels.
Download Telegram
Downloads are available for Windows, macOS, Linux.
Compare Telegram with alternatives
With chat software, your partner often determines which alternative is useful. Therefore, compare accessibility, group functions and standard security of calls. In addition, check how you manage contact information, backups and messages on multiple devices; functions and encryption vary by type of call.
| Software | What can it do? | Platform and licence |
|---|---|---|
| TelegramYou are viewing this app | You combine chats with large groups and channels. Ordinary cloud chats use a different security setup than the separate secret chats. | Windows, macOS, LinuxGPL-3.0-only |
| WhatsAppView this alternative | You chat and call within WhatsApp and connect other devices to your account if you want. Your network of existing contacts is often the main reason to use this app. | Windows, macOSFreeware |
| KakaoTalkView this alternative | You chat and call through KakaoTalk and use the group and contact functions of that service. The availability with your own contacts determines how much you have. | Windows, macOS, Android, iOSFree to use |
| SignalView this alternative | You send messages and run calls with end-to-end encryption. You use Signal together with contacts who also choose that service. | Windows, macOS, LinuxGPL-3.0-only |
Choose an alternative to explore its features, system requirements and download options.
Who is it for?
This helps when you are active in Telegram groups or channels and want to respond to a large keyboard. It fits with communication that has to appear via the cloud between devices. If you want to conduct personal text conversations by default end-to-end encrypted, then review a different method.
Getting started
Sign in to your existing account and set two-step verification. Then check which groups may show notifications on your computer.
Privacy
Ordinary cloud chats are encrypted on Telegram's infrastructure, but are not end-to-end encrypted. Telegram Desktop does not support mobile secret chats as ordinary synchronized desktop calls. Bots and mini apps can also be separate services. Do not share confidential data without understanding their function and access.
Good to know
Common Telegram chats are not encrypted by default end-to-end. The desktop app does not offer the same secret chats as mobile apps.
Please note
A username can be mimicked and a known account may have been acquired. Check unexpected requests for codes, money or files along another channel. Keep your phone number and session details protected. A locally exported call must be kept safe for yourself.
Advantages
- You can use cloud calls on multiple devices.
- Groups and channels support recurring community communication.
- The desktop environment makes longer messages and file management easier.
Things to consider
- Cloud chats do not provide standard end-to-end encryption.
- Bots and public groups present an additional risk of unintentional sharing.
- Active sessions and local exports require careful management.
Download Telegram
The download page opens in a new tab.
Provider’s website · desktop.telegram.org
Version history
7.2.9
You get a correction for displaying certain animations in Telegram Desktop.
- Certain tlottie animations are displayed correctly again.
- This small desktop update focuses on the animation view and does not introduce a new operation according to the release description.
7.2.8
You get solutions for runners in damaged animation files.
What’s new?
- Your app is no longer jammed by the solved problems with misbuilt Lottie animations.
Report a new version
Our verdict
Telegram Desktop is especially useful if you want to reach calls, groups and channels via multiple devices. The regular chats are made available via the cloud. That convenience has an important privacy weighting: cloud chats do not use the same end-to-end encryption as secret chats. Choose the app on the form of communication you really need.
The choice is particularly logical if your contacts, groups or channels are already active. Make a distinction between convenience on multiple devices and your requirements for confidentiality. Manage active sessions and limit reports from busy channels. For information requiring end-to-end encryption, the call form actually used must comply with that requirement, not just the name of the app.
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