How to Install and Set Up GitHub Desktop on Windows

If you’re looking to manage your Git repositories with ease, GitHub Desktop is a great tool to get started with. Here’s a step-by-step guide to installing and setting it up on a Windows machine.

Before you can use GitHub, you need a GitHub account. Read this blog on How to Create a GitHub Account. Here is the short steps to create one:

1. Downloading GitHub Desktop

• Visit the GitHub Desktop download page.
• Click on the Download for Windows button to start downloading the installer file.

2. Installing GitHub Desktop

• Locate the downloaded .exe file in your Downloads folder.
• Double-click on the file to run the installer.
• Follow the installation prompts. The installer will guide you through the necessary steps to install GitHub Desktop on your system.

3. Initial Setup and Configuration

• Launch GitHub Desktop. You can find it in your Start menu or on your desktop.
• Sign in with your GitHub credentials. If you don’t have an account, you can create one following the steps in Blog Post 1.
• Once signed in, configure your Git settings:
  • Go to File > Options.
  • In the Options window, enter your name and email. These details will be used in your commit messages.

4. Log In to Your GitHub Account

• Visit GitHub.
• Click on the Sign in button located at the top-right corner of the homepage.
• Enter your username or email and password.
• Click on the Sign in button to access your GitHub account.

Optional: Installation on macOS

• Download the .dmg file from the GitHub Desktop website.
• Open the downloaded .dmg file.
• Drag GitHub Desktop to your Applications folder.