How to Install GoHighLevel Desktop App — Complete Setup Guide

If you're managing a GoHighLevel account from your browser all day, you're leaving performance and focus on the table. The desktop app transforms how you work—native notifications, faster load times, and a distraction-free workspace built specifically for agencies and marketing professionals who live in their CRM. In this guide, I'll walk you through installing the GoHighLevel desktop app on Windows and macOS, then logging in for the first time. By the end, you'll have a native desktop experience that keeps your business moving faster. And if you haven't tried GoHighLevel yet, grab a free 30-day trial here—that's double the standard 14-day trial.

System Requirements for GoHighLevel Desktop

Before downloading, make sure your computer meets the minimum requirements. GoHighLevel's desktop app is lightweight and runs on most modern systems, but checking these specs upfront saves time:

For Windows:

• Windows 10 or later (64-bit recommended)
• At least 4GB of RAM
• 100MB free disk space
• Active internet connection

For macOS:

• macOS 10.13 or later (Big Sur or newer recommended)
• At least 4GB of RAM
• 100MB free disk space
• Active internet connection

If your system is older, the web version of GoHighLevel still works perfectly fine—but you'll miss out on the speed and notification benefits the desktop app provides.

How to Download the Official Desktop App

This is critical: only download from the official GoHighLevel website or your account dashboard. Never grab the app from third-party sources.

Method 1: From Your GoHighLevel Account

1. Log into your GoHighLevel account at app.gohighlevel.com
2. Look for the account menu or settings (usually in the top-right corner)
3. Find "Download Desktop App" or "Get Desktop Version"
4. Select your operating system (Windows or macOS)
5. The installer file will download immediately

Method 2: From GoHighLevel's Official Website

1. Visit the GoHighLevel main website and navigate to Downloads or Support
2. Look for "Desktop App" section
3. Choose Windows (.exe) or macOS (.dmg)
4. Click download

Installing on Windows

Once you've downloaded the .exe file, follow these steps:

1. Locate the installer: Find the GoHighLevel installer file in your Downloads folder (usually named something like "GoHighLevel-Setup.exe")
2. Run as administrator: Right-click the file and select "Run as Administrator" to ensure proper installation permissions
3. Security prompt: Windows may ask if you want to allow this app to make changes to your device. Click "Yes" to proceed
4. Follow the installation wizard: The installer will open a setup window. Click "Next" and accept the terms of service
5. Choose installation location: The default location (usually C:\Program Files\GoHighLevel) works fine for most users. Don't change this unless you have a specific reason
6. Wait for installation: This typically takes 1-2 minutes. Don't interrupt or close the window
7. Finish: Once complete, click "Finish." You can choose to launch GoHighLevel immediately

The app will now appear in your Windows Start Menu. You can pin it there for faster access next time.

This is built into GoHighLevel. Try it free for 30 days →

Installing on macOS

The macOS installation is slightly different because of how Apple handles disk images. Here's the process:

1. Locate the .dmg file: Find the GoHighLevel installer in your Downloads folder (usually named "GoHighLevel.dmg")
2. Double-click to mount: Double-click the .dmg file. This opens a virtual disk containing the app
3. Drag to Applications: You'll see a window with the GoHighLevel icon and an Applications folder. Drag the GoHighLevel app onto the Applications folder to install it
4. Wait for copy to complete: macOS will copy the app to your Applications folder. This takes 30 seconds to 2 minutes depending on your drive speed
5. Eject the disk image: Once installed, eject the .dmg file by clicking the eject icon next to "GoHighLevel" in Finder
6. Launch from Applications: Open your Applications folder (or use Spotlight: Cmd + Space and type "GoHighLevel"). Double-click to launch
7. Security prompt (first launch only): macOS may ask if you're sure you want to open this app. Click "Open" to proceed

You can also add GoHighLevel to your Dock for quick access: right-click the app while it's open, select "Options," then "Keep in Dock."

Logging In and Initial Setup

After launching the desktop app for the first time, you'll see the login screen:

1. Enter your credentials: Use the same email and password you use for your GoHighLevel web account
2. Two-factor authentication: If you have 2FA enabled (recommended for security), enter the code from your authenticator app or email
3. Select your workspace: If you manage multiple accounts or sub-accounts, choose which one to access
4. Grant permissions: The app may ask for permission to send notifications. Click "Allow" to get real-time alerts for messages, lead updates, and task reminders
5. You're in: The desktop app loads your account and you're ready to work

Desktop App vs. Web Browser: Key Differences

You might wonder: why not just use the web version? Here's what the desktop app gives you that the browser doesn't:

Performance & Speed

The desktop app runs natively on your operating system and doesn't compete with browser tabs for resources. Pages load faster, especially when you're managing large contact lists or running reports.

Native OS Notifications

Forget about tab badges—the desktop app sends system-level notifications that appear in your taskbar (Windows) or notification center (macOS). These break through the noise and ensure you don't miss critical alerts.

Distraction-Free Workspace

No browser address bar, no other tabs to click. Just GoHighLevel. This focus is huge when you're doing deep work like setting up automations, creating funnels, or managing campaigns.

Always Accessible

Open GoHighLevel from your dock or taskbar in one click. No need to navigate to the login page or type a URL.

System-Level Integration

The desktop app respects your system preferences for dark mode, language, and other settings. It feels like a native part of your operating system, not a browser window.

Updating Your Desktop App

GoHighLevel regularly pushes updates to improve performance, add features, and fix bugs. The desktop app makes this seamless:

1. Automatic notifications: When an update is available, you'll see a notification in the app
2. Manual check: Go to App Settings → About or Help → Check for Updates to manually see if an update is available
3. Install: Click "Update" or "Install Now." The app will restart and apply the changes (usually takes 1-2 minutes)
4. No data loss: Updates are non-destructive—your settings, login info, and preferences stay intact

Pro tip: Update during off-hours if you're running time-sensitive campaigns, though GoHighLevel's backend keeps running regardless.

The desktop app is a game-changer if you're spending hours daily in GoHighLevel—and most serious agencies do. The combination of speed, notifications, and focus transforms how fast you can respond to leads and manage your business operations.