In this guide we will discuss about : “How to Get Gmail on Desktop for Windows and Mac” .The primary one is because Gmail is accessible through any browser and in combination with the tight integration into Windows Live Mail, Outlook, Thunderbird, and other, a standalone app may not be needed. However, for those who would like a nice window or quick access, creating a shortcut is the next best thing.
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Importance of Gmail
Gmail has become a cornerstone of both personal and business communication, offering a simple and efficient way to manage emails, calendar events, and contacts. Given its functionality and easy access via any web browser, it may seem like a desktop app would be a natural evolution. However, because Gmail works perfectly well across platforms through browsers, Google has opted not to release one.
Workarounds Available
Despite this, there are simple and effective workarounds to make Gmail function as if it were a desktop app. By creating shortcuts or using built-in features from your browser, you can get quick access to Gmail without navigating through your web browser tabs.
How to Create a Gmail Desktop Shortcut
One of the most efficient ways to treat Gmail like an app on your desktop is to create a shortcut that opens Gmail in a dedicated window. Below are the instructions for doing this on Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Safari for Mac users.
Using Google Chrome
If you frequently access Gmail using Chrome, creating a desktop shortcut is a breeze.
- Open Gmail in Chrome.
- Click on the three-dot menu at the top-right corner of the browser.
- Hover over the “More tools” option.
- Click “Create shortcut” and check the box to open as a window.
- Name your shortcut (for example, “Gmail”) and hit Create.
A separate window will open every time you use this shortcut, mimicking the feel of a dedicated desktop app.
Using Microsoft Edge
Edge also permits users to make a shortcut for the Gmail app on the desktop
- Open Gmail in Microsoft Edge.
- Click the three-dot menu at the top-right of the window.
- Hover over “Apps” and select “Install this site as an app.”
- A popup will ask for confirmation—hit Install.
Your new Gmail app will open in its own window, just like a traditional desktop application.
Using Safari on Mac
For Mac users who prefer Safari, the steps are just as simple.
- Go to Gmail in Safari.
- Click on the URL in the address bar and drag it to your desktop.
This will create a shortcut to Gmail on your Mac. If you want, you can rename the shortcut and change its icon for a more customized look.
Customizing Gmail Shortcuts
After creating a shortcut, you can easily change its icon or name for better organization on your desktop. On both Windows and Mac, right-click the shortcut, select Rename, and give it a new name. For changing the icon, you can use free tools or inbuilt options to make it more visually appealing.
Adding Gmail to Windows Mail or Apple Mail
Another alternative for getting Gmail on your desktop is to add it to your system’s native mail application, whether it be Windows Mail or Apple Mail. Thanks to Gmail’s IMAP integration, syncing your Gmail account with these apps is simple and requires minimal setup.
Steps for Windows Mail
- Open the Mail app on Windows.
- Go to Accounts > Add account.
- Select Google and follow the on-screen instructions to link your Gmail.
Steps for Apple Mail
- Open Apple Mail.
- Go to Mail > Accounts.
- Select Google, sign in, and allow the necessary permissions.
Once set up, you can access your Gmail alongside other email accounts directly from your desktop without opening a web browser.
Manage Gmail Shortcuts
Managing those shortcuts on desktop are good ways in making the environment neat while working.
Pin Gmail to Windows Taskbar or Mac Dock
You can pin Gmail to the taskbar on Windows by right-clicking the shortcut and selecting Pin to taskbar. For Mac users, drag the shortcut to the Dock for easier access.
How to Uninstall or Delete Gmail Desktop Shortcuts
If you no longer need the Gmail shortcut on your desktop, here’s how you can remove it:
On Windows
- Search for “Installed apps” in the Windows search bar.
- Find the Gmail app in the list.
- Click the three-dot menu and select Uninstall.
On Mac
- This is done simply by right clicking the Gmail shortcut that is displayed on the face of the computer.
- Select Move to Trash.
- Lastly, the Trash component must be emptied Total recall essentially ranges up to this command.
Other Ways of Using Gmail
Third-party email clients like Thunderbird or Outlook are slightly more complex if you want more intricate e-mail controls and these definitely work with Gmail. Also, the browser extensions have more opportunities including the availability of the tab offline or the presence of pre-written emails.
Read More : “How To Create Rules in Gmail“
Conclusion
To my knowledge, there isn’t a native Gmail client for Windows, but converting Gmail to an external program or putting a shortcut on the desktop is a simple solution to the problem. Regardless of whether you are on Windows or Mac these methods help to get to your Gmail inbox without having to open a browser each time.
FAQs
Can I use a gmail off line with a desk top shor cut?
However, a Gmail shortcut on the desktop will just offer an icon, which can only be opened after a connection to the internet has been established.
Can it be good or even safe to create a Gmail desktop shortcut?
Indeed, it is totally secure to create a shortcut and this manipulations will not affect the safety of your e-mail.
Is it possible to use this way to add several Gmail accounts?
Yes, you can create distinct short cuts should you have many Gmail accounts.
This leads to asking the question; what exactly does it mean to use an app shortcut instead of an actual app?
The difference is that a shortcut brings up Gmail, albeit in a browser-based window, and an actual app would run on your machine.
It is possible to perform a Gmail sync with other email apps?
Of course, Gmail has integrated IMAP that enables you to connect it with the third-party app such as Windows Mail, Apple Mail, and more.
