Telegram Desktop
A desktop messaging client for Windows, macOS and Linux with multi-device synchronization, channels, groups, files and voice or video features.
What Telegram Desktop provides
Telegram Desktop connects chats, groups, channels and files across supported devices. Regular cloud chats prioritize multi-device history, while Secret Chats use a different device scope and encryption model. Decide which boundary fits a conversation before sending sensitive material.
Account and session hygiene
After login, review active sessions, enable two-step verification and set a local application lock on shared computers. Notification previews and automatic startup can reveal message content outside the app.
Downloads and local data
The download directory and automatic media settings determine how much local storage is used. Review cache and downloaded files regularly, and archive important files separately rather than relying on a chat history alone.
Maintenance note
This page reviews Telegram Desktop 6.8.2, multi-device sessions, chat types, two-step verification and local download boundaries. Content review date: 2026-08-23.
Save to your cloud drive
Open the cloud drive to get the file directly, or save it for convenient access on another device.
Quark Cloud Drive
RecommendedSave Telegram Desktop to this cloud drive
Baidu Netdisk
Save Telegram Desktop to this cloud drive
Telegram Desktop 6.8.2 installation, login and privacy settings
Install the client, complete account verification, review active sessions and two-step verification, then test automatic downloads and file organization with a small file.
Before you start
- Choose the Windows, macOS or Linux build and keep a device available for account verification.
- Set two-step verification and a recovery address before adding important conversations.
- Prepare a test chat and small file to compare regular chats, Secret Chats and local downloads.
Installation steps
- 01
Install and verify the account
Install the matching build, follow the verification prompt and confirm the device name and active-session entry.
- 02
Set a local lock
Enable the desktop passcode or system lock and disable notification previews and automatic startup on shared computers.
- 03
Check download and sync behavior
Send a test file, confirm its download directory and automatic-download limit, then check what appears on another signed-in device.
Quick start
- 01
Distinguish chat types
Regular chats support multi-device history, while Secret Chats are device-specific. Confirm the current chat type before sending sensitive content.
- 02
Review active sessions
Open the device list, remove sessions you no longer recognize and keep two-step verification recovery information separate from the device.
- 03
Organize downloaded files
Set a predictable download location, inspect cache growth and archive important files outside the chat application.
Usage tips
- Cloud synchronization is convenient but does not replace an independent archive for important files.
- Treat unknown files, bots and third-party clients as separate trust decisions.
- Review notifications and media auto-save when using a shared or work computer.
Troubleshooting and uninstall
Why did a message or file not appear on another device?
Check whether the conversation is a device-specific Secret Chat, then verify the active session, connection and automatic-download settings.
Where are downloaded files stored?
The desktop download setting and operating system determine the location. Check the setting and cache rather than assuming every file is permanently archived.
- Review sessions and local filesSign out or remove the device session as appropriate, archive required files and clear local caches only after checking their contents.
- Remove the applicationUninstall through the operating system. Account history and other device sessions are separate from the local application.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a regular chat and a Secret Chat?
Regular cloud chats make multi-device history convenient, while Secret Chats use a different device scope and end-to-end encryption boundary. Choose based on the conversation's needs.
Can Telegram Desktop log in without a phone?
Initial verification depends on the account and current platform prompts. After login, review active sessions, two-step verification and local locking.
Where do downloaded files go?
The desktop download setting and system directories determine the location. Check automatic media settings and archive important files separately.