---
title: "Install ChatGPT and complete the first setup"
description: "Choose the official ChatGPT web, desktop, or mobile app and check installation, permissions, and account access."
image: "https://docs.xiu.ai/og.png"
---

> XiuAI documentation index
> Full documentation index: https://docs.xiu.ai/en/llms.txt
> Check the index for current pages before reading.

# Install ChatGPT and complete the first setup

Start with the web app if you only need chat. Desktop apps provide shortcuts and local-file or screen features; use the [official download page](https://chatgpt.com/download/) to reach mobile stores. After this guide, you should be able to send a test message and reopen the same account.

> **Check current installation requirements**
>
> These steps follow OpenAI's documentation. Confirm the current OS requirements, app name, and store compatibility before downloading; newer official guidance takes precedence.

## Choose a platform

- Web: no installation; first confirm the account, connection, and service are working.
- macOS: macOS 14, with Apple Silicon M1+ or Intel. The download page selects the architecture.
- Windows: Windows 10 x64/ARM64, version 17763.0+; enter Microsoft Store from the official download page.
- Mobile: enter App Store or Google Play from the official page and verify the developer is OpenAI.

The newer download and migration guidance describes new macOS and Windows apps, while an older Windows help page still describes an early version for paid plans. This guide does not promise desktop access for every free Windows account.

## Identify official downloads

Start only from [ChatGPT downloads](https://chatgpt.com/download/). Avoid advertisements, third-party file hosts, or packages advertised as a separate Pro installer. Ordinary installation does not require pasted terminal/PowerShell commands or disabling Defender, Gatekeeper, or antivirus software.

Even on `chatgpt.com`, distinguish official product/download pages from user-generated shared content.

## Install

### macOS

1. Let the official page select the current Mac architecture.
2. Open the official DMG and move ChatGPT to Applications.
3. Launch it from the app list and follow system prompts without bypassing security checks.

### Windows x64 or ARM64

1. Open Microsoft Store through the official download page.
2. Check Windows version and CPU architecture.
3. If your managed device blocks Store access, ask your administrator for the managed installation route rather than using a repackaged installer.

### iOS or Android

Open the official store through the download page, verify the ChatGPT name and OpenAI developer, and check the current compatibility requirements.

## ChatGPT and ChatGPT Classic

From 2026-07-09, the new desktop app combines Chat, Work, and Codex. The older app is named ChatGPT Classic, and both may be installed. OpenAI says Classic continues to receive model updates, fixes, security patches, and existing organizational features. Do not forcibly remove it merely because both apps appear.

## First sign-in and settings

1. Use the method used to register: email/password or Google, Microsoft, or Apple.
2. Check for an Apple private-relay address if you used Hide My Email.
3. Review language, notifications, and data controls.
4. The current macOS shortcut is `Option+Space`; change it in settings if it conflicts with another app.
5. Grant microphone, screen, accessibility, file, or extension permissions only when using the corresponding feature.

## Test the installation

1. Ask it to reply only with `Installation check complete` and confirm a normal response.
2. If the app and account offer file uploads, upload a small nonsensitive file and verify preview and deletion. An unavailable upload feature does not prove installation failed.
3. Quit and reopen the app; confirm the same account and history.
4. Record the OS, CPU architecture, app name (ChatGPT or Classic), and version.

## Troubleshoot

| Symptom | Next step |
| --- | --- |
| Installation fails | Recheck the official download, OS, architecture, disk space, and organization policy |
| Blank window | Test the web app and [OpenAI Status](https://status.openai.com/); if the web works, quit every ChatGPT process, update the official app, and reopen |
| Windows still fails | Follow the official Settings → Apps → Installed apps → ChatGPT → Advanced options → Reset route |
| Sign-in loop or different history | Confirm the original sign-in method and account, and distinguish ChatGPT, Classic, and Codex history |
| Shortcut or update failure | Record the system, architecture, version, and error; avoid unverified cache-clearing, re-signing, or security-disabling commands |

## Permissions and privacy

Grant local-file, microphone, screen, and extension access only as needed. Do not test uploads with passwords, Sessions, codes, financial records, or personal data. IT manages installation, permissions, updates, and data policy on managed devices; do not bypass those controls.

## Sources and review date

Reviewed on 2026-08-31. This translation preserves that date. Windows free-account availability can vary by release and account; check the current account and Microsoft Store prompts.

Source: https://docs.xiu.ai/en/store/chatgpt-install/index.mdx