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Using the ChatGPT Windows App | ITIAN Short Course
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Lesson 4 of 7

Using the ChatGPT Windows App

Install the official app, understand its main work areas and configure a reliable desktop experience for conversation, research, documents and software projects.

  • 20–25 minutes
  • Beginner
  • Interactive mode chooser

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson

Install safelyDownload the official app and sign in with the correct OpenAI account.
Navigate confidentlyIdentify the sidebar, main workspace, composer, search and Settings.
Choose the right surfaceUnderstand when to use Chat, Work or Codex.
Maintain the appConfigure shortcuts, appearance and updates, then troubleshoot common problems.

Safe Installation

Install the official Windows app

OpenAI’s current download page offers the ChatGPT desktop app for Windows. The official Help Centre lists Windows 10 version 17763.0 or later for x64 and Arm64 systems.

Use the official download page

Visit chatgpt.com/download and select Windows. Avoid unofficial download websites.

Install from the Microsoft Store

Follow the Store prompt. A managed work or school computer may require approval from its IT administrator.

Open ChatGPT and sign in

Use the same OpenAI account and workspace as your phone or browser if you want your ordinary Chat conversations to match.

Confirm which app you opened

The new app is named ChatGPT and combines Chat, Work and Codex. An older installation may appear as ChatGPT Classic.

You may temporarily see two appsThe new ChatGPT app can install alongside ChatGPT Classic. OpenAI says Classic can remain installed, while newer agent features such as Work and Codex are centred in the new app.

The New Desktop App

Chat, Work and Codex have different jobs

ChatAsk questions, learn, search and continue ordinary conversations that sync with ChatGPT web.Conversation and everyday help
ChatGPT WorkResearch, analyse information and create documents, spreadsheets, presentations, reports and Sites.Finished knowledge work
CodexDevelop software with local folders, repositories, terminals and developer tools.Code and local project work
ChatGPT ClassicThe earlier desktop app. It continues to receive supported updates, but some new agent features may only appear in the new app.Previous desktop experience
Sync boundaryOrdinary Chat conversations sync between the web and desktop app. OpenAI currently says desktop Work threads and local files remain on that computer, and cloud Work conversations may not appear in desktop Work at launch. Treat local Codex and Work projects as desktop-hosted work unless the interface explicitly shows a supported remote option.

Interface Tour

Know the five areas you will use most

Future image: replace this diagram with an annotated screenshot of the current Windows interface.
SidebarStart work, switch areas and reopen recent chats, projects or tasks.
SearchFind an ordinary Chat by title or exact phrase. Ctrl + K opens history search in supported interfaces.
Main workspaceDisplays the current conversation, response, document, code change or task status.
ComposerEnter the request and, where available, attach files, screenshots or images.
Profile and SettingsManage appearance, personalisation, data controls and app behaviour.
Model or mode controlsSelect the suitable model or work surface when your account provides choices.

Recommended Setup

Configure the app for comfortable daily use

Setting areaRecommended beginner action
Account and workspaceConfirm the email address and workspace match the device where your chats were created.
PersonalisationReview Personality, Custom Instructions and Memory using the decisions from Lesson 3.
AppearanceChoose a comfortable light or dark theme. If custom theme import is available, keep an exported original before editing colour values.
App shortcutIf Companion Window is available, test Alt + Space. Change the hotkey under Settings → App if another Windows program already uses it.
Text scalingUse Ctrl + + or Ctrl + − in supported versions for more comfortable reading.
UpdatesInstall app updates and use any “Check for updates” option shown in Settings.
Data ControlsReview “Improve the model for everyone” and other privacy options for your account.
Theme import lesson from ITIAN testingWhen importing a custom theme, start with a genuine theme copied by the app, preserve its complete structure and modify only supported colour values. Copy the complete line without changing its prefix or removing fields.

Quick Access

Use the Companion Window when it is available

The Companion Window provides a small, fast entry point for a question, file upload, image request or new conversation while another Windows app remains visible.

  1. Keep the ChatGPT app running.
  2. Press Alt + Space.
  3. Enter a focused request or attach the item you are working with.
  4. Select New chat when the next request should not continue the current context.
  5. Open the conversation from history in the main window when you need more space.
If nothing happensAnother Windows application may already own the shortcut, or the current app may not expose Companion Window. Look under Settings → App for the companion-window hotkey before troubleshooting further.

Interactive Tool

Choose the right desktop work area

Select the outcome you need and where the required information lives.

Your recommendation will appear here.

Practical Activity

Complete your Windows app setup

0 of 8 completed — begin by confirming the official app.

Future Demonstration

Watch the app workflow

This future video will cover installation, sign-in, Chat, Work, Codex, search, Settings, themes and the companion shortcut.

Quick Troubleshooting

Fix the most common Windows-app problems

I see ChatGPT and ChatGPT Classic

This can be expected during the transition. ChatGPT is the new unified app; ChatGPT Classic is the earlier app and may remain installed.

My chats are missing

Check the active account and workspace, then search using an exact phrase. Ordinary Chat history syncs, but local Work or Codex activity follows different rules.

Alt + Space does not open a companion window

Check Settings → App for the companion-window hotkey. Another program may already use that shortcut, or the feature may not be present in your current app.

The interface looks different from this lesson

The desktop app is actively updated and features can roll out by account. Update the app and use the labels visible in your version.

The app will not open or behaves incorrectly

Close and reopen it, check for updates, then use Windows Settings → Apps → Installed apps → ChatGPT → Advanced options → Reset if necessary. Resetting can require you to sign in again.

Knowledge Check

Check your understanding

1. Which surface is best suited to software development with a local repository?
2. What normally syncs between ChatGPT web and the desktop app?
3. Why might both ChatGPT and ChatGPT Classic appear?
4. What is the documented Companion Window shortcut when available?
5. What should you check first when desktop Chat history looks wrong?

Your result will appear here.

Official Resources

Learn more from OpenAI

The desktop interface changes frequently. Last reviewed: 13 July 2026.

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