Github Desktop Linux 2023 〈2027〉

In early 2023, GitHub merged the Linux experimental branch into their main repository. This means you can now find .deb and .rpm packages under the official GitHub Desktop releases page.

Pros:

Cons:

For years, Linux users have looked enviously at their Windows and macOS counterparts enjoying the sleek, intuitive interface of GitHub Desktop. While the command line remains the holy grail for purists, a visual Git client is not a luxury—for many developers, designers, and students, it’s a necessity. github desktop linux 2023

In 2023, the landscape changed. GitHub officially acknowledged the Linux community by releasing an experimental build of GitHub Desktop. But does it work? Is it stable? And what are the best ways to run it today?

This guide covers everything you need to know about GitHub Desktop on Linux in 2023, including native installation, the popular shiftkey fork, Flatpak options, and top-tier alternatives.

Fix: Do not use your account password. Generate a Fine-grained personal access token (Settings → Developer settings → Personal access tokens → Tokens (fine-grained)). Paste that token as your password. In early 2023, GitHub merged the Linux experimental

Based on GitHub’s 2023 roadmap and public commits, it appears they are slowly investing in Linux. The experimental label may be removed sometime in 2024. However, GitHub has made similar promises before.

For now, the Shiftkey fork remains the de facto standard. The good news is that with Microsoft’s increased investment in Linux (WSL, VS Code, .NET), a fully native GitHub Desktop for Linux is almost inevitable.

The Short Answer: There is still no officially stable, officially supported GitHub Desktop for Linux from GitHub, Inc. as of late 2023. Cons: For years, Linux users have looked enviously

However, the long answer is far more optimistic. GitHub has been quietly publishing experimental Linux builds via their official GitHub Desktop repository. Simultaneously, the open-source community—led primarily by contributor shiftkey—has maintained a fully functional, community-driven Linux port for years.

In 2023, running GitHub Desktop on Ubuntu, Fedora, Arch, or Debian is easier than ever. You have three primary paths: