Google Docs Download ((free)) Desktop May 2026

A Google Docs icon appears on your desktop, taskbar/dock, and Start menu (Windows) or Applications folder (Mac). Click it to open Google Docs like a desktop app. Note for Mac users: PWAs work in Chrome and Edge. Safari does not support this feature. Part 2: Downloading Google Docs Files to Your Desktop (Export) If you actually want to download a Google Doc file (as Word, PDF, TXT, etc.) to your local desktop:

Sign in to your Google account.

Click Settings .

Check the box "Open as window" and click Install . google docs download desktop

Create or open any document (this step is necessary for the option to appear). A Google Docs icon appears on your desktop,

Click the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner. Safari does not support this feature

Click File > Download (or File > Save as... on some views).