Telegram Desktop: the complete beginner's guide

Telegram is a popular messaging app known for its speed, security and versatile features. One of Telegram's big advantages is that you can use it seamlessly on all your devices, including your computer. In this guide you'll learn everything about installing and using the Telegram Desktop app on Windows and Mac.

Why use Telegram Desktop?

There are several reasons why Telegram on your computer is an excellent choice for everyday use:

Full synchronization

Unlike some other messaging apps, Telegram syncs fully in the cloud. This means that all your messages, groups, channels and media are instantly available on every device you log in on. You don't need to scan QR codes or keep your phone nearby.

Independent of your phone

Telegram Desktop works completely independently. You can use the app without your phone having to be on or connected to the internet. This is ideal when your phone's battery is dead or when you have left it at home.

Powerful desktop features

The desktop app offers features that are a perfect fit for computer use, such as extensive keyboard shortcuts, drag and drop for files, and support for multiple windows.

Installing Telegram Desktop on Windows

Installing Telegram on Windows is easy. There are several methods available:

Through the official website

Go to desktop.telegram.org and click 'Get Telegram for Windows'. The installation file is downloaded. Double-click the file and follow the installation instructions. Within a few minutes Telegram is ready to use.

Through the Microsoft Store

Open the Microsoft Store on your Windows computer and search for 'Telegram Desktop'. Click 'Get' and wait until the installation is complete. The advantage of this method is that updates are installed automatically.

Portable version

Telegram also offers a portable version that you can run from a USB stick without installing anything. This option is handy if you want to use Telegram on computers where you are not allowed to install software.

Installing Telegram Desktop on Mac

Mac users also have several installation methods:

Through the Mac App Store

Open the App Store, search for 'Telegram' and click 'Get'. The app is installed automatically in your Applications folder.

Through the website

Go to desktop.telegram.org and download the macOS version. Open the downloaded DMG file and drag Telegram to your Applications folder. The first time you open it, you may have to confirm that you want to open the app.

Logging in to Telegram Desktop

Telegram's login process is different from many other apps. You log in with your phone number:

Step 1: Enter your phone number

Open Telegram Desktop and enter your phone number including the country code (+31 for the Netherlands). Click 'Next' to continue.

Step 2: Verify with a code

You will receive a verification code. If you already have Telegram on another device, this code is sent as a message in the app. Otherwise you receive a text message (SMS). Enter the code to log in.

If you have turned on two-step verification, you also have to enter your password. This gives your account extra security.

The Telegram Desktop interface

The Telegram Desktop app has a clear interface that is easy to navigate:

Chat list

On the left you see all your chats, groups and channels. You can filter this list by clicking the folders at the top or by searching with the search bar.

Chat window

Most of the screen is taken up by the active chat window. Here you can read and send messages, view media and respond to messages.

Right panel

When you click the name of a chat, a panel opens with details about the chat, shared media, and members (for groups).

Handy features for everyday use

Telegram Desktop offers many features that boost your productivity:

Chat folders

Organize your chats in folders to keep a clear overview. For example, create folders for work, family and hobbies. Go to Settings > Folders to set this up.

Scheduled messages

Want to send a message at a later time? Right-click the send button and choose 'Schedule Message'. Select the date and time you want.

Sending files

Drag files into the chat window to send them. Telegram supports files of up to 2 GB per file, much more than most other messaging apps.

Editing and deleting messages

Made a typo? Right-click your message and choose 'Edit'. You can also delete messages for everyone, even after they have been sent.

Keyboard shortcuts

Learn the keyboard shortcuts to work more efficiently. Press Ctrl+K (Windows) or Cmd+K (Mac) to quickly search for a chat. Use Ctrl+Enter to send a message with a line break, or Enter to send right away.

Personalizing Telegram Desktop

Make Telegram completely your own:

Changing themes

Go to Settings > Chat Settings to change the theme. Choose between light or dark mode, or download custom themes for a unique look.

Adjusting notifications

Decide for yourself when and how you receive notifications. You can adjust notifications per chat, turn off sounds, or turn off desktop notifications during working hours.

Setting a chat background

Choose a custom background for your chats. Upload your own image or pick from the many patterns and colors Telegram offers.

Privacy and security

Telegram is known for its strong privacy features:

Secret chats

For extra sensitive conversations you can start secret chats. These are end-to-end encrypted and are not available on other devices. Please note: secret chats are only available on mobile devices.

Managing sessions

Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Active Sessions to see which devices you are logged in on. You can also end sessions here that you no longer use.

Auto-delete

Set messages to be deleted automatically after a certain time. You can set this per chat for extra privacy.

Troubleshooting

Having problems with Telegram Desktop? Here are some solutions:

The app won't start

Try reinstalling the app. If that doesn't help, delete the 'Telegram Desktop' folder in your user folder and start again.

Sync problems

Check your internet connection. If certain messages don't appear, log out and back in again to force a full sync.

Notifications don't work

Check both the notification settings in Telegram and your computer's system settings. On Windows you may need to add Telegram to the list of apps that are allowed to send notifications.

Conclusion

Telegram Desktop is a powerful and versatile app that is perfect for anyone who spends a lot of time at the computer. With full cloud sync, independence from your phone and countless handy features, it is an excellent choice for both personal and professional use. Install Telegram Desktop today and discover how pleasant it is to chat with all the possibilities a desktop computer offers.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need my phone to use Telegram Desktop?

No, Telegram Desktop works completely independently. After logging in with your phone number, you no longer need your phone. All your messages are synced through the cloud and are instantly available on your computer.

Can I use Telegram on multiple computers at the same time?

Yes, you can use Telegram on an unlimited number of devices. All your messages sync automatically between all devices. You can manage your active sessions through Settings > Privacy and Security > Active Sessions.

What is the maximum file size I can send through Telegram Desktop?

Telegram supports files of up to 2 GB per file. That is considerably more than most other messaging apps and makes Telegram ideal for sharing large files such as videos or archives.

Are my messages on Telegram Desktop encrypted?

Regular chats use server-client encryption, which means Telegram can read the messages on its servers. For end-to-end encryption you can use secret chats, but these are only available on mobile devices, not on desktop.

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