Get started with the Google app for desktop

The Google app for desktop brings the best of Google Search right to your Windows desktop. Ask questions about what’s on your screen, find information from the web, Google Drive files, installed apps, and files saved on your computer.

You can:

• Get comprehensive AI-powered responses to your toughest questions with AI Mode.
• Share your current window or your entire screen with the Google app.
• Get information and helpful links from the web.
• Search through your Google Drive to find the document or folder you need.
• Search files and apps on your computer.

What you need

• Be 13 or older.
• The Google app for desktop is available globally, in English for Windows 10+*. You can download the app here.

Important: AI Mode is not yet supported for all accounts, countries, and languages. Find more on AI Mode availability.

How to access the Google app for desktop

You can launch the Google app anytime. It is designed to be there when you need it and gone when you don't.

To launch the app

1. Double-click on the app on your desktop.
2. You can also click on the Search box at the bottom of your screen, search for "Google," and launch the Google app.

To access the app anytime

1. On your keyboard, press Alt + Space.
2. You can also click the Google icon in the notification tray.

Tip: If Alt + Space doesn't work, check if the app is running. To check, search for the Google icon in the notification tray.

To create your own keyboard shortcut

You can create your keyboard shortcut to instantly open the Google app without having to search for it.

1. Tap on the Profile picture at the top right of your screen to open the Google app settings.
2. Enter Configurations.
3. Click on the current shortcut under Keyboard shortcut.
4. Press the keys on your keyboard to create your new shortcut.

To close the app

1. To hide the app, press Alt + Space or esc on your keyboard.
2. To exit completely:
   • In the notifications tray, right-click Google icon .
   • Click Quit.
3. To resume the app:
   • Double-click on the app on your desktop.
   • Search for Google icon in the Windows Search bar to open it.

Search using the Google app for desktop

Get faster access to AI Mode in Search with the Google app for desktop. You can ask whatever's on your mind to get an AI-powered response, and keep exploring with follow-up questions and helpful links.

Search with AI Mode

1. Open the Google app .

2. Enter your question in the search box.
3. To ask a follow-up or a new question, type into the search box under the AI Mode response.

Import or drag and drop files

1. In the search box, click .
2. Select the files you want to import.
3. Click Open to import files.
4. You can also drag and drop your files into the Google app for desktop.

Use Screen share

1. In the search box, click Share screen .
2. Select the screen, window or app you want to share with the Google app.
3. Ask questions by typing into the search box and get AI-powered responses
4. You can also ask follow-up questions in the search box.
   • Tip: When using Share screen for the first time, follow the on-screen instructions.

Use Google Lens

You can use Google Lens to select and search anything on your screen.

1. In the Search box, click Google Lens .
2. Select any part of your screen.
3. After you select an area, Google Lens will search and show results with multiple options to interact.
   • Ask anything: Type a question about the image in the search box at the bottom of the results.
   • Translate: Get the translated text directly in the app.
   • Copy as text: Copy the selected text to your clipboard.
   • Copy as Image: Copy the selected area as an image to your clipboard.
     Tip: When you select an area without text, you'll only find ‘Copy as image’ as an option.
4. Press esc on your keyboard to return to Google app.

Search the web

Get Google Search results quickly. To get Search results:

1. Open the Google app .
2. In the search box:
   • Type what you want to find.
   • You can also click on a suggestion, or use the arrows to select a suggestion
3. Press Enter.
4. Tap All to view Google search results.

Search your computer

On your computer, you can easily find and open applications or files.

To open an app

1. Open the Google app .
2. In the search box, enter the name of the app you want to find.
   • For example, Chrome or Notepad.
3. Click on the app to open.
   • You can also use the arrow keys to select the desired app and then press Enter.

To find a file

1. Open the Google app .
2. In the search box:
   • Enter the name of a document, picture, or any other file you want to find.
   • You can also click on a suggestion, or use the arrows to find a file.
3. Once the file is highlighted on your screen, press Enter.

Search your Google Drive

To find your files, documents, spreadsheets, and presentations in Google Drive, make sure you’re signed into your Google account in the app.

1. Open the Google app .
2. To open the file:
   • In the search box, enter the name of the file you are looking for.
   • You can also click on a suggestion, or use the arrows to open a file.
3. Press Enter.

How your data is used by the Google app for desktop

• Local files: The Google app builds an index on your device, and uses that local index to search for local files and apps. The Google app for desktop does not send the index of local files to Google servers.
• Lens queries: When you perform a Lens query, only the part of the screen you select is sent to Google for processing a response. To manage or delete your Search activity, go to My Google Activity.

Give feedback

1. Open the Google app .
2. Click your profile image to open the Google Account settings.
3. Click Send Feedback.
4. Enter your feedback.
   • You can choose to add a screenshot or add a log to help us better understand your feedback.
5. At the bottom, click Send.

Related resources

• Where Search Labs & experiments are available
• Get AI-powered responses with AI Mode in Google Search
• Try experiments in Search Labs