Hey all,
Is there anyway that I can download and run apple mail on a windows based system?
I just recently got a mac (first one!!) and am switching all my contacts to mail. But when I’m at work I’d like to have mail running on my windows based computer. I can check my mail through .mac right now, but would prefer if the program ran on my computer and told me when I got new e-mails as opposed to me having to keep checking through .mac. Anyway to accomplish this?
Macbook,
Mac OS X (10.5.2)
Posted on Apr 21, 2008 7:16 AM
Running apple mail on windows system
admin | Apple Mail Communications how to News Products Services software technology | 4 minutes read | Modified on: 25-07-2022
Looking a suitable technique for how to get Apple Mail on Windows from Mac! No worries because MacMister will resolve all related issues.
Apple Mail is an Apple-designed email service provider that most of the Mac users use to manage Apple Mail account inboxes, drafts, sent items, etc. It has been introduced as a default email client for Mac OS X. After utilizing for so long, user’s starts to move onto a different email client or some just shift on a different operating system like Windows. This becomes a challenging task because users has essential files stored with previous email client i.e. Apple Mail and now finding difficulty in accessing them as they are Mac-based and cannot open in Windows. In such a case, the migration of Apple Mail mailboxes are required so that users can easily view, read and import the required data in a suitable format or email account.
How to Get Apple Mail on Windows?
There are basically multiple ways that users can adapt to get Apple Mail emails on Windows. So, let’s dive deep and understand the methods one by one.
Method 1. Apple Mail Synchronization via IMAP
It is easy and for most of the users it can work.
Apple’s uses IMAP storage format for email clients. This will keep the copy of the messages on both server and on Mac desktop. In case, if a user is using iCloud email address, then one can use the same to sign in to a Windows-supported email application i.e. Microsoft Outlook, Live Mail or Mozilla Thunderbird.
If a user is having email ID as abc@icloud.com then setup new email client in Windows by using the login details of icloud.com. For example, for configuring Windows Mail on Windows OS, choose iCloud option. Enter the iCloud credentials and after this, the application will verify and detect the server settings automatically.
In case users are using an email application that does not automatically detect the server settings, then use the following steps for IMAP Settings –
Incoming Server
Server Name – imap.mail.me.com
SSL Required – Yes (try TLS in case SSL does not work)
Port – 993
Username – Enter user name or complete email address of iCloud.
Password – Enter related password of iCloud. You can also generate an app specific password if 2-factor authentication is enabled.
Outgoing Server
Server Name – smtp.mail.me.com
SSL Required – Yes
Port – 587
SMTP Authentication Required – Yes
If a user is using Gmail or another web-based email service that supports IMAP, then you can do the same thing. Provide IMAP credentials and the messages will then automatically synchronized.
Method 2. Using Direct and Effortless Solution
Users can utilize Apple Mail Converter to access Apple Mail mailboxes on Windows. The software has two versions, one is for Mac and another is for Windows. The required users can download the solution accordingly and get Apple Mail mails on Windows supported formats and email accounts such as PST, MBOX, OLM, PDF, MHT, HTML, DOC, Thunderbird, IMAP Server, G Suite and more. The designed process is very simple. Technical and novice users can use the application without efforts and obtain the desired output.
The application includes several features as well that allow users to save Apple Mail emails on Windows accordingly. However, users will get the facility of trial edition which will ease their worries and allow them to export 25 Apple Mail emails into required saving option free of cost.
Steps to Get Apple Mail Emails on Windows Easily
Step 1. Download, install and launch Apple Mail Extractor.
Step 2. Utilize the required available options to load Apple Mail mailboxes for migration and click on Next.
Step 3. The files starts to list and will be shown with selected checkboxes. Users can select/deselect checkboxes accordingly to migrate selective files if needed otherwise click Next.
Step 4. Now, choose the saving option in which one wants to migrate Apple Mail mailboxes.
Step 5. Each saving option is built-up with sub-options which gives the freedom to users to save the resultant file as per need. When all options are set, click on Export.
Step 6. Verify the migration process through Live Conversion report as shown-
The Live Conversion screen displays the status of migration process. It will show the count of items converted, items left and the completion status. When the tool finishes whole procedure, users will receive the message on their screen “Conversion Completed”. Click on OK to close the box. Now, check the complete migration details through auto-generated log report and save the same at desired location if necessary for future. After this, open the resultant file and cross-check its originality. The original quality of the email files will be preserved throughout the process.
Final Thoughts
The entire segment provided the multiple approaches to get Apple Mail on Windows. Users can opt the suitable method and access Apple Mail mailboxes. For any queries or assistance, MacMister support team is here to help. Give a try to both the methods and go with the simple, effortless and secure one.
If you need a sanity-saving way to move with Apple Mail for Windows or just want a cool mail app for your PC, you’ll find answers here.
Are you migrating from Mac to PC and wondering if there is Apple Mail for Windows? Or maybe you adore Apple’s gorgeous design and features and are looking for something similar for your Windows 10 PC?
In this article, we hand-picked for you six proven options and compared their design, features, speed, productivity, and price. They all support IMAP and POP3.
First, we’ll explore Apple Mail’s strong and weak points. Then, we analogize them with alternative email clients so that you can choose the most suitable solution for your new comfy and productive email life.
Contents
- Apple Mail: A Brief Overview
- Mac to Windows 10 Migration Challenge
- Best 6 Apple Mail Alternatives for Windows
- So, Which Email Client Is Best for Your Switch?
Apple Mail: A Brief Overview
Apple Mail is a default app that allows Mac users to access iCloud email and supports most other providers.
Though it’s a favorite of many die-hard Apple loyalists, it’s not the best mail app for Mac. It perfectly integrates with native products, but the design, interface, and features are pretty basic.
Then, there are issues with syncing, poor integration with third-party apps, and no customization. The Mac email client helps manage multiple email accounts and organizes your inbox, but that’s about it.
- Key Features
-
- Unified inbox — collects all your accounts and mailboxes in one place.
- Smart mailboxes — enables grouping messages.
- Filters — helps organize emails.
- iCloud Drive — shares files among your other Apple devices.
- Strengths
-
- It’s preinstalled on Mac and free (with iCloud storage).
- Cool, clean design.
- Native integration with Apple products (Calendar, Contacts, Numbers, etc.)
- Weaknesses
-
- Very basic email management
- Lack of customization options like theme, color, or background
- Lack of must-have features like snooze, schedule email, or email tracking
- Syncing issues
- No native third-party integrations
The good news: there are even better options for Apple Mail for PC with a super easy transfer! We’ve provided brief comparison charts after each mail app review.
Mac to Windows 10 Migration Challenge
If you used to run a different email client on your Mac, you could find a Windows-compatible version. Some email clients are Mac-specific, so you will need to find the best Windows alternative for your Mac email client. If you need an Apple Mail download or maybe an iCloud mail app for Windows, download iCloud on your PC, then choose a good alternative email client from the assortment below.
Best 6 Apple Mail Alternatives for Windows
In this article, we review six Mac email clients based on their functionality and price:
- Mailbird — provides great multiple accounts management and awesome productivity features
- Outlook — plays well with Microsoft Office
- Thunderbird — a proven free cross-platform alternative
- Mailspring — easy to set up and use for multiple email accounts
- Windows Mail — could be a quick temporary solution at no additional cost
Mailbird
Windows Central, LifeHacker, and other services have rated Mailbird as one of the best mail apps for the past few years. In addition to a neat and user-friendly design, this intelligent mail app extends to a flexible communications center, not only an email client. Businesses and professionals value it as a tool for effective email management, improved productivity, and collaboration.
It supports Windows 10 and other popular versions, and there’s a Mac version in the making if you decide to switch back to Apple in the future.
Mailbird offers excellent customization freedom, easy management of multiple accounts, and visual clarity for you to become a real email ninja. It also supports almost any email provider.
Most users who come from Mac, searching for Apple Mail for Windows 10 and other versions, fall in love with Mailbird for saving time with keyboard shortcuts, simple transition, instant setup, and overall email stress reduction.
Watch on YouTube: «Mailbird User Review»
- Features
-
- Unified inbox helps you check and manage ALL your emails from virtually any email provider in one stream or switch between separate email accounts with one click.
- Snooze helps you reach zero unread messages.
- A rich unified calendar helps you easily juggle your tasks and appointments.
- The first-ever speed reader saves time on reading emails by half and many others!
- Email tracking enables instant control over your message reading status.
- Color coding helps distinguish different accounts in your inbox.
- The 24-hour responsive support services are free for all users!
- Migration from any client is quick, simple, and reliable.
- Parakeet email generator speeds up your communication and puts a smile on your face. (You may start playing with the tones and can’t stop.)
- Integrations
-
Mailbird has dozens of third-party integrations to boost your productivity even more: Dropbox, Slack, Google Docs, Evernote, Asana, Google Drive and Calendar, and more.
- Reviews
-
Mailbird User Review - Price
-
After a free trial, plans start from $3.25 per month.
- Verdict
-
With Mailbird, you’ll get more than a nicely designed and speedy email client. It’s a wow communications center tailored to supercharge your productivity and lighten your busy days. Users say it’s a mail app that rules them all.
| Apple Mail | Mailbird | |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | Clean and elegant | 5-star, clean, and elegant |
| Supported accounts | Multiple | Multiple |
| Speed | Syncing issues might slow it down | Fast |
| Customization | None | 5-star |
| Productivity | No applicable features | Designed to accelerate productivity with snooze, email tracking, speed reader, advanced filters, keyboard shortcuts, and many others |
| Integrations | Native with Mac apps | Dozens accessible right from your dashboard |
| Price | Preinstalled (plus iCloud storage subscription) | From $3.25 per month |
Microsoft Outlook
Outlook has been around for ages, with a reputation as a functional email program. You can download this desktop client for Windows 10 or other versions, but there is also the option to use the virtual suite on its own. Organization and customization are decent in Outlook but could be better.
It integrates with the Microsoft Office suite and provides a practical option for those who like having the whole package. For multiple accounts management and contact integration, Outlook is strong. Setup on its own (and the entire suite) could be more intuitive and clear-cut.
- Features
-
- You can manage multiple email accounts with a unified inbox and add rules. For more advanced options, you can code macros (not too convenient).
- Outlook Calendar easily creates meeting requests and adds appointments and other events. You can even create multiple calendars and link and share to others’ calendars in your team.
- Creating a task out of any item like email, contact, calendar entry, or note is easy. You drag it to the to-do bar or the tasks icon in the navigation pane.
- Quick Parts allows re-using text and images and thus increases productivity.
- Integrations
-
This mail app is native to Office 365 and integrates with many excellent applications like Salesforce, Asana, Trello, and many others.
- Reviews
-
Microsoft Outlook Review - Price
-
From $5.99/month.
- Verdict
-
Microsoft Outlook can offer more organization but might be overwhelming for Mac computer users who value their Mac email client for smooth work and clean, intuitive UX and UI.
| Apple Mail | Microsoft Outlook | |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | Clean and elegant | Clean and elegant |
| Supported accounts | Multiple | Multiple |
| Speed | Syncing issues might slow it down | Has never been fast |
| Customization | None | Decent layout options |
| Productivity | No applicable features | Creates tasks from emailsSnooze |
| Integrations | Native to Apple ecosystem | Native to Office 365 Third-party integrations: Salesforce, Asana, Trello, Grammarly, PayPal, and many more |
| Price | Preinstalled (plus iCloud storage subscription) | From $5.99 per month |
Thunderbird
Like Microsoft Outlook, the Thunderbird mail app has been around for quite some time. It is a prevalent choice for people looking for a free email client. Importing and exporting contacts is simple, and the setup process is easy. It supports Windows 10, 7, 8, and 11.
- Features
-
- Multiple account management is also an option, thanks to the unified Inbox functionality.
- It’s secure, thanks to spam filters and a firewall.
- While the Thunderbird email app doesn’t come with intuitive calendar app integration, you can download the Lightning add-on to create a calendar you can use in conjunction with the main app.
- In the Thunderbird mail client, you can tab your emails like in a browser; it’s convenient to switch between emails quickly.
- Integrations
-
The Thunderbird email client integrates with Gmail, Yahoo! Mail, and McAfee LifeSafe, and offers add-ons for various features like Notepad, Quicktext, and others through Add-on Manager.
- Reviews
-
Thunderbird Reviews - Price
-
This mail app is free.
- Verdict
-
The Thunderbird mail app could be a suitable free email solution for your transfer, offering increased customization and integration. Considering its rougher design and worse interface, for those looking for «something like Apple Mail app for Windows», it’ll be a functional compromise with your eyes closed.
| Apple Mail | Thunderbird | |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | Clean and elegant | Rough and outdated |
| Supported accounts | Multiple | Multiple |
| Speed | Syncing issues might slow it down | Quite slow |
| Customization | None | Endless with add-ons |
| Productivity | No applicable features | Add-ons: Lightning Calendar, Quick Folders, Quick Filters, FileLink |
| Integrations | Native to Apple ecosystem | seamless integration with Gmail,Yahoo! Mail, and McAfee LifeSafe Check add-ons for more |
| Price | Preinstalled (plus iCloud storage subscription) | Free, including upgrades |
Mailspring
Mailspring is an open-source desktop app with productivity functionality, such as snooze, send later, and translation. Sales reps often choose the Mailspring mail app for reading receipts, click and open tracking, and follow-up reminders.
You’ll enjoy its fast offline search, Gmail-style mail labels and templates, and company overviews. It’s pretty reliable for Windows 10, 7, 8, or 11, macOS, and Linux.
- Features
-
- Unified inbox helps manage different email accounts.
- Rich contact profiles allow you to control your network.
- Undo send reduces stress.
- Integrations
-
The Mailspring mail app integrates with Microsoft 365, Gmail, Yahoo! Mail, iCloud, and other providers but not with any third-party apps.
- Reviews
-
Mailspring user review - Price
-
The free license comes with limited functionality; the Pro subscription is $8 per month.
- Verdict
-
The Mailspring mail app could be a good alternative for Windows 10, offering more customization, integration, and productivity.
| Apple Mail | Mailspring | |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | Clean and elegant | Clean and elegant |
| Supported accounts | Multiple | Multiple |
| Speed | Syncing issues might slow it down | Fast |
| Customization | None | None |
| Productivity | No applicable features | Email tracking, snooze, send later, translation, contact profiles, and company overview |
| Integrations | Native with Mac apps only | Microsoft 365, Gmail, Yahoo! Mail, iCloud, and other apps |
| Price | Preinstalled (plus iCloud storage subscription) | Free version comes with limited functionalities Pro version $8 per month |
Windows Mail
![Windows Mail could be a temporary free change of Apple Mail app for Windows [source: getmailbird.com]](https://www.getmailbird.com/assets/components/phpthumbof/cache/set-up-accounts-in-windows-live-mail.9af801e498cc58c3bfe27944b72164d1.webp)
Windows Mail is the official name for Microsoft’s default email client that has a simple interface but primitive features. It supports a multi-window mode where new emails may be opened in a separate window.
- Features
-
- Unified inbox supports an unlimited number of accounts.
- Basic calendar is integrated with other Microsoft tools.
- Focused inbox helps separate important emails from others.
- Integrations
-
Default integration with standard Windows applications (Calendar, People, ToDo).
- Reviews
-
n/a
- Price
-
Preinstalled on Windows 10 and other versions at no additional cost.
- Verdict
-
For Apple fans, Windows Mail could be a free, functional but short-time compromise. It is too primitive in design and interface, has fewer features, and has a slower speed. You can switch between light and dark modes, but that’s all for customization.
Windows Mail app could be a free transitional compromise but only for a short while.
| Apple Mail | Windows Mail | |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | Clean and elegant | Primitive and clumsy |
| Supported accounts | Multiple | Multiple |
| Speed | Syncing issues might slow it down | Slow |
| Customization | None | Light and dark themes |
| Productivity | No applicable features | Basic calendar and contacts, focused inbox |
| Integrations | Native to Apple ecosystem | Native to Windows ecosystem |
| Price | Preinstalled (plus iCloud storage subscription) | Preinstalled on Windows 10 and other versions at no additional cost |
So, Which Email Client Is Best for Your Switch?
At the end of the day, choosing the ideal Apple Mail for Windows 10 will come down to two things — your daily use and the features critical for your productivity. Finding a mail app that works with you, not against you, is key. Hopefully, the list above helps you find the best email client to support your move from Mac to Windows 10.
All that time we inevitably spend on email today is worth more than just a mailbox. It should provide more comfort and benefits for our business and life.
| Apple Mail | Mailbird | Outlook | Thunderbird | Mailspring | Windows Mail | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interface | 5/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 2/5 | |
| Supported accounts | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Two on free version Unlimited in Pro |
Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Customization | None | 5/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 1/5 | |
| Productivity features | None | 5/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | None | |
| Ingerations | 3/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | None | 2/5 | |
| Price | Pre-installed on macOS (add iCloud storage fee) | From $3.25/month | From $5.99/month | Free | $49.95/user | Free limited features license Pro $8/month |
Free, preinstalled on Windows |
Frequently Asked Questions about Apple Mail
Can I get Apple Mail on Windows?
No, Apple Mail is a default email app like Windows Mail on PC. But you can choose from even better email clients like Mailbird. It will help move your mail with zero stress. The Mailbird email client will amplify productivity, reduce stress, and offer versatile integration with third-party apps.
How do I set up Apple Mail on Windows?
You can download iCloud on Windows PC and use an alternative client (e.g., Mailbird) to transfer your mail. You will need your Apple ID password to access your messages.
Does Microsoft support Apple Mail?
No, Microsoft has its own default mail app, Windows Mail. But you can download a good alternative email app (Mailbird, for example) and set up access from your iCloud account. Your email management will become easier and healthier.
Is Outlook or Apple Mail better?
Well, they both have their fans. The Mac email app comes free but works only on Mac products. Outlook installs on Apple computers and PCs, but you will pay for this mail app separately or within Office 365. Outlook has more advanced features for the organization, but it works and looks clumsier. The Mac email app has a great design and integrates with the Apple ecosystem but has limited features. Read this review for a detailed comparison.
What email client can I use on Windows 11?
Mailbird is fully supported on Windows 11. It even supports the touchscreen technology that comes with the latest Windows version. If you’re looking to switch to Windows 11, try Mailbird for free.
About the Author:
Christin Baumgarten
Marketing Manager
PR & Media Relations Supporting the team by communicating Mailbird and its great features to existing and potential users and media.
How to Transfer Mail from Mac to Windows PC ? – A Complete Guide
The Mac Mail services are continuously running fantastic, but the developers of Macs do not make it easy for you for switching from Mac to Windows 10.
Of course, almost all personal Mac Mail data and settings remain in Apple’s proprietary format. At first glance, it may seem confusing to understand how emails are transferred from a Mac to a Windows PC. However, if you want to transfer Mac Mail messages and move your emails from your Mac computer to Windows, you can easily transfer them to other email applications such as Outlook, Thunderbird, etc.
In this article, we will describe to you different techniques about how to transfer emails from Mac to Windows PC.
Content of this article:
Follow these steps to transfer emails from Mac to Windows:
- Open Mac Mail and choose the folder you wish to migrate.
- Right-click on it and select the Export Mailbox option.
- Pick a location for saving Mac Mail emails.
- Repeat steps for Mail folders you wish to export.
- Copy the .mbox mailbox emails and move them to Windows PC.
How to Export Emails from Mac Mail to Windows with Complete Working Steps ?
If you have the modern Mac Mail version and want to export emails from Mac Mail to Windows. Then, even if you don’t know about the location of Mac Mail data storage. Still, you can perform the Mac Mail to Windows conversion.
In such case, you can save Mac Mail messages into mailbox files using this option “Export Mailbox…”
Go through these steps to transfer Mac Mail to Windows PC:
Run the Mac Mail application and go to the Mailbox > Export Mailbox… option located on the menu bar.
Give a name to this folder and press on the “Create” button.
Thereafter, choose a required folder from Mac Mail to export into Windows.
Click on the Choose button to continue further.
Then, copy desired folder and paste the exported files into Windows Machine by using a pen drive or through the other medium as explained in the later section of the blog.
Once you have taken Mac Mail backup, thereafter you can copy the same exported data via pen drive, WeTransfer.com or through Google Drive to Windows.
Convert Mac Mail Exported Emails into Multiple Formats on Windows
Now, you have your Mac Mail messages on your Windows PC, so you can use a reliable software MBOX Converter software by BitRecover.
This expert solution gives you the facility to convert Mac Mail exported data items to varied file formats. The users can export Mac Mail to Windows Outlook 2016, 2019, 2013, etc. The tool can migrate all mailboxes into PST file format without any data manipulation. This conversion utility perfectly fits for your MBOX emails to be converted into formats that are compatible with Windows.
You can export Mac Mail exported .mbox emails to Windows PC into standard file formats. Such as MSG, EML, TXT, HTML, MHT, DOC, CSV, PDF, etc.
Let’ see how this software works to convert mail from Mac to other formats on Windows:
Download and run the software on your Windows machine.
Import Mac Mail MBOX emails with dual file selection options.
Preview required Mac Mail .mbox folders and hit on Next button.
Choose PST saving option to transfer email messages from Mac Mail to outlook ( Windows).
Select advance settings for creating separate PST per MBOX file.
Enter a destination path for saving the Mac Mail to Windows exported emails.
Mac Mail MBOX to PST conversion starts successfully.
What are the Gains of Using this Software ?
Bulk convert emails: The software offers the facility to do batch file conversion. One can use this utility to transfer mail from Mac to Windows and do further conversion of emails into popular file formats. For thus, the users can batch convert emails in single processing.
Offers different file naming options:- The tool gives many file naming conventions for better email management. For this purpose, choose any file naming option from GUI.
Dual file selection options: With this wizard, the users have the option to import a single MBOX file or a complete folder for further conversion. It gives dual options that are Select files and Select folder option.
Retains email data integrity: The software maintains the internal folder hierarchy of complete data. Moreover, it keeps intact all email components like sender and receiver details, subject, attachments, active links, formatting, etc.
Supports all Windows OS: You can download this software on any version of Windows OS. It is compatible with Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016, etc.
Some User Queries and Expert Replies
✔️How do I transfer from Mac to Windows ?
You can use the above solution to transfer mail from Mac to Windows PC.
✔️ Can I convert from Mac to Windows 10 ?
Yes, the solution described above can help you to move emails from Mac to Windows 10.
✔️ Will I be able to export Mac Mail to Windows Outlook 2016 ?
Yes, this software will let you move email from Mac to Windows Outlook 2016.
Try Now the Demo Version of Software for Free
If you are looking to migrate only few emails and want to do an evaluation. Then, please check this demo version. You can download it by clicking on this green button given below. This demo version will let you to convert first 25 items from each MBOX folder to the selected file format. Upgrade the tool’s licensed key for unlimited file migration.
Final Verdict
If you have never worked on data converters, then this blog will help you out. It explains how to transfer mail from Mac to Windows. This solution helps any user to move your Mac files to Windows pc with precision and without any data loss. If you have doubts or queries, feel free to contact to our support team.
Let’s face it, you want to upgrade your emailing experience and make your work swift and seamless. Thankfully, you landed on the right blog. So, if you’re here looking for a Gmail desktop app, we’re here to tell you about it.
The most widely used email service, Gmail, is available on desktop – However, it comes with a workaround as there are no official app released by Google.
In this article, we’ll look into different ways to help you set up Gmail on your desktop, and suggest our top picks for Gmail app alternatives in 2025 so you can enjoy your Gmail experience for both Windows and Mac OS.
We will cover:
- Is There an Official Gmail Desktop App for Windows?
- Is There an Official Gmail Desktop App for Mac?
- The Gmail Desktop Shortcut Hack
- Chrome
- Edge
- Safari
- Best Alternatives for a Gmail Desktop App for Windows
- Conclusion
Is there an Official Gmail Desktop App for Windows?
In short: No. As of January 2025, Gmail has not released an official desktop app for Windows. However, there are luckily a few alternatives that can do the job, as well as a shortcut hack that can get you there.
So read on, or jump to: Gmail Desktop Alternatives
Is there an Official Gmail Desktop App for Mac?
Unfortunately, not. There is no native Gmail desktop app for Mac as of January 2025. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a seamless email experience from your desktop. Read on to discover alternative apps, and ways to access your Gmail in one click.
The Gmail Desktop Shortcut Hack:
With an absent official app for Gmail on Desktop, there is one clever and easy workaround to make your life a ton easier. Free, no downloads necessary, and won’t require a learning curve. Although an official app might not exist, you can still add a shortcut to Gmail to your Windows or Mac desktop. This shortcut gives you quick and straightforward access to Gmail and a more app-like experience overall.
Transforming Gmail into a Desktop App with Chrome:
Using Google Chrome, you can set up a customized desktop shortcut that will land you straight into your Gmail inbox, and thus giving you a simulated app experience. Here is your step-by-step guide:
- Open the Chrome browser and sign into your Gmail account.
- After launching Gmail in Chrome, click the three dots menu in the top right corner of your browser.
-
Select “More tools” from the dropdown menu and then “Create shortcut.”
-
Give your shortcut a name in the pop-up window.
- Make sure you tick the box for “Open as window”.
- Click “Create” to add the Gmail shortcut to your desktop.
Transforming Gmail into a Desktop App with Edge:
- Launch Edge browser on your computer and go to Gmail.com
- Enter your credentials and make sure you are logged into your account.
-
Click on the three dots at the top-right corner of the screen to access the menu.
-
Select “Apps” and click on “Install this site as an app” from the dropdown list.
-
On the Install app prompt, rename your app. You can also edit and customize your icon by clicking on “Edit” and uploading your image.
- Finally, click on “Install”.
You’ve just installed a Gmail progressive app! Just run that app shortcut and start using it as your Gmail Desktop app.
Transforming Gmail into a Desktop App with Safari:
- Open the Safari web browser and resize it to view your desktop.
- Visit the website for which you want to create a desktop shortcut.
- Select the URL in the address bar.
- Drag the URL or the icon located to the left of the URL to your desktop.
- The shortcut will be created with a long name and a generic icon.
Continue with steps 6 onwards to customize your shortcut:
- To change the name and icon, right-click the shortcut and choose “Get Info” or press Command + I.
- In the “Get Info” window, expand the “Name & Extension” section.
- Enter a new name for the shortcut in the provided text box, while keeping the “.webloc” extension.
- To hide the file extension, left-click on the desktop, press Command + Coma simultaneously, or open Finder and go to Finder > Preferences from the Apple Menu Bar.
- In the Preferences window, select the Advanced tab and uncheck the box next to “Show all filename extensions”.
- If desired, search online for the logo of the website you’re creating the shortcut for.
- Right-click the image and choose “Save Image As” to save it.
- Open the saved image using the Preview app.
- Select the entire image by clicking and dragging a box around it or pressing Command + A.
- Copy the image by pressing Command + C.
- Go back to the “Get Info” window for the shortcut.
- Click the current icon at the top and press Command + V to paste the image.
- The shortcut will now have the new name and icon.
Adding the Gmail Shortcut to your Windows Taskbar:
Right-click on the newly created icon, and select “Pin to taskbar”.
Or
Drag your icon and drop it on the taskbar.
Adding the Gmail app to your Mac Dock:
Open your newly created shortcut, then Right-click (alt+click) on the Gmail icon in the dock, and go to “Options” and click “Keep in Dock.”
Best Alternatives for a Gmail Desktop App for Windows:
Although there isn’t an official Gmail app for Windows or Mac, several other email clients offer Gmail users interfaces and enhanced functionality. Here are 4 popular picks we found that you can try as an alternative for a better Gmail experience on Desktop.
Kiwi for Gmail (Windows & MacOS):
Kiwi offers a range of impressive Gmail features, including the ability to access multiple Google accounts within one interface, making it ideal for users with personal and work-related inboxes.
Beyond the familiar Gmail experience, Kiwi enhances productivity by allowing operating system notifications, seamless file integration, and support for keyboard shortcuts.
Additionally, Kiwi provides quick access to other Google apps like your Google Calendar and Google Docs.
While it is not free, Kiwi offers affordable pricing starting at $2.75 per month, with various plans offering additional features and customization options.
Mailbird (Windows & MacOS):
Mailbird is a user-friendly email client that integrates seamlessly with Gmail accounts. It’s also a feature-rich email client with an aesthetically pleasing interface and a range of productivity tools. It organizes labels as folders, supports Gmail keyboard shortcuts, and displays email threads as conversations for easy tracking. With Mailbird, you can effortlessly handle multiple email accounts, including Gmail, and access tasks, documents, and calendar events all in one centralized dashboard.
It’s worth noting the sheer number of customization options here as well, from the colors and the backgrounds of the interface, to how the reading pane is displayed and when notifications are permitted to be displayed. Expect to pay $3.25 per month after a free trial.
Thunderbird (Windows & MacOS)
Thunderbird, owned by Mozilla, is a widely used free email client with a strong following among Windows 10 users. It offers integrated productivity tools, tabbed email for efficient navigation, powerful filtering and timeline tools for easy email management, and a straightforward setup process compatible with most email providers. Thunderbird also supports various add-ons and customizable themes to personalize the user experience. And it’s free.
Mimestream (MacOS)
Mimestream is a dedicated desktop email client designed specifically for Gmail users on macOS. It provides a clean and streamlined interface that replicates the familiar features of Gmail, including labels, filters, and keyboard shortcuts. With support for multiple Gmail accounts, Mimestream also offers seamless integration with Google Contacts and Google Calendar. Additional features include automatic email tracking protection and the option to use profile pictures from the Apple Contacts app. While a 14-day free trial is available, continued use requires a subscription plan starting $4.99 per month.
Bonus: Video Tutorial
Watch this quick video (2:31) to walk through how to get Gmail on desktop for Windows and Mac:
Conclusion
We all love a little less hassle in our day-to-day. And when our day-to-day is filled with emails, a shortcut goes a long way. Over the years, Gmail implemented some handy keyboard shortcuts. But they still don’t have an official desktop app.
If apps are your thing, solutions are out there. By bringing Gmail to your desktop, you can simplify email management, increase productivity, and take advantage of features and customizations to improve your Gmail experience on Windows and Mac.
Effective email management is crucial to make sure you are on top of your game, and using Gmail on your desktop can significantly enhance your productivity and workflow.
This guide was written by Guy Bou Samra, content editor at Mailmeteor. Mailmeteor is a simple & privacy-focused emailing software. Trusted by millions of users worldwide, it is often considered as the best tool to send newsletters with Gmail. Give us a try and let us know what you think!