System requirements and installation
Ghast Workbench’s desktop client targets macOS and Windows. Installer filenames use Ghast Desktop; the installed application is Ghast AI. A successful installation only means that Ghast AI can start. You must still sign in, complete onboarding, and have an available model before sending your first message. Coding, Computer Use, voice, and some local capabilities request folder or operating-system permissions when you use them.
Supported platforms
These guides describe the current development client. The stable installers below may differ in available features, labels, and layout; their full feature parity with this documentation has not yet been verified. If a control is missing, check your installed version in Settings → About before following the relevant troubleshooting guide.
| Platform | Current release information |
|---|---|
| macOS | macOS 12 or later as the runtime baseline; separate Apple Silicon and Intel packages |
| Windows | x64 installer; Windows 11 is the validation target for these guides |
The macOS baseline follows the runtime’s supported platforms. The oldest macOS version on which the full stable application works has not yet been verified.
Download the current stable release
The official stable-channel manifests checked on October 19, 2026 report 0.1.33, released on October 16, for all three desktop platforms. The official links below follow the stable channel. Check the Workbench release notes for subsequent releases:
| System | Official installer |
|---|---|
| macOS Apple Silicon | Download DMG |
| macOS Intel | Download DMG |
| Windows x64 | Download installer |
To identify a Mac, open Apple menu → About This Mac. Choose Apple Silicon for an Apple M-series chip, or Intel when the processor is identified as Intel. Do not install forwarded packages or updates from an unknown source. Product announcements are available from the official Ghast website.
Install on macOS
- Open the downloaded DMG.
- Drag Ghast AI into Applications.
- Start Ghast AI from Applications.
- If macOS displays a security prompt, verify the source before proceeding.
Grant permissions only when you use the related feature:
- Microphone for voice input.
- Accessibility and Screen Recording for Computer Use or app-context capture.
- Files and Folders for workspaces and attachments that you select.
Install on Windows
- Run the downloaded x64 installer.
- Complete the installation wizard.
- Start Ghast AI from the Start menu.
- If Windows displays a security prompt, verify the publisher is GhastAI. Limited and confirm the download source before proceeding.
Minimal post-install check
After launch, confirm that:
- The main window renders normally.
- After onboarding, the top work-surface switcher contains Chat, Coding, and Team.
- The Chat sidebar can open New Chat, Plugins, and Search chats.
- The Settings window opens.
These checks confirm installation and interface startup only. Completing an AI request also depends on sign-in, available usage, network access, and a working model service.
Do not delete local data as a first troubleshooting step. It may contain conversations, settings, and local extensions. If Ghast does not launch, record your operating system, installer version, and full error before opening Common problems.