How to Get the Gmail App for Windows 11

Gmail is one of the most popular email platforms out there, and for good reason — it’s fast, reliable, and packed with features. But unlike Outlook, Gmail doesn’t have a dedicated desktop app for Windows 11. So, if you’ve ever searched for a “Gmail app for Windows 11”, you’ve probably realized there isn’t an official one.

The good news? You can still turn Gmail into a desktop-like app on Windows 11 and get almost the same experience — complete with notifications, taskbar pinning, and offline access. In this guide, we’ll show you how to set up Gmail as a standalone app using Chrome, Edge, and even through the Windows Mail app.

1. Install Gmail as a Progressive Web App (PWA) via Chrome

The easiest and most official-looking way to get Gmail on Windows 11 is by installing it as a Progressive Web App (PWA) using Google Chrome. This gives you a clean, app-like Gmail window without the distractions of browser tabs or toolbars.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Open Google Chrome on your PC.
2. Go to mail.google.com.
3. Log in to your Gmail account.
4. Click the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of Chrome.
5. Navigate to Save and share → Create shortcut (or Install Gmail if you see that option).
6. Check the box that says Open as window.
7. Click Create.

That’s it! Gmail will now open in its own separate window — just like a native app.

You can also:

• Pin it to the taskbar by right-clicking the Gmail icon and selecting Pin to taskbar.
• Enable notifications when prompted, so you get email alerts even if Gmail isn’t open.

This is the closest experience you’ll get to a real Gmail app on Windows 11.

2. Install Gmail as an App Using Microsoft Edge

If you prefer Microsoft Edge over Chrome, don’t worry — it supports the same PWA functionality. The process is nearly identical.

1. Open Microsoft Edge and navigate to mail.google.com.
2. Sign in to your Gmail account.
3. Click the three-dot menu (⋯) in the upper-right corner.
4. Select Apps → Install this site as an app.
5. Give it a name (like Gmail) and click Install.

Edge will create a standalone Gmail window and add a shortcut to your Start menu and desktop.

Just like with Chrome, you can also:

• Pin Gmail to your taskbar.
• Allow notifications for new mail.

Edge PWAs integrate seamlessly with Windows 11, so the app will look native and support features like Snap layouts and Start menu search.

3. Add Gmail to the Windows 11 Mail App

If you’d rather keep all your email accounts in one place, you can connect Gmail directly to the built-in Windows Mail app. While it’s not the official Gmail interface, it lets you access and send emails using your Google account natively within Windows.

Here’s how to set it up:

1. Open the Mail app on Windows 11.
2. Click the Settings gear icon in the lower-left corner.
3. Select Manage Accounts → Add account.
4. Choose Google from the list.
5. Sign in with your Gmail credentials.
6. Grant the requested permissions.

Once done, Gmail will appear as a connected account in the Mail app sidebar. You can check, compose, and manage emails directly — and Windows will also sync your Google Calendar and Contacts automatically.

4. Enable Offline Gmail (Optional)

If you want to use Gmail even when you’re not connected to the internet, you can enable Offline mode inside Gmail.

Here’s how:

1. Open Gmail in your Chrome or Edge browser.
2. Click the Settings gear icon → See all settings.
3. Go to the Offline tab.
4. Check Enable offline mail.
5. Choose how many days of emails you want to store offline (e.g., 30 days).
6. Click Save Changes.

Once enabled, you can still read, reply to, and compose messages — Gmail will send them automatically the next time you’re online.

5. Use Gmail with Outlook Desktop (Optional Advanced Option)

If you already use Microsoft Outlook for work, you can add your Gmail account there as well. This lets you manage Gmail right inside Outlook’s powerful email client.

1. Open Microsoft Outlook.
2. Click File → Add Account.
3. Enter your Gmail address and click Connect.
4. Sign in to your Google account when prompted.
5. Allow access permissions.

Your Gmail inbox will now sync with Outlook, and you can manage your emails directly without switching apps.

Wrapping Up

While Google doesn’t offer an official Gmail desktop app for Windows 11, turning Gmail into a Progressive Web App (PWA) is the next best thing — and in many ways, it feels just as good. You can open Gmail in a dedicated window, get instant notifications, and even use it offline.

If you prefer a more traditional desktop experience, adding Gmail to Windows Mail or Outlook works great too.

No matter which option you choose, you’ll have quick and easy access to Gmail right from your Windows 11 desktop — no browser tabs required.