Signal is a free, open-source messaging app for texts, voice messages, voice and video calls, and files, all end-to-end encrypted. It is run by Signal, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and funded by donations rather than advertising. The phone app is the main one; the desktop apps for Windows, macOS and Linux link to it. Signal Desktop 8.31.0 was published on October 15, 2026.
Our file check
File check — 17 October 2026 UTC: We downloaded the official installer signal-desktop-win-x64-8.31.0.exe (Signal Desktop for Windows x64, 136.1 MB) from updates.signal.org and did not run it.
SHA-256: fb2c8995c80d11aa4aaf6fc0943495d17afd3ff4182e2c0c58476442a28b3644. Signal publishes a SHA-512 for each desktop build in its update feed; our file matched it. Windows reports a valid Authenticode signature from Signal Messenger, LLC.
A matching hash proves the file is byte-for-byte the publisher’s release. It is not a malware scan, and we did not install or test the program. Check your own copy with our SHA-256 checker.
Who it suits
People who want private conversations without ads, and groups that agree to move a chat to Signal. The Microsoft Store description mentions group chats of up to 1,000 people and group calls of up to 75. The other people in a conversation need Signal too.
Get the official version
- Android: Google Play is Signal’s recommended route.
- iPhone and iPad: only the App Store.
- Windows: signal.org or the Microsoft Store listing it links to.
- Mac: signal.org/download/macos.
- Linux: signal.org/download/linux gives commands to add Signal’s signed apt repository on Debian-based systems, or an AppImage with a GPG signature for other 64-bit distributions.
To use the desktop app, Signal must first be installed on your phone.
The Android APK
Signal publishes a direct APK at signal.org/android/apk for “advanced users with special needs”, while saying most users should install from Google Play. The page lists the SHA-256 fingerprint of Signal’s signing certificate and the apksigner verify --print-certs command to check it before installing. Do not install Signal APKs from any other site.
Price
Free, with no ads and no subscription. Google Play shows “In-app purchases” on the listing; Signal is funded by donations.
System requirements
From Signal’s installation guide: Android 6.0 or later; iOS 15 or later; Windows 10 or 11; macOS 13 or later; Linux on amd64 (x86_64) distributions only. On Ubuntu 24, the AppImage needs an AppArmor profile, which Signal’s support article explains.
Questions
Can I use Signal Desktop without a phone?
No. Signal says the phone app must be installed first; the desktop app links to it.
Is Signal open source?
Yes. The code is on GitHub; Signal Desktop is licensed under the GNU AGPL v3.
Can I install Signal with winget?
Yes: winget install OpenWhisperSystems.Signal downloads from updates.signal.org.
