Coder Desktop
Coder Desktop provides seamless access to your remote workspaces through a native application. Connect to workspace services using simple hostnames like myworkspace.coder
, launch applications with one click, and synchronize files between local and remote environments—all without installing a CLI or configuring manual port forwarding.
What You'll Need
- A Coder deployment running
v2.20.0
or later - Administrator privileges on your local machine (for VPN extension installation)
- Access to your Coder deployment URL
Quick Start
- Install:
brew install --cask coder/coder/coder-desktop
(macOS) orwinget install Coder.CoderDesktop
(Windows) - Open Coder Desktop and approve any system prompts to complete the installation.
- Sign in with your deployment URL and session token
- Enable "Coder Connect" toggle
- Access workspaces at
workspace-name.coder
How It Works
Coder Connect the primmary component of Coder Desktop creates a secure tunnel to your Coder deployment, allowing you to:
- Access workspaces directly: Connect via
workspace-name.coder
hostnames - Use any application: SSH clients, browsers, IDEs work seamlessly
- Sync files: Bidirectional sync between local and remote directories
- Work offline: Edit files locally, sync when reconnected
The VPN extension routes only Coder traffic—your other internet activity remains unchanged.
Installation
brew install --cask coder/coder/coder-desktop
Coder Desktop requires VPN extension permissions:
- When prompted with "Coder Desktop" would like to use a new network extension, select Open System Settings
- In Network Extensions settings, enable the Coder Desktop extension
- You may need to enter your password to authorize the extension
✅ Verify Installation: Coder Desktop should appear in your menu bar
Testing Your Connection
Once connected, test access to your workspaces:
ssh your-workspace.coder
Troubleshooting
Connection Issues
Can't connect to workspace
- Verify Coder Connect is enabled (toggle should be ON)
- Check that your deployment URL is correct
- Ensure your session token hasn't expired
- Try disconnecting and reconnecting Coder Connect
VPN extension not working
- Restart Coder Desktop
- Check system permissions for network extensions
- Ensure only one copy of Coder Desktop is installed
Known Limitations
Secure Browser Context
Some web applications require HTTPS for certain features. While Coder Connect uses encrypted WireGuard tunnels, browsers may show security warnings for HTTP connections to .coder
hostnames.
Getting Help
If you encounter issues not covered here:
Uninstalling
- Disable Coder Connect in the app menu
- Quit Coder Desktop completely
- Remove VPN extension from System Settings > Network Extensions
- Delete the app from Applications folder
- Remove configuration (optional):
rm -rf ~/Library/Application\ Support/Coder\ Desktop