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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

  1. Install: brew install --cask coder/coder/coder-desktop (macOS) or winget install Coder.CoderDesktop (Windows)
  2. Open Coder Desktop and approve any system prompts to complete the installation.
  3. Sign in with your deployment URL and session token
  4. Enable "Coder Connect" toggle
  5. Access workspaces at workspace-name.coder

How It Works

Coder Connect, the primary 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:

  1. When prompted with "Coder Desktop" would like to use a new network extension, select Open System Settings
  2. In Network Extensions settings, enable the Coder Desktop extension
  3. 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

  1. Disable Coder Connect in the app menu
  2. Quit Coder Desktop completely
  3. Remove VPN extension from System Settings > Network Extensions
  4. Delete the app from Applications folder
  5. Remove configuration (optional): rm -rf ~/Library/Application\ Support/Coder\ Desktop