IPFS Desktop
IPFS Desktop is the official graphical client for running and managing a local IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) node. Designed for accessibility and ease of use, it allows users to interact with the IPFS network without writing a single terminal command. With IPFS Desktop, you can add files, view peer connections, monitor your node’s status, and browse content hashes — all from a clean and intuitive graphical interface.
At its core, IPFS is a decentralized, peer-to-peer file system that replaces traditional HTTP with a content-addressed protocol. Instead of relying on centralized servers, IPFS retrieves content based on its cryptographic hash (CID), ensuring data integrity, persistence, and resistance to censorship. IPFS Desktop makes this powerful infrastructure available to everyone — whether you’re a developer building on Web3, a digital archivist distributing immutable files, or a user seeking a more private and resilient web.
Behind the scenes, IPFS Desktop uses Kubo (formerly go-ipfs) — the primary implementation of the IPFS protocol written in Go. It launches a local daemon that connects to the IPFS swarm, enabling full participation in the global content distribution network. All interactions, from uploading files to inspecting peer traffic, are seamlessly visualized through the Desktop UI.
Use cases for IPFS Desktop include: decentralized content publishing, distributed backups, censorship-resistant file hosting, software distribution without mirrors, and research data sharing. Files added to your local IPFS node can be pinned, replicated, or shared globally via IPFS gateways or directly between nodes — offering a future-proof storage layer for the modern internet.
Key features:
- Run a full local IPFS node with one click
- Import and share files using content-addressed CIDs
- Explore and pin content from the IPFS network
- Visualize swarm peers, bandwidth usage, and block exchange
- Monitor pinning status and manage local storage
- Auto-start on login for continuous availability
- Access IPFS Web UI and local gateway from the tray
With growing adoption across blockchain, distributed apps, academic publishing, and privacy tech, IPFS is becoming the backbone of the decentralized web. IPFS Desktop gives you full access to this ecosystem with minimal setup, allowing you to contribute to, retrieve from, and help replicate the world’s distributed data layer.
Download Options
| Version | Platform | Download |
|---|---|---|
| 0.46.0 | Windows (x64 Installer) | Download |
Installation & quick start
Step 1: Download the installer above and run it. IPFS Desktop will automatically install and launch your local IPFS node.
Step 2: The app lives in the system tray and provides quick access to your node status, Web UI, gateway, and content management tools.
Step 3: To add files, drag and drop them into the interface or use the “Import” option. Each file will be assigned a unique CID (Content Identifier) that can be used to retrieve it from anywhere in the IPFS network.
You can monitor bandwidth, peer activity, and pin status, making IPFS Desktop ideal for small nodes, development environments, or privacy-first content sharing. Your IPFS node connects to the distributed web, helping replicate and serve content across the network.
Useful Links
- Official IPFS Website
- Installation & Docs for IPFS Desktop
- GitHub Repository
- General IPFS Documentation
License: MIT License
Note: IPFS Desktop is maintained by Protocol Labs. It provides a graphical layer over your local IPFS node powered by Kubo, simplifying access to the decentralized web.