LinkedIn is one of the most popular professional social networking sites, with over 722 million users worldwide as of 2022. Many professionals rely on LinkedIn to network, build their personal brand, find job opportunities, and more. While LinkedIn’s website and mobile apps allow you to access many of its key features, some users may prefer having a desktop app for convenience and efficiency. So, is there an official LinkedIn desktop application you can download to your Windows or Mac computer? Let’s explore the options.
LinkedIn Website
LinkedIn does not currently offer an official desktop app that you can download. However, you can access your LinkedIn account and all of its functionality through the LinkedIn website from your computer’s web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.). The website provides the same features and user experience as the mobile app, with the benefit of a larger screen and keyboard accessibility.
When visiting www.linkedin.com from your desktop, you can:
- View and edit your profile
- Connect with other professionals
- Join groups and forums
- Search jobs
- Send messages
- View content in your feed
- Create posts and articles
- See notifications
- Access Premium features if you have a paid account
Everything that you can do on the LinkedIn mobile app can also be done through the desktop website, which is optimized for larger screens. The website interface is clean, intuitive, and easy to navigate.
Browser Extensions and Add-ons
While there is no official desktop app, major web browsers like Chrome and Firefox do offer LinkedIn extensions and add-ons that can enhance your experience using the LinkedIn website:
LinkedIn Notifications
This extension for Chrome and Firefox displays your LinkedIn notifications and messages directly in your browser. You can view profile visits, reactions to your posts, messages, and more without having to open the LinkedIn site.
Save to LinkedIn
This extension lets you save articles, websites, and other content directly to your LinkedIn profile with one click for sharing. It works across many sites.
LinkedIn Contact Extractor
Use this tool to easily extract contacts and their LinkedIn profile information from any web page. It can be helpful for sourcing leads and building your network.
LinkedIn Auto Accept Invitation
Automatically accept all LinkedIn connection requests with this handy Chrome extension. It saves you time spent manually reviewing and accepting invites.
LinkedIn Auto Connect
Similar to the Auto Accept extension, this tool automatically sends and accepts connection invitations for you based on criteria you define. Useful for expanding your network.
While not full-fledged desktop apps, these browser extensions do provide some added LinkedIn functionality from your computer that you may find useful. Most are available for free.
Third-Party Desktop Apps
A few third party developers have created desktop apps for accessing LinkedIn. Here are some options:
LinkedUp (Mac Only)
LinkedUp is an unofficial LinkedIn app built for Mac that you can download to your desktop. It provides all core LinkedIn features like managing your profile and feed, messaging, searching jobs, and more.
LinkedIn Desktop (Windows Only)
This app from Tejtara Labs brings LinkedIn to Windows desktops with support for notifications, messaging, feed browsing, and other functionality. Has good reviews but minimal interface.
Franz
Franz is a paid multi-protocol desktop app for Mac, Windows, and Linux that supports LinkedIn integration along with services like Slack, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and more. Enables you to access different accounts in one place.
Ferdi (Open Source)
Ferdi is an open source alternative to Franz. It also allows combining multiple accounts like LinkedIn into one desktop app. Available on all major desktop platforms.
The downside to these third-party apps is that they may lack some features compared to LinkedIn’s actual website and do not guarantee the same level of security. Use at your own discretion.
Should You Use the Mobile App, Website, or Desktop App?
When it comes to deciding how to access LinkedIn on desktop, you have a few good options:
- Use the full LinkedIn website – Offers the complete set of features with reliable security. No download required.
- Install a browser extension – Adds extra functionality for power users. Easy to set up.
- Download a third-party desktop app – Provides an app-like experience but may lack some official features.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing:
Convenience
A desktop app could provide quicker, more streamlined access to core LinkedIn features without having to open your browser.
Features
The official website is guaranteed to have the full range of LinkedIn capabilities. Some third-party apps may not.
Security
Browser extensions require minimal permissions. But downloaded apps may present higher security risks depending on the developer.
Cost
The website and most browser extensions are free. Some advanced third-party apps charge a fee.
OS Compatibility
The website works across platforms. But desktop apps may only be available for Mac, Windows, or Linux.
So in summary – while LinkedIn has not released an official desktop application, the website, browser extensions, and some third-party options provide alternative ways to effectively use LinkedIn from your computer. Evaluate your needs and preferences to decide which solution works best for your workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about accessing LinkedIn on desktop:
Is there an official LinkedIn desktop app?
No, LinkedIn does not currently offer an official desktop application. The website can be accessed through any desktop web browser.
What’s the best LinkedIn desktop app?
The official LinkedIn website is likely the best option, providing the full range of features and guaranteed reliability. Third-party apps like LinkedUp offer an app-like experience but may lack some functionality.
Can I get LinkedIn for Windows 10?
There is no official LinkedIn desktop app for Windows 10. But you can access LinkedIn through your Windows 10 browser. Third-party tools like LinkedIn Desktop also bring LinkedIn to Windows PCs.
Is there a LinkedIn app for Mac?
LinkedIn does not make a Mac app, but the LinkedIn website can be accessed on Mac using browsers like Safari. LinkedUp is an unoffical third-party LinkedIn app made specifically for Mac.
How do I get LinkedIn notifications on my desktop?
Browser extensions like LinkedIn Notifications display LinkedIn notifications and messages directly on your desktop. No official LinkedIn desktop app offers notifications.
Conclusion
While LinkedIn has not developed an official desktop application, users do have options like the full website, browser extensions, and third-party apps to access LinkedIn ad-free from a computer. For most professionals, the website likely provides the best experience with all key features and robust security. But toolks like desktop notifications and contact extractors offer power users added functionality surrounding the core LinkedIn platform. Ultimately, choose the solution that best matches your preferred workflow and security needs.