Mattermost Desktop

Mattermost Desktop is a secure collaboration and workplace messaging application for Windows PC.



It gives teams a centralized environment for direct messages, group conversations, organized channels, file sharing, voice calls, screen sharing, and workflow coordination.

Unlike communication platforms built primarily around vendor-hosted services, Mattermost Desktop can connect to self-hosted environments.

This makes it especially attractive to businesses, development teams, government organizations, and security-conscious companies that require greater control over their communications and stored data.

The desktop application provides quick access to Mattermost workspaces without keeping a browser tab open.

Users can connect to multiple servers, switch between workspaces, receive native desktop notifications, and keep important conversations available throughout the working day.

Key Features

Channel-Based Messaging: Organize conversations into public or private channels.

Direct Messages: Communicate privately with individual users or small groups.

Threaded Discussions: Reply to specific messages without disrupting the main conversation.

Multiple Servers: Connect to several Mattermost servers from one desktop application.

File Sharing: Upload and exchange documents, images, and other project files.

Voice Calls: Start audio conversations directly from supported channels.

Screen Sharing: Present applications or desktop content during team calls.

Powerful Search: Locate messages, users, channels, and shared information.

Custom Notifications: Control alerts by channel, keyword, mention, or activity level.

Integrations: Connect development, monitoring, productivity, and automation services.

Keyboard Shortcuts: Navigate channels and perform frequent actions more efficiently.

User Interface

Mattermost Desktop uses a practical interface designed for continuous workplace communication.

Servers and workspaces are accessible from the side, while channels, direct messages, and team sections are clearly separated.

The central panel displays conversations, threaded replies, reactions, attachments, and system notifications. A search field provides quick access to older messages and files.

Although the interface can initially feel busy in large organizations, its structure becomes intuitive after users understand how teams and channels are arranged.

Customization options, status controls, notification settings, and keyboard navigation make the application suitable for both occasional communication and demanding daily workflows.

Installation and Setup

1. Download the Mattermost Desktop installer for Windows from FileHorse.
2. Open the downloaded installation file.
3. Follow the setup instructions to complete the installation.
4. Launch Mattermost Desktop from the Start menu.
5. Enter the URL of your organization’s Mattermost server.
6. Give the server a recognizable display name.
7. Sign in using the credentials provided by your organization.
8. Adjust notifications, appearance, and startup preferences.
9. Organizations can also deploy the application through MSI packages and centrally managed Windows policies.

How to Use

• Launch Mattermost Desktop and select your server.
• Sign in to your workplace account.
• Choose a team or workspace from the navigation panel.
• Open an existing channel or create a new one when permitted.
• Write a message, mention a colleague, or attach a file.
• Use threads to keep replies connected to the original topic.
• Start a direct message for private communication.
• Join a call or share your screen when the feature is available.
• Use search filters to find previous discussions and documents.
• Configure notifications to reduce unnecessary interruptions.

FAQs

Is Mattermost Desktop free?
The desktop application can be downloaded without a separate purchase. However, access depends on the Mattermost server and subscription plan used by your organization.

Can Mattermost Desktop connect to multiple servers?
Yes. Users can add several Mattermost servers and switch between them from a single application.

Does Mattermost Desktop work without a server?
No. The application is a client that requires access to an existing Mattermost deployment or workspace.

Can organizations host Mattermost themselves?
Yes. Self-hosting is one of its most important advantages, giving organizations greater control over infrastructure, security, and data.

Does it support calls and screen sharing?
Yes, supported deployments can provide voice calls and screen-sharing capabilities directly inside the workspace.

Alternatives

Slack: Popular team messaging platform with extensive third-party integrations.

Microsoft Teams: Communication and meeting software integrated with Microsoft 365.

Rocket.Chat: Open-source collaboration platform with self-hosting options.

Discord: Community-focused voice and text communication platform.

Element: Decentralized messaging client built around the Matrix protocol.

Pricing

Mattermost Desktop does not require a separate desktop license. Its available features depend on the connected Mattermost edition.

A limited Entry edition is available for evaluation, while Professional, Enterprise, and Enterprise Advanced plans provide expanded collaboration, administration, security, compliance, and support capabilities.

Commercial plan pricing may require a customized sales quote.

Organizations choosing a self-hosted deployment should also account for server infrastructure, maintenance, backups, administration, and security costs.

Plans

Professional – Team collaboration plan with messaging, file sharing, calls, screen sharing, threaded discussions, custom branding, guest access, user groups, SSO, MFA, integrations, AI bot support, professional assistance, and support for up to 250 users.

Enterprise – Includes all Professional features plus sovereign AI tools, contextual summaries, real-time briefings, federated Microsoft Teams messaging, shared channels, advanced search, LLM management, workflow automation, collaborative playbooks, dashboards, compliance controls, video integrations, enhanced reporting, and stronger infrastructure security.

Enterprise Advanced – Includes all Enterprise features plus security-optimized mobile access, encrypted mobile data, jailbreak and root detection, secure file viewing, air-gapped deployment, offline operations, ultra-high scalability, dedicated write-through caching, enterprise mobility management, zero-trust access controls, classified-data protection, disappearing messages, anonymous users, and automatic channel translation.

System Requirements

Operating System: Windows 11 or Windows 10.

Processor: Modern Intel, AMD, or ARM64-compatible processor.

Memory: 4 GB RAM minimum; 8 GB recommended for heavy multitasking.

Storage: Approximately 500 MB of available space.

Internet or Network: Required for connecting to a Mattermost server.

Additional Requirement: Valid server URL and authorized user account.

PROS

• Strong self-hosting capabilities.
• Supports multiple servers.
• Organized channel-based communication.
• Useful security and administrative controls.
• Built-in calling and screen sharing.
• Wide range of integrations.
• Suitable for technical and regulated organizations.

CONS

• Requires access to a Mattermost server.
• Deployment can require technical knowledge.
• Interface may feel complex for new users.
• Advanced features require paid plans.
• Self-hosting creates maintenance responsibilities.
• Calls depend on server configuration.
• Can use considerable memory during heavy multitasking.

Conclusion

Mattermost Desktop is a capable collaboration client for organizations that value structured communication, extensibility, and control over business data.

It works particularly well for technical and security-conscious teams operating private infrastructure.