Desktop guide
Why GitHub releases are a safe place to download
Most open-source apps publish their installers on GitHub Releases. Here's what that is and why it's trustworthy.
By the Fetchly team ·
A GitHub release is an official package published by the project's maintainers, tied to a specific version of the source code. It's where most open-source desktop apps put their installers.
How to read a releases page
- The newest release is at the top, with a version number and release notes.
- Under "Assets" you'll find the downloadable files — pick the one for your operating system.
- File names usually include the platform: Setup.exe or .msi (Windows), .dmg (Mac), .AppImage/.deb/.rpm (Linux).
Why it's trustworthy
Only the project's maintainers can publish releases, and each one is linked to the public source code. That's very different from a random download site re-hosting an installer. When a project has an official website, we link there instead; otherwise the Download button takes you straight to its GitHub releases.