For years, privacy-conscious Windows users had a frustrating workaround: accessing ProtonMail exclusively through a web browser. While functional, this method lacked deep OS integration, offline capabilities, and the seamless feel of a dedicated application.

In late 2023 and through 2024, Proton finally addressed this gap by releasing a full-fledged . Built using modern Electron technology (the same framework behind apps like Discord, Slack, and Visual Studio Code), this app brings Switzerland’s most famous encrypted email service directly to your taskbar.

Proton has successfully delivered on its promise to bring encrypted email out of the browser and onto the desktop. If you’re already paying for Proton, downloading the Windows app is a no-brainer. For free users, it’s yet another reason to consider upgrading.

But is it just a browser wrapper, or a genuine upgrade? This article explores every feature, installation step, security nuance, and performance benchmark of the ProtonMail Windows app. The ProtonMail desktop app is a standalone client that allows you to manage your encrypted email inbox without opening a web browser. It is available exclusively for Proton paid subscribers (Mail Plus, Proton Unlimited, or Family plans). Free users must continue using the web client or mobile apps.

High CPU usage during sync. Fix: This usually happens on first sync of a large mailbox (over 20,000 emails). Let it complete; subsequent syncs are incremental and lightweight.

App fails to sync offline changes. Fix: Clear the cache (Settings → Offline → Clear cache) and restart. Ensure your system clock is accurate (NTP-synced).

| Metric | Web Version (Chrome) | Windows App | |--------|----------------------|--------------| | RAM idle | ~180MB | ~220MB | | RAM with large mailbox | ~350MB | ~310MB | | CPU background sync | 0-1% | 0-2% | | Launch time (cold) | 2.1s (browser first) | 1.3s | | Search speed (10k emails) | 1.2s | 0.9s |

proton.me/mail/download