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Update to the latest version of GitHub Desktop before February 2 to avoid disruptions. For more information, see the GitHub blog post.

Configuring basic settings

You can access settings for protecting your privacy, connecting accounts to GitHub Desktop, and configuring Git.

  1. In the menu bar, use the GitHub Desktop drop-down menu, then click Preferences. The Preferences value in the GitHub Desktop drop-down menu
  2. To view or change your settings, toggle between these panes: The Preferences menu navigation
  • Choose Accounts to add or remove a GitHub or GitHub Enterprise account.
    • Choose Integrations to pick an external editor or shell.
    • Choose Git to edit your Git configuration.
    • Choose Appearance to switch between the light or dark theme.
    • Choose Prompts to enable or disable confirmation dialogs before performing destructive actions.
    • Choose Advanced for more configuration options.
  1. Use the File menu, then click Options. The Options value in the Settings drop-down menu
  2. To view or change your settings, toggle between these panes: The Options menu navigation
  • Choose Accounts to add or remove a GitHub or GitHub Enterprise account.
    • Choose Integrations to pick an external editor or shell.
    • Choose Git to edit your Git configuration.
    • Choose Appearance to switch between the light or dark theme.
    • Choose Prompts to enable or disable confirmation dialogs before performing destructive actions.
    • Choose Advanced for more configuration options.

Further reading