Download 8x8 Work for Desktop

What's new in this release?

Version 8.37 published on September 7, 2026. The key features in 8x8 Work for Desktop v 8.37 are:

Recent contacts and rooms in Command Palette

• The Command Palette keeps track of your most frequently accessed contacts and rooms. Once you call, chat, or open a room via the palette, these items are stored in the Recent section for quick access later, along with all associated actions.

• Each room row indicates its avatar, room type, and visibility status (public vs. private). The Recent list holds up to 8 entries, ordered with the most recent at the top.

• To launch the Command Palette, press Command + Shift + K on macOS or Control + Shift + K on Windows.

Caller ID updates automatically when changed by an admin

• When an admin updates your external caller ID in 8x8 Admin Console, the change now appears in 8x8 Work Desktop and Web automatically, within a couple of minutes, with no need to refresh or restart the app.

• The updated Caller ID takes effect immediately for outbound calls, with no disruption to your active session.

Create a group directly from "Add rooms to groups"

• If you do not have any groups configured, selecting Add rooms to groups displays an empty state containing a Create group button rather than a blank screen.

• Selecting Create group opens the group creation process immediately, pre-populating it with the chosen room.

SMS Opt-In compliance for outbound messages

• When you send an SMS to a recipient for the first time, a compliance Opt-In message is automatically sent after your message as required by messaging regulations. This message is system-generated and not editable.

• If a recipient replies with a stop keyword (such as STOP), the conversation becomes read-only and is marked Unsubscribed in your conversation list. When they reply with a start keyword (such as START), the conversation is reactivated, and you can message them again.

Admin control over Caller ID visibility in the dialpad

• In 8x8 Admin Console, administrators can manage the default visibility of the Caller ID dropdown above the dialpad via the Display Caller ID in Dialpad setting located under Work Apps Settings.

• If enabled, the Caller ID list is shown by default, though individual users can still disable it. Admins may also lock this setting to enforce consistency across the entire organization.

Play videos inline in chat

• Shared video files in chat now feature an inline thumbnail complete with a play button, title, and duration, allowing videos to play directly within the chat without requiring a download.

• Full playback controls are included, such as seeking, pause/resume, volume adjustment, muting, and fullscreen view; playback is restricted to one video at a time, automatically pausing any active clip when a new one starts.

Retrieve a parked call directly from the directory

• When a call is parked on a dedicated park extension, the call button on that directory row is now enabled, so you can retrieve the call with one click — no need to manually dial the extension.

• When no call is parked, the button stays disabled. The tooltip reads "Retrieve call" when a parked call is available.

Other enhancements and fixes

• Enhanced IME support in chat: Windows users typing with IME keyboard layouts, such as Vietnamese, will no longer experience repeated characters or unexpected app restarts.

• Accessibility improvements have been made across the general areas of the app.

Windows users

8x8 provides two Work for Desktop packages for Windows. The two packages are fundamentally different, using different deployment and update mechanisms. 8x8 strongly recommends employing the EXE installer, as it ensures that users are easily able to enjoy the latest fixes, features, and security enhancements available in Work for Desktop.

EXE version for per-user deployment (Recommended)

The EXE version allows users to self-install and upgrade without the need for central management, providing the best and most seamless user experience.

What to consider

• EXE version will be installed to %LOCALAPPDATA%.

• Automatic updates are downloaded and installed for the user. (In previous versions, users were prompted to install the update.)

• No need for maintenance — Work for Desktop will keep itself up-to-date and secure.

• Work for Desktop will check for updates every time the user signs in or once every 24 hours. Users can also check for updates manually. The updates are downloaded in the background without user intervention.

• If there is an update to be installed, Work for Desktop will apply the update automatically when the user signs into Work for Desktop. If the user has not installed an update three days after it was downloaded, they will see a Relaunch to Install banner. They can click the link and install the update.

MSI for machine-wide installation (only if needed)

For companies that must strictly control software installs and updates, the Windows Installer file (MSI) package installs Work for Desktop machine-wide to the Program Files folder. By installing in the Program Files folder, it can be used by multiple users on one computer. See Manage 8x8 Work for Desktop Updates and Installations.

What to consider

• Single installation on a machine that multiple users that use the computer can leverage.

• IT Admins are required to manually keep Work for Desktop up-to-date and secure.

macOS users

8x8 Work for Desktop is available for both Intel-based and Apple Silicon Macs. Use the Quick Downloads section above to get the DMG file for your Mac.

Note: 

The Work for Desktop macOS app auto-update mechanism works only for users with admin privileges. Non-admin users will need to manually update Work for Desktop.

General troubleshooting

• For issues with installation on Windows, try running Microsoft's Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter.

• If you are unable to update Work for Desktop and you were migrated from Account Manager to Admin Console, see Can't Upgrade to the Latest Version of 8x8 Work for Desktop.

• When logged into 8x8 for Work, the phone icon is on the left-hand side and shaped like a phone receiver. If you hover over it, the text "calls" will appear.

• If your app is closed, it will not ring. Ensure your app is open so calls come through.

Previous versions of Work for Desktop

If for some reason you are unable to use the latest version of Work for Desktop, you can download the previous GA release here.

• Work for Desktop v8.36 for Windows 64-bit (.exe)

• Work for Desktop v8.36 for Windows 64-bit (.msi)

• Work for Desktop v8.36 for macOS (Intel)

• Work for Desktop v8.36 for macOS (M1, M2, M3 & M4)

Note:

By clicking the links to download above, you acknowledge and accept the 8x8 Terms of Use.

Documentation

• 8x8 Work For Desktop User Guide

Additional information