Download 8x8 Work for Desktop

What's new in this release?

Version 8.38 published on October 28, 2026. The key features in 8x8 Work for Desktop v 8.38 are:

Draft indicator for unsent messages

• You can now see which conversations have unsent messages. When you leave a message unsent, a Draft label appears next to the conversation in your Conversations list. You can preview the draft text directly from the list.

• Conversations with drafts move to the top of your Conversations list, below any pinned conversations. Your draft stays until you send the message or delete the text from the message field, even if you close the app. Drafts sync between 8x8 Work for Desktop and 8x8 Work for Web.

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 v8.37 for Windows 64-bit (.exe)

• Work for Desktop v8.37 for Windows 64-bit (.msi)

• Work for Desktop v8.37 for macOS (Intel)

• Work for Desktop v8.37 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