Element

Element · Open source · Communication

Element is an open-source messaging and collaboration client operating on the decentralized Matrix protocol. It enables users to send encrypted messages, conduct voice and video calls, and share files across personal and organizational networks without relying on a central service provider.

Download for Windows

packages.element.io · Official website

✓ Official source (winget)
✓ SHA256 taken from the official repository
✓ Last checked: Nov. 4, 2026
This is not a virus scan. Check on VirusTotal

Version: 1.12.33
Release date: Oct. 27, 2026
License: AGPL-3.0-only or GPL-3.0-only
Installer type: exe

Install from the command line

How do I use this?

Type Terminal in the Start menu and open it, paste the command (Ctrl+V or right-click) and press Enter. It uses winget, Windows' own package manager, to install the program from its official source.

winget install --id Element.Element -e

SHA256 (file verification)

9ce1ba82ef244cd3b26333d0673769641676fa3c5477ea8c388ed11f42ed7c20

Download for macOS

packages.element.io · Official website

✓ Official source (Homebrew)
✓ File is identical to the one the publisher released (SHA256 matched)
✓ Last checked: Nov. 4, 2026
This is not a virus scan. Check on VirusTotal

Version: 1.12.33
License: AGPL-3.0-only or GPL-3.0-only
Installer type: zip

Install from the command line

How do I use this?

This command needs Homebrew; if you don't have it, first run the install command from brew.sh. Then open Terminal (Applications > Utilities > Terminal), paste the command and press Enter.

brew install --cask element

SHA256 (file verification)

6085bda81dd5aaa8c7aec4093d387f28395c48d0651ac4283ca1e06361d69923

Open official page for Linux

flathub.org · Official website

✓ Community package (Flathub)
✓ Last checked: Nov. 4, 2026

Version: 1.12.33
Release date: Oct. 27, 2026
License: AGPL-3.0-only or GPL-3.0-only
Installer type: flatpak

Install from the command line

How do I use this?

Open a terminal, paste the command and press Enter. Flatpak and Flathub must be set up; Linux Mint has them by default, for other distributions see flathub.org/setup.

flatpak install flathub im.riot.Riot

Platform pages: Windows · macOS · Linux · Android
Old versions (10)

Element 1.12.33: what's new?

Official release notes →

Highlights

End-to-end encrypted messaging for one-on-one and group chats
Built on the open, decentralized Matrix communication network
Voice and video conferencing integration
Secure file sharing and document exchange
Cross-device synchronization for chat history

Who is it for?

Element is designed for privacy-focused individuals, teams, and organizations needing encrypted group messaging and secure file sharing without proprietary vendor lock-in.

Good to know before installing

Setting up and managing a custom Matrix homeserver requires technical knowledge.
Performance and feature availability can depend on the specific homeserver host chosen.
Notifications on mobile devices may require background connectivity adjustments.

Screenshots

How to install

Windows

Download the installer from the official link or run 'winget install --id Element.Element -e' in PowerShell.
Run the installer executable and follow the setup wizard.
Open Element from your Start menu or desktop shortcut.

Alternatives

All Element alternatives →

Frequently asked questions

What protocol does Element use?

Element uses Matrix, an open network for secure, decentralized communication.

Is Element free to use?

Yes, Element is open-source software licensed under AGPL/GPL and free to use.

Can I connect to my own Matrix server?

Yes, Element allows you to choose matrix.org or specify any custom homeserver address.