A cookie banner is the notice that informs visitors about the cookies you use and, where required, lets them accept or decline non-essential cookies. For a Desktop App, getting it right matters: Desktop apps often phone home for updates, licensing, or telemetry, all of which should be disclosed even when the app runs mostly offline. This free cookie banner generator asks a few questions about your Desktop App and assembles a tailored document you can copy or download in seconds.
Why your Desktop App needs a cookie banner
Under the EU ePrivacy rules and the GDPR, you generally need consent before setting non-essential cookies, and a clear notice explaining them.
Desktop apps often phone home for updates, licensing, or telemetry, all of which should be disclosed even when the app runs mostly offline.
What a Desktop App cookie banner should cover
A good cookie banner for a Desktop App is specific to how your product works. At a minimum, address:
- Auto-update checks and crash or usage telemetry
- License or activation data sent to your servers
- Any local files the app reads outside its own folder
- A plain-language description of the cookies you set
- The purpose of each cookie category
- How visitors can control or withdraw consent
- A link to your full privacy policy
How this generator works
PolicySmith builds your cookie banner entirely in your browser — nothing you type is sent to a server. Answer the questions above about analytics, payments, AI features, and the regions your users live in, and the document updates to match. Export it as HTML or Markdown, paste it into your Desktop App, and link to it from your store listing or footer.
Frequently asked questions
My desktop app runs offline — do I still need a privacy policy?
If it ever connects to the internet for updates, licensing, telemetry, or error reporting, it processes data and should disclose that. Many distribution channels also require a policy URL.
When is a cookie banner legally required?
If you serve EU or UK visitors and set any non-essential cookies — analytics, advertising, or embedded media — you generally need a consent banner before those cookies load.
Do I need a banner for strictly necessary cookies?
Strictly necessary cookies do not require consent, but you should still disclose them. A short notice plus your privacy policy covers this.
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