A cookie policy is a standalone reference page that lists the cookies and similar technologies your product uses, what each one is for, how long it lasts, and how visitors can control them. 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 policy 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 policy
Under the GDPR, the ePrivacy rules, and laws like the CCPA you must disclose the cookies you set and, for non-essential ones, obtain consent. A cookie policy is where you document them in full and link to from your banner.
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 policy should cover
A good cookie policy 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
- Each cookie or category, its purpose, and how long it lasts
- First-party versus third-party cookies and the providers behind them
- How visitors accept, reject, or withdraw consent
- A link back from your cookie banner to this policy
How this generator works
PolicySmith builds your cookie policy 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.
What is the difference between a cookie policy and a cookie banner?
The banner is the short consent notice shown when someone arrives; the cookie policy is the full reference page it links to, listing every cookie and its purpose.
Do I need a cookie policy if I only use essential cookies?
Strictly necessary cookies do not require consent, but disclosing them is still good practice. A short cookie policy alongside your privacy policy covers it.
Related generators