If you already use Gmail in a dedicated browser tab, you can enable Chat inside Gmail.

The following sections explain how to install, configure, and troubleshoot the Google Chat desktop application on a Windows or macOS computer. Step-by-Step Installation Using Google Chrome

: You can set the app to start automatically when you turn on your computer through your OS settings .

For a more “app-like” experience—with its own window, taskbar icon, and offline support—you can install Google Chat as a PWA.