Last updated: February 2026
Push, pull, and fetch operations are essential for synchronizing local work with remote repositories in GitKraken Desktop.
Quick Start
Synchronize your work with remote repositories using push, pull, and fetch in GitKraken Desktop.
To push local commits: Click Push in the toolbar, or right-click a branch and select Push. If the remote branch does not exist yet, GitKraken Desktop prompts you to create it. You can also drag a branch onto a remote branch to push.
To fetch updates: Click the pull dropdown and select Fetch All to retrieve remote changes without modifying your working directory. Fetching runs automatically each minute by default.
To pull changes: Click Pull in the toolbar. Use the dropdown to choose your preferred pull method:
- Fast-forward if possible: Merges only if fast-forward fails.
- Fast-forward only: Takes no action if fast-forward is not possible.
- Rebase: Replays your commits on top of the updated remote branch.
To add a remote: Hover over Remote in the Left Panel, click the + icon, and enter the URL or select from integration-based dropdowns.
To set an upstream branch: Right-click a branch and select the upstream option. You can also drag and drop a branch onto a remote branch to push without setting the upstream explicitly.
Add a Remote
To add a remote:
- Hover over
Remote in the Left Panel. - Click the icon.
- Enter the remote URL or choose from integration-based dropdowns (GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket).
Note: Integration dropdowns show forks only. For non-fork remotes, use the URL option.
Remote icons in the Commit Graph:
- GitHub
- Bitbucket
- GitLab
- Azure DevOps
- Other
Push Changes 
To push local commits to a remote branch:
- Click Push in the main toolbar
- Or right-click a branch and select Push
If a remote branch doesn’t exist yet, GitKraken will prompt you to name and create it.
Caution: If fast-forwarding fails, GitKraken may offer a Force Push option. Use with care.
Drag and Drop Push
Drag a branch onto a remote branch (in the graph or Left Panel) to trigger a push.
Fetch
Fetching retrieves updates from remotes but doesn’t change your working directory.
Fetch All
Shows how far ahead/behind your branches are compared to the remote.
Fetching runs automatically every minute. Adjust the interval in Preferences > General.
Pull Options 
Pulling performs a fetch and then updates your local branch.
Pull (fast-forward if possible)
Fast-forwards your branch if there are no conflicting commits; otherwise, merges.
Pull (fast-forward only)
Attempts to fast-forward. If not possible, no action is taken.
Pull (rebase)
Temporarily stashes your commits, pulls from remote, and replays your changes on top.
Set Pull Behavior
Select a default pull method via the dropdown menu.
Set Upstream Branch
The upstream defines the remote branch a local branch tracks.
- Right-click a branch to set its upstream
- Or click the button
You can also drag and drop to push instead of explicitly setting the upstream:
