Bitwarden

Bitwarden Password Manager’s desktop application provides access to encrypted personal and organization vaults on a computer. It is useful for individuals and teams managing logins and other sensitive records. This cask installs the desktop app, not the separate command-line client or standalone Authenticator.

Features

• Browse, add and organize vault items using folders and vault filters.
• Generate passwords and copy login information for use in applications.
• Switch between up to five signed-in accounts.
• Use supported biometric unlock and browser integration; capabilities vary by platform and installation channel.
• Configure the desktop SSH agent where supported.
• Share selected vault items through secure links in2026.9.1, subject to the available service features and policies.

Installation and setup

Install with brew install --cask bitwarden, or download the official Mac DMG and copy Bitwarden to Applications. Sign in or create a Bitwarden account, select the appropriate cloud region or configured self-hosted server, and unlock the vault using the account’s supported method. Initial sign-in and synchronization require connectivity. A previously synchronized vault can support limited offline access; offline use is not equivalent to unrestricted sync or editing. Install the browser extension separately if you want its browser-specific functionality.

Requirements, dependencies and platforms

The recorded cask requires macOS12 or newer and uses the universal Mac DMG for Intel and Apple Silicon. It declares no extra formula dependencies or explicit cask conflicts. Touch ID unlock requires compatible hardware and Touch ID enabled in macOS; configure it separately for each account. Desktop integration does not guarantee every browser or distribution channel has identical features. The official2026.9.1 universal DMG is282,684,567bytes; this is download size, not installed footprint. Minimum RAM and installed-disk figures were not established in the cited desktop guide.

Official desktop apps are also available for Windows and Linux, and separate mobile apps, browser extensions, a web vault and CLI are available. Their system requirements and available authentication features differ. On Windows, biometric setup can require the Visual C++ Redistributable. Linux system-authentication support requires suitable polkit and secret-service integration; Snap secure-storage permissions have separate setup steps. These are platform-specific requirements, not extra Mac cask dependencies.

Account, cost and licensing

An account on Bitwarden’s cloud service or an appropriate self-hosted installation is required for a vault. Free personal use is available; Premium, family and business offerings have paid features and limits. Consult the official pricing page for current fees and eligibility. Organization access depends on membership and policies.

The official client repository uses GPL3 by default, with designated code under bitwarden_license covered by Bitwarden License1.0. Do not treat the entire repository as MIT or assume the second license grants the same rights as GPL. Third-party components and trademarks have their own terms.

Sources: Desktop guide, Channel feature support, Offline use, Official source and license, Pricing.