TortoiseGit is a free, open-source graphical client for the version-control system Git, implemented as a shell extension for Windows — meaning it integrates directly into Windows Explorer, letting you execute Git operations via context menus and see version status directly on folders and files. Instead of relying solely on command-line Git commands, TortoiseGit gives developers a user-friendly interface: overlay icons show file statuses (modified, untracked, committed, etc.), and right-click context menus bring up Git operations like commit, push, pull, branch management, and diff/merge tools. It includes utilities for visual diff/merge, history browsing, and conflict resolution, making version control more accessible especially for those less comfortable with the command line. Because it integrates at the shell level, you can manage repositories from anywhere in Windows Explorer — without needing to open a separate GUI or IDE.
Features
- Shell-integrated Git client for Windows — works directly in Windows Explorer with context-menu commands
- Overlay icons to visually indicate Git file/folder status (modified, untracked, committed, etc.)
- Graphical diff and merge tool for comparing revisions and resolving conflicts visually
- Full Git functionality: commit, push, pull, branch/tag management, history browsing, stash, revert, etc.
- No need for separate IDE — usable from any folder via Windows Explorer, improving convenience for simple or cross-language projects
- Open-source under GPL license and regularly updated with stable releases for broad Windows compatibility