Does Shopify POS work on a desktop? Shopify POS apps for PCs

No. Shopify native POS app doesn’t work on desktops. This article will help you take a closer look at their benefits and suggest the top Shopify POS apps on desktops with robust features.

________________________________________________________________________

Shopify POS is a mobile POS app built for Shopify users to facilitate omnichannel retail management and operations. While many Shopify users like you are looking for how to use Shopify POS on a desktop, there’s no way. The answer is No. Shopify native POS isn’t working on desktops, PCs, laptops, and Macbooks. Otherwise, it works well on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets and you need frequent updates for your devices.

Regardless of business size, selecting the most compatible desktop POS helps companies optimize sales processes, improve inventory management, and enhance the customer shopping experience while taking advantage of your existing devices.

Now, let’s check why retailers want a POS Shopify for PCs and explore our expert pickles of the best Shopify POS desktop solutions for 2025.

Why do some users prefer a Shopify POS on desktop over mobile devices?

Opting for Shopify POS on desktop presents businesses with an upper hand over mobile or tablet versions, particularly in instances where firms are complex in operation or entail many transactions.

First and foremost, many Shopify users prefer a Shopify POS solution for PC because they can take advantage of their existing POS devices to sell and manage stores. Most people have a PC or laptop, but not all have a tablet or iPad to use. Otherwise, let the staff use tablets or smartphones at the store to make it difficult to check orders, proceed with payments, and show information to customers.

One of the significant merits of desktop computers is that as they are attached to the internet through stable transmission lines, there’s a guarantee of good and reliable connection even during rush hours. This consistency reduces the constant disconnections experienced in devices that depend on the wifi connection. 

In addition to that, since the desktop has a wider display, it will also be advantageous to use Shopify POS on Windows or Macs since more details will be shown on the screen at the same time, for example, many customer profiles and stock levels. This also allows the business to recommend the appropriate payment method to the customer, enhancing the level of service the business is offering. 

Again, while Shopify POS for mobile only works for checkout tasks, you can use other Shopify POS apps on desktops to handle administration tasks. The high computing capabilities of desktop computers enable POS systems to undertake complex operations with numerous active tabs without any interruption or failures.

Nice-to-have Features of Shopify POS on Desktop

The rise of multi-channel retailing will require a powerful Point of Sale (POS) system that can make a big difference. Shopify POS desktop is a vital tool for retailers looking to unify their online and offline operations.

Seamless Integration Across Channels

Thanks to its ability to unify multiple platforms, both online and offline, Shopify POS for Windows enables businesses to operate smoothly anytime, anywhere. This POS system can automatically connect all data from sales, customer accounts, and promotions to product information across all channels. Therefore, customers can view products on the business's website, check stock status at the physical store, and even order online and then go to the store to pick up the product. All of this can happen easily thanks to the unified structure of the Shopify system. This system becomes a bridge connecting businesses and customers, providing opportunities for businesses to meet customers anywhere, whether customers are browsing online at home or shopping directly at a traditional physical store.

Real-time Inventory Syncing

One of the most important aspects of omnichannel selling is inventory management, and Shopify POS is the solution as it provides real-time synchronization across locations. This helps businesses control inventory levels with the utmost accuracy. For example, when an item is sold in-store, the desktop POS will instantly update the inventory status online. This consistency helps businesses fulfill orders faster and inform customers about the product’s availability. At the same time, Shopify POS app for PC also helps businesses create a smoother and more reliable shopping experience for customers.

Advanced Analytics and Customer Insights

Another prominent advantage that every retail business wants to have is understanding the shopping behavior of customers. Because this is one of the necessary advantages for businesses to improve their sales strategy, Shopify on the desktop is capable of fulfilling this desire of businesses when it can provide detailed information and analysis. With detailed data on customer preferences, purchasing patterns, and sales trends, businesses can make better decisions about promotions, product pricing, and inventory. In addition, these insights also allow retailers to create targeted marketing campaigns, making the shopping experience more personalized and loyalty programs that truly suit the target customer. By leveraging these analytics, businesses can create more effective customer engagement programs or strategies and drive repeat purchases across all channels.

Scalability for Growing Businesses

As the business grows, so do their needs. And as this happens, Shopify POS on desktop is a great choice for businesses. It’s built to help businesses adapt before, during, and after they scale. Whether you’re running a small local store or expanding to multiple locations, Shopify POS offers the flexibility to easily add new sales channels, products, and even employee accounts. This adaptability means retailers can scale without having to switch to a new POS system or invest in complex, expensive integrations.

Top Shopify POS on Desktop for Omnichannel Sales in 2025

Choosing the right desktop POS application for your business is extremely important. Here are some outstanding desktop Shopify POS applications that are compatible with your multi-channel sales model. Let’s look at some Shopify POS solutions for desktop: Magestore POS for Shopify on PC, Hike POS, Square retail POS, and LightSpeed POS.

Magestore POS app for Shopify

• Overview: The Magestore Shopify POS app is tailored for Shopify users with an affordable budget. Magestore has provided POS for retailers for over 15 years and is a good choice for users looking for POS Shopify on desktops with robust features.
• Operating systems:
  • Since Magestore POS runs on a web browser, it is compatible with any OS that supports modern browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge.
  • Windows: Windows 10, Windows 11
  • macOS: macOS Catalina and newer
• Key strengths:
  • Easy to use
  • No need for any 3rd party connector to integrate POS with Shopify. 
  • Work well on all devices with a web browser including iPads, tablets, Macbooks, PCs, and laptops.
  • Affordable for Shopify users
  • Offline mode
  • Customizable
  • Unlimited payment gateways
  • Unlimited POS hardware options
• Best for: Small and medium-sized businesses prefer a POS with flexible hardware and payments.

Hike POS (with Shopify integration)

• Overview: Hike is a cloud-based POS solution compatible with Shopify and can run on PCs. Hike POS has a strong presence in North America due to its compatibility with popular payment gateways. Because it’s a standalone POS you need a connector so that this POS can work on Shopify.
• Operating Systems:
  • Windows: Windows 10, Windows 11
  • macOS: macOS Mojave and newer
  • Linux: Compatible with Ubuntu, Debian, or other Linux distributions with Chrome or Firefox.
  • Browser Recommendations: Chrome or Firefox for best functionality.
• Key strengths:
  • Multichannel support
  • Offline mode
  • Wide range of payment integrations
• Best for: Businesses need effective inventory management, and require customer loyalty features.

Square for Retail (with Shopify Integration)

‍

• Overview: Square for Retail integrates with Shopify, allowing retailers to use Square's popular retail features while still benefiting from Shopify's e-commerce platform. Known for its simplicity, Square is a good choice for startups and small businesses. However, you need to consider using Square because you’ll need a connector to integrate Square and Shopify and also limitations to Shopify and Square payments. You can learn more about how to use Square and Shopify.
• Operating system:some text
  • Windows: Windows 10, Windows 11
  • macOS: macOS Mojave and newer
  • Linux: Compatible with Chrome-based systems like Chrome OS and Ubuntu.
• Key strengths:

• Simple and easy-to-navigate interface
• Multiple integrations for customer relationship management.
• Easy integration with Shopify, making this an all-around choice.

• Best for: Small and medium-sized businesses that prioritize simplicity and need point-of-sale features that can accurately count inventory.

Lightspeed Retail (with Shopify integration)

• Overview: Lightspeed Retail is a high-performance POS with powerful integrations, including Shopify, multi-store management, real-time analytics, and employee performance tracking. Known for wide integration capabilities, LightSpeed is a good choice for businesses with complicated operations. However, you need to consider using LightSpeed because you’ll need a connector to integrate LightSpeed and Shopify and also limitations to Shopify and Lightspeed payments.
• Operating systems:some text
  • Windows: Windows 10, Windows 11
  • macOS: macOS Catalina and newer
  • Linux: Compatible with most Linux distributions that support Chrome and Firefox.
• Key strengths:

• Advanced analytics, including employee tracking and multi-store management.
• Supports complex inventory systems with ease.
• Suitable for businesses looking to expand operations to multiple locations.

• Best for: Large businesses with larger inventory and operational needs that need a comprehensive desktop POS solution.

‍

Looking Forward

While mobile commerce is a modern trend because of its benefits, in 2025, the role of desktop POS systems will become even more important for businesses looking to optimize omnichannel sales. So, to meet your business needs, you can consider a Shopify POS app compatible with both iPads and PCs. 

While a mobile POS is suitable for the checkout process at stores, the acquisition of a good desktop POS system for Shopify will facilitate you to manage inventory and administration tasks effectively and stably. Deciding on the most appropriate POS system tailored to your enterprise’s specifications will be crucial in differentiating and accelerating growth in 2025 and the years to come.

‍