gh release download works without authentication on public repositories

Introduced 2026-07-02 · score 0.97

HOW TO USE IT

When downloading a release asset from a public repository without gh authentication, run `gh release download` with the release tag and `--repo OWNER/REPO`. A token is still used if present.

WHY THIS HELPS

Download a release asset from a public repository while working on a repository without gh authentication.

REQUIREMENTS AND LIMITATIONS

• Version: v2.96.0
• <tag> (required): Selects the release to download from; without it, the latest release is used.
• --repo <[HOST/]OWNER/REPO> (required): Selects the repository to download from.
• Prerequisite: The repository must be public for unauthenticated downloading.
• Applies to public repositories.
• A token is still used when one is present.

FIRST-PARTY EVIDENCE

• https://github.com/cli/cli/releases/tag/v2.96.0
• https://cli.github.com/manual/gh_release_download
• https://cli.github.com/manual/gh_release

Check the installed version and the source before using it. Entry JSON

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