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Getting Started with the Desktop Application

Why a desktop application?​

The web version of AI-Public works great for most tasks. But some functionality is only possible with a desktop application that runs directly on your computer:

Local AI models​

Ollama processes the model locally. Sign-in and chat storage use the cloud and require internet. There is no automatic fallback to a cloud model.

Access to local files​

The desktop application can read and write files on your computer directly. This makes it possible to:

  • Analyze documents without uploading them
  • Create notes and files on your local disk
  • Search and organize folders

Local integrations (MCP servers)​

Many powerful MCP servers communicate via the command line (stdio). This is only possible from a desktop application, not from a web browser.

Signing in to the desktop application​

You sign in through your browser, with the account you are already signed in with there.

  1. Open the desktop application and click Sign in via browser
  2. Your default browser opens the Link desktop app page. If you are not signed in there yet, sign in first as usual (for example with Google or Microsoft)
  3. Check the displayed account and click Sign in to desktop app
  4. The desktop application signs in automatically. You can close the browser tab
Different account?

On the linking page, click Use a different account to sign in with another account.

Sign in with email and password​

If you set a password in the web version, you can also choose Sign in with email/password: under Environment, choose your environment, enter your email address and password, and sign in.

Start chatting​

You can start chatting right away. Only set up a folder, local model, or integration if you need it.

You do not need Node.js to chat or to let the assistant run commands: the app includes its own Node.js with npm. Only for some additional integrations (local MCP servers) might you need to install Node.js yourself.

Export local data​

Settings → Desktop status → Export local data

This archive contains readable personal data and audio. Choose a safe folder. Cloud chats, keys, and tool permissions are not exported.

Next steps​

Old desktop data​

Your old profile is preserved. After signing in, the app transfers the local chat history and recordings for this account once; data from other accounts or brands remains in the old profile. Logins, keys, connectors, and folder permissions are not copied. Open the old profile for guided recovery via support.

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