Skip to content
Hugging BayGet the app

Get the app and start a chat

How do I install the desktop app and start a local chat?

It depends on your operating system, app release and chosen model file. Download a supported build, compare its SHA-256 with the release record, then choose one file whose format the app supports and whose size leaves working memory. A successful app install does not prove that every model loads. Follow the platform steps below.

The desktop app is installed on your computer. Model weights are learned parameters; a runtime inside the app loads a supported weight file. A SHA-256 checksum is a fingerprint of exact file bytes.

Platform downloads and release checksums identify the app files. As a model example, inspect Qwen3-8B exact file names and recorded hashes and its run-readiness record. A matching app or model checksum does not prove a successful model run.

Updated · Page-copy source revision 8871bab84e1cf80aea1686a944ec335078a6c036 · Source files: apps/web/lib/help-centre-content.mjs, apps/web/lib/help-centre-legacy.mjs, apps/web/lib/aeo-page.mjs · Full revision record

Key facts

Desktop app
Installed locally; each model file is a separate download with its own hash check.
Checked label
Means bytes matched a published SHA-256 on this computer; not a safety guarantee.
Fit estimate
Compares file size to memory; it is not a measured run or speed promise.
Service status
/status reports site probes; it does not diagnose your local runtime.

Evidence you can inspect (plain text)

  • /desktop lists current platform downloads and package checksums.
  • /verification explains how file checks are performed on the site.
  • Open /artifact/hf-model-qwen-qwen3-8b/files for model exact filenames, availability and any recorded SHA-256.
  • Open /evidence/artifacts/hf-model-qwen-qwen3-8b for run-readiness evidence tied to that record; absent receipts stay unmeasured.
  • Open /api/artifacts/hf-model-qwen-qwen3-8b/card.md for machine-readable source facts (not a runtime test).
  • These sources do not record whether the app installed or a model ran on your computer.

Unmeasured states are stated explicitly; this page does not invent run scores or compatibility guarantees.

Which date applies to which fact

  • Committed page-copy sources:
  • Upstream model metadata: Dates on artifact records when shown; not implied by page-copy revision
  • Run receipts: Only on /evidence pages when recorded; otherwise unmeasured

Page-copy revision (Updated line above) identifies committed text sources, not upstream model edits or test outcomes.

These steps assume a recent 0.2.x desktop build. Use the platforms currently listed on the download page.

  1. On huggingbay.xyz, open Get the app (desktop downloads). Choose Mac, Linux, or Windows when it is listed.
  2. Install: Mac: open the .dmg and drag the app to Applications. Linux: verify SHA-256, then run the AppImage or install the .deb. Windows, if listed: verify SHA-256 before installing.
  3. Open the app. On first launch, let it check this computer (memory and chip).
  4. Choose Chat with an AI or a similar option. Open Discover, turn on Fits my computer if you want a shorter list, and pick a small chat model marked ready.
  5. Choose Download. When the file check finishes and shows checked, open Chat and send a short message.
Desktop download page with Mac and Linux downloads, system requirements and file checks.
The desktop download page. Choose the download for your computer.

More

Mac Gatekeeper: if macOS blocks the app, use Open Anyway in Privacy and Security after a trusted download. Linux: AppImage needs the make executable step on the download page. Re-download the installer if the SHA-256 check on the page does not match.

Common questions

Do I need an account?

No. The desktop app can download and chat without signing in to Hugging Bay.

Which Macs are supported?

Apple silicon Macs on macOS 11 or later. Intel Macs are not supported.

Back to help