# Your first chat in the Hugging Bay app

Install the app for your supported computer, download a compatible chat model in Discover, then open it from Library to chat.

Sources checked: 2026-10-17

## 1. Get the app for your computer

Follow the [Mac](/learn/mac) or [Linux](/learn/linux) installation steps, using the current files and checksums on [our download page](/desktop). Windows and Intel Mac downloads were not listed as available when checked on 17 October 2026; use [Ollama](/learn/ollama) or [LM Studio](/learn/lm-studio) where supported.

## 2. Let the app check your machine

Open the app and follow the first-run computer check. Choose Chat or Writing if asked what you want to do. Open Discover, select a small text chat model, and inspect the actual model file, license and memory estimate.

The [Qwen 0.5B record](/artifact/hf-model-qwen-qwen2-5-0-5b-instruct-gguf) is a small GGUF example. Use a file the app currently offers to download. If it shows no compatible choice, use [Ollama's small-model example](/learn/ollama).

## 3. Download and let the check finish

Select Download on the model's detail screen. Keep the app open until the download and SHA-256 check finish. The hash check compares the file with the catalog record; it does not judge the model's answers.

If a download stops, open Downloads to check its state and resume when offered. See [common fixes](/learn/troubleshooting) if it cannot continue.

## 4. Open Library and choose Chat

Find the downloaded model in Library and choose Chat. Wait for it to load, then ask: “Explain a rainbow in three short sentences.” You should see a reply appear. If loading fails, try the memory and file-type fixes before downloading a larger model.

## 5. Try it offline

After the model has loaded and answered once, disconnect Wi-Fi or Ethernet and send another simple message. Reconnect when you want to browse or download again. See [what stays on your computer](/learn/privacy) for the limits.

## Sources

- [Hugging Bay desktop downloads](https://huggingbay.xyz/desktop)
- [Qwen 0.5B file record](https://huggingbay.xyz/api/artifacts/hf-model-qwen-qwen2-5-0-5b-instruct-gguf)

[Next: check what stays on your device](/learn/privacy)