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Getting started with the desktop application

Why a desktop application?​

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

Local AI models​

With the desktop application, you can run AI models locally via Ollama. This offers:

  • Privacy - Your data never leaves your computer
  • No extra costs - Local models have no API costs

Access to local files​

The desktop application can directly read and write files on your computer. 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.

Logging in to the desktop application​

The desktop application uses email and password to log in. This differs from the web version where you may use other login methods (such as Google or Microsoft).

Setting a password​

If you haven't set a password yet, do this first via the web version:

  1. Open the web version of AI-School
  2. Click your profile photo or name in the top right
  3. Choose Account
  4. Go to the Login methods tab
  5. Click Set password
  6. Enter a strong password and confirm
Forgot your password?

You can always set a new password via the web version under Account → Login methods.

Logging in​

After setting your password:

  1. Open the desktop application
  2. Enter your email address
  3. Enter your password
  4. Click Sign in

You are now logged in and have access to all features of the desktop application.

Next steps​