Install Hermes Desktop

Station 4 — Get Hermes open. Time: 20 min. Pass when Hermes opens on your machine, or you are following the facilitator demo.

What this is

This station gets Hermes running locally so you can use it in class. The easiest path on macOS and Windows is the official Hermes Desktop installer, which sets up both the app and the command line.

Why it matters

Running Hermes on your own laptop is the fastest way to a first win — no server, no SSH, no cloud account. If your install hits a snag, you still learn everything by following the facilitator's screen.

What to do

Install from the official Hermes site — this is the download and setup page:

→ hermes-agent.nousresearch.com

Open it, follow the steps for your operating system (macOS, Windows, or Linux), and use the Hermes Desktop installer where it is offered. If your facilitator shares a specific link in class, use that one — the official site stays the source of truth even if button labels change.

After it opens, you will meet a few commands. In plain language:

• hermes setup — first-time setup wizard.
• hermes model — choose or change the AI model.
• hermes doctor — checks your setup and reports problems.

If the install fails on your machine, do not stall the room — follow the facilitator demo and you can still complete every concept and task station.

Common mistakes

• Copying an install command from an old screenshot instead of the live link.
• Panicking on an install error instead of switching to the demo view.
• Skipping hermes doctor when something feels off.

Next step

Go to Safety Mode: Local vs Docker.