Updated October 2026
A local AI agent that runs on your computer
A local AI agent is an AI assistant that runs on your own computer and can act for you there: read and write files, use apps and the browser, run commands and work on a schedule. Local-first means your work, history, memory and credentials live on your machine by default, and nothing goes to a server unless you choose a service that needs it.
CoWork OS is a free, open-source local AI agent for macOS and Windows, with a CLI and headless daemon for Linux servers.
Local-first vs fully offline
These are often confused, so it is worth being precise.
| Local-first with a cloud model | Fully local | |
|---|---|---|
| Where the app, files, memory and history live | Your computer | Your computer |
| Where the model runs | The cloud provider you choose | Your computer (Ollama or MLX) |
| What leaves your machine | The prompts and context you send to that provider | Nothing for the model itself; web search and connected services still go online |
| Cost | Provider usage | Your hardware and electricity |
| Best for | The strongest models and long, complex tasks | Private data and offline work |
In CoWork OS, task state and application data are stored locally by default, and credentials are encrypted with your operating system's secure storage (Keychain on macOS, DPAPI on Windows). Security guide.
What a local agent can do
- Work with your files: turn a folder of notes into a report, clean up a spreadsheet, draft a presentation.
- Use the browser and your desktop: research a topic, fill in forms, work through a website. Browser Workbench.
- Run on a schedule: a daily inbox summary or a weekly report. Automations.
- Answer you from chat apps: message it from Telegram, Slack or WhatsApp. Channels.
- Remember context: keep a local memory of your projects and preferences.
Set one up in four steps
- Install CoWork OS. Download the Mac or Windows installer. The Mac app needs macOS 13 or later on Apple Silicon.
- Pick a model. Use a cloud API key, or run a model locally with Ollama or MLX on Apple Silicon.
- Choose how much the agent may do. Start with the Ask for approval access profile so every action that changes something waits for you. Access profiles.
- Give it a small task in a test folder and check the result before handing it real work.
Which model should you run locally?
Local models are smaller than the best cloud models, so match the model to the task. A 3B model such as llama3.2 is quick for simple tasks; 14B models such as qwen2.5:14b handle more involved work if you have the memory for them. Agent tasks that call many tools usually work best with a capable cloud model, and you can mix both in one workspace.
Frequently asked questions
What is a local AI agent?
An AI assistant that runs on your own computer and can take actions there, such as working with files, apps, the browser and schedules. A local-first agent keeps your data on your machine by default.
Can an AI agent run completely offline?
Yes, with a local model. CoWork OS can use Ollama or MLX on Apple Silicon, so the model never leaves your computer. Tasks that need web search or online services still need a connection.
Is CoWork OS free?
Yes. CoWork OS is free and MIT-licensed. You pay a cloud provider only if you use one; local models cost nothing beyond your hardware.
Does a local AI agent work on Windows?
Yes. CoWork OS has a Windows installer for Windows 10 and 11, and Ollama runs on Windows too.
CoWork OS itself is free and open source. Model providers, gateways, connected services, and account plans may charge separately and apply their own eligibility and usage rules.
Last reviewed 2026-10-20 against official documentation. Features, plans and prices change; check the linked sources before deciding.