Most people use AI through a website or app, where the model runs on the provider’s servers. But you can also run some AI models directly on your own computer. It’s easier than it sounds, and it has real advantages for privacy and cost. Here’s what you need to know before you try.
What “running locally” means
Some companies and research groups publish “open-weight” models: the trained model files are available to download. With the right app, your computer can load one of these files and generate text without sending anything over the internet.
Why people do it
- Privacy: your text stays on your machine.
- No per-use fees: once it’s set up, you don’t pay per token.
- Works offline: useful when travelling or on restricted networks.
- Learning: it’s a hands-on way to understand how these models behave.
The trade-offs
Models small enough to run on a normal computer are generally less capable than the largest models offered online. They can be slower, they don’t search the web on their own, and setup takes some trial and error. For many everyday tasks, such as drafting, rewriting and summarizing short texts, they work well. For complex reasoning, online models usually win.
What hardware matters
- Memory is the main limit. The model has to fit in your computer’s memory (or your graphics card’s memory). More memory lets you run larger, more capable models.
- A dedicated graphics card speeds things up, but it isn’t strictly required for small models.
- Recent Apple Silicon Macs are often a good fit, because their shared memory can be used by the model.
- Storage: model files can be several gigabytes each, so leave room on your drive.
Many models are offered in compressed (“quantized”) versions that need much less memory with a modest loss in quality. If a model is too slow or won’t load, try a smaller or more compressed version.
How to get started
- Install a desktop app built for local models. Popular free options include LM Studio, which has a point-and-click interface, and Ollama, which works from the command line and runs in the background.
- Pick a small model first. Start with one the app recommends for your hardware, then move up if it runs smoothly.
- Test it on your real tasks. Use the same prompts you’d give an online assistant and compare the results.
- Check the license. Each model has its own terms, and some restrict commercial use.
Download apps and models only from official sources, and keep them updated like any other software.
Key takeaways
- Local AI keeps your data on your machine and has no per-use fees.
- Memory decides which models you can run; start small.
- Local models are great for everyday drafting; online models still lead on hard problems.
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