GUIDE / INSTALLATION
Install the DeepSeek Harness desktop app
DSH Desktop is designed to open the local DeepSeek Harness workspace without asking end users to set up Node.js, npm, or a terminal first.
Three steps to start
- Download: choose a Windows, macOS, or Linux installer from the download page.
- Install: run the installer and launch dsh-desktop. The shell starts its local Harness instance automatically.
- Configure: choose a model provider, paste an API key, and start your first session.
First launch by platform
Windows
Run the NSIS installer. If Windows SmartScreen shows a warning, verify the source and checksum first, then choose More info → Run anyway if you trust the build.
macOS Apple Silicon
Open the DMG and drag the app to Applications. If Gatekeeper cannot verify it, right-click the app in Finder and choose Open.
Linux amd64
Open the Debian package or use your system software center. Launch dsh-desktop from the application menu after installation.
Configure a DeepSeek API key
Open the DeepSeek Open Platform, create an API key, then paste it into the model/provider settings inside dsh-desktop. API usage is metered, so check your account balance and pricing first.
Does the desktop share CLI data?
Not by default. Desktop data lives in ~/.dsh-desktop, while the CLI commonly uses ~/.dsh. To intentionally share the home, set DSH_HOME=~/.dsh before launch; back up your data first.
When startup fails
Confirm that the installer is complete, the data directory is writable, and security software is not blocking local loopback processes. Export a diagnostic report from the Help menu and include the version, platform, and relevant log details when opening an issue. See the FAQ for first-launch prompts.