Here’s what you need to know. Wondering about the features of Hermes desktop? The Hermes desktop app gives the free, open-source agent a proper interface — models, skills, scheduling and more, without living in the terminal.
Here’s a rundown of what Hermes desktop can do, and how to get even more from it.
Last updated: July 2026.
Key takeaways
- Hermes desktop gives the free agent a real interface — no terminal required.
- Key features: model switching, skills, scheduled tasks, sessions and logs.
- For full control, pair it with an agent OS dashboard.
- Get the enhanced setup in the AI Profit Boardroom.
What Is Hermes Desktop?
Hermes is a free, open-source AI agent, and the desktop app gives it a graphical interface — so you can use it without the terminal. It’s the easiest way to run Hermes for most people, with the core controls in one window.
Hermes Desktop Features
| Feature | What it does |
|---|---|
| Model switching | Pick or swap the model powering Hermes |
| Skills | Manage the capabilities your agent has learned |
| Scheduled tasks | Run jobs automatically on a schedule |
| Sessions & history | Jump back into past work |
| Chat + agent mode | Talk to it or let it act on your files |
| Logs | See exactly what it did |
Desktop vs Terminal vs Agent OS
The terminal is powerful but bare; the desktop app is friendlier; and an agent OS goes furthest — a full command center with workflows, memory and multiple agents. If you want more than the desktop offers, see my agentic OS command center guide and Hermes control center guide.
Getting More From Hermes Desktop
The desktop app is a great start, but the real power comes from pairing Hermes with the right model and a memory system. Plug in a strong or cheap model (Kimi K3, GLM 5.2, Qwen) and add memory so it never re-learns your context. See my best model for Hermes agent guide.
Is Hermes Desktop Free?
Yes — Hermes is free and open source, desktop app included. Your only possible cost is the model you plug in, and free models work too.
Get the Full Setup
The full Hermes setup — models, memory, workflows and a command center — is inside the AI Profit Boardroom.
New here? Start free with my AI course and community (plus 1,000+ AI agents), or grab a free strategy session.
Who Hermes Desktop Is For
The desktop app is ideal if you want the power of an AI agent without living in a terminal. It suits people who prefer a visual interface, who are newer to agents, or who just want the core controls in one clean window. Power users often graduate to a full agent OS, but the desktop app is a great, friendly starting point.
Getting Started With Hermes Desktop
- Install the Hermes desktop app.
- Connect a model — a cheap or free one works.
- Try a task in chat, then switch to agent mode to let it act.
- Add a skill or a scheduled task.
- When you want more, plug it into an agent OS.
Desktop, Then Beyond
Think of Hermes desktop as the on-ramp. Once you’re comfortable, the natural next step is an agent OS — a command center with workflows, a shared memory and multiple agents working together. The desktop app teaches you the fundamentals; the agent OS is where the real leverage lives.
FAQ
What are the features of Hermes desktop?
A graphical interface for the free Hermes agent — model switching, skills management, scheduled tasks, sessions, chat and agent modes, and logs — without needing the terminal.
Is Hermes desktop free?
Yes — Hermes is free and open source, desktop app included. Your only cost is the model you plug in, and free models work.
Desktop or terminal — which is better?
Desktop is friendlier for most people; the terminal is bare but powerful. For the most control, an agent OS command center goes further than both.
Can Hermes desktop schedule tasks?
Yes — scheduling jobs to run automatically is a core feature.
How do I get more from it?
Pair it with a strong or cheap model and a memory system, or move up to a full agent OS with workflows and multiple agents.
The Bottom Line
Hermes desktop is the friendly way to run the free agent. Get the enhanced setup in the AI Profit Boardroom.