Windows Installation Guide

Install Askimo for Ollama on Windows

Complete guide to install Askimo desktop client for Ollama on Windows. Native Windows application with advanced features like RAG, chat search, custom directives, and seamless model switching.

Download for Windows Learn More About Ollama Support

Compatible with: Windows 10 (64-bit) or later, including Windows 11. Available as MSI installer or JAR file.

Looking for a different operating system?

Install on Linux Install on macOS

Prerequisites

1. Install Ollama on Windows

Before installing Askimo, you need to have Ollama installed on your Windows PC.

Download Ollama for Windows

Visit ollama.com/download/windows and download the Windows installer.

Run the installer and follow the installation wizard.

Verify installation: Open PowerShell or Command Prompt and run ollama --version

2. System Requirements

  • OS: Windows 10 (64-bit) or Windows 11
  • Processor: 64-bit x86 processor
  • RAM: 8GB minimum (16GB recommended for larger models)
  • Disk: 10GB+ free space
  • Java: JRE 21+ (only for JAR installation)

Installation Methods

Method 1: Install via MSI (Recommended)

The easiest way to install Askimo on Windows.

1

Download the MSI installer

Askimo-Desktop-windows-x64.msi

Works on both x64 and ARM Windows systems.

2

Run the installer

Double-click the downloaded MSI file to launch the installer.

Windows SmartScreen warning: If Windows shows a security warning, click "More info" and then "Run anyway". Askimo is safe and open source.

3

Follow the installation wizard

  • • Accept the license agreement
  • • Choose installation directory (default recommended)
  • • Click "Install"
  • • Wait for installation to complete
4

Launch Askimo

Find Askimo in your Start Menu or desktop shortcut (if created during installation).

Method 2: Run JAR File

Alternative method if you prefer portable installation or have Java installed.

Step 1: Install Java (if not installed)

Download and install Java JRE from adoptium.net (version 21 or higher).

Step 2: Download the JAR file

askimo-desktop-windows-x64.jar

Step 3: Run Askimo

Option A: Double-click the JAR file (if Java is properly configured)

Option B: Run from Command Prompt or PowerShell:

java -jar askimo-desktop-windows-x64.jar

Optional: Create a desktop shortcut

  1. 1. Right-click on desktop → New → Shortcut
  2. 2. Enter: javaw -jar "C:\path\to\askimo-desktop-windows-x64.jar"
  3. 3. Name it "Askimo" and click Finish

Post-Installation Setup

Configure Ollama Connection

  1. 1 Launch Askimo from Start Menu
  2. 2 Go to Settings → Providers
  3. 3 Enable Ollama and verify the connection (default: http://localhost:11434)
  4. 4 Select your preferred Ollama model (e.g., llama3, mistral, codellama)

Download Ollama Models

Open PowerShell or Command Prompt and download models you want to use:

ollama pull llama3
ollama pull mistral
ollama pull codellama

Browse all available models at ollama.com/library

Why Use Askimo with Ollama on Windows?

Native Windows App

True native Windows application with full Windows 10/11 integration, not a web wrapper.

Advanced Chat Search

Search across all conversations instantly. Find past discussions, code snippets, or ideas.

RAG Support

Chat with your local files and documents. Upload PDFs, code, or notes for context-aware AI conversations.

CLI + GUI Workflows

Combine desktop GUI with powerful CLI for automation, PowerShell scripts, and advanced workflows.

Custom Directives

Create reusable prompts and directives for your common tasks and workflows.

Switch AI Models

Not locked to Ollama. Also supports OpenAI, Claude, Gemini, and other providers in one app.

Troubleshooting

Askimo can't connect to Ollama

Ensure Ollama is running. Check the system tray for the Ollama icon, or start it manually:

ollama serve

Windows SmartScreen blocks installation

If Windows SmartScreen prevents installation:

  1. Click "More info" in the SmartScreen dialog
  2. Click "Run anyway"
  3. Askimo is safe, open source, and available on GitHub

JAR file won't run

Ensure Java is installed and in your PATH:

java -version

If Java is not found, download and install from adoptium.net

Firewall blocks connection

If Windows Firewall blocks Askimo or Ollama:

  1. Open Windows Security → Firewall & network protection
  2. Click "Allow an app through firewall"
  3. Add Askimo and Ollama to the allowed apps list

Ready to Install Askimo on Windows?

Get the most powerful desktop client for Ollama on Windows with RAG, chat search, and multi-model support.

Download for Windows View All Releases