Ollama’s new app makes using local AI LLMs on your Windows 11 PC a breeze — no more need to chat in the terminal

In recent months, the exploration of Ollama has revealed a remarkable avenue for everyday users to engage with AI language models directly on their personal computers. Historically, installing and utilizing Ollama involved navigating the complexities of a terminal window, but that experience has evolved significantly.

Streamlined Installation and User Experience

Installation is now a breeze—simply download Ollama from the official website and run the installer. By default, the application operates in the background, accessible via the system tray or terminal. Users can also launch it directly from the Start Menu, enhancing convenience.

The interface is straightforward and reminiscent of typical AI chatbots. Users can type their queries into a designated box, and Ollama responds using the selected model. While there are features to click on icons for models not yet installed, some users have noted that this function may not be fully operational at the moment. However, a workaround exists: selecting a model and sending a message prompts the app to download it automatically.

Enhanced Features and Functionality

The Ollama app introduces several innovative features, including the ability to adjust the context window size, which is particularly useful for handling larger documents. A simple slider allows users to increase the context length, albeit with a corresponding demand for more system memory.

One of the standout features is the multimodal support, allowing users to drag and drop images into the app for interpretation by compatible models, such as Gemma 3. This functionality extends to code files as well, enabling users to generate Markdown documents that explain the code and its usage, all without the need for command-line interactions.

While the app simplifies many tasks, some advanced features still require the command line interface (CLI). For instance, pushing models, creating new ones, and managing running models are tasks that currently necessitate CLI usage. Nevertheless, for general interactions, the user-friendly GUI represents a significant advancement, making the technology more accessible to a broader audience.

System Requirements and Performance Considerations

To fully leverage the capabilities of Ollama, users should ensure their PCs meet certain specifications. An 11th Gen Intel CPU or a Zen 4-based AMD CPU with AVX-512 support is recommended, along with a minimum of 16GB of RAM for optimal performance. While 8GB is sufficient for smaller models, having a dedicated GPU can enhance performance, especially when working with larger models.

Running a local language model offers the unique advantage of offline functionality, freeing users from reliance on internet connectivity and the associated data privacy concerns. Although the app does not provide web search capabilities out of the box, alternative methods exist for those who require this feature.

For users with the appropriate hardware, exploring Ollama could lead to discovering a new favorite AI chatbot, enriching both personal and professional workflows.

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Ollama's new app makes using local AI LLMs on your Windows 11 PC a breeze — no more need to chat in the terminal