Guides

Install Hermes

Your computer

You need a model-provider account or API key. Replies may cost money: set a spending limit. Enter keys only in settings, not chat.

Install Hermes

Terminal

On Ubuntu: Ctrl + Alt + T. Or open Terminal from your apps. Commands below are for Ubuntu / Debian.

Copy the command → paste here: Ctrl + Shift + V → Enter.

Paste the whole command. If the installer asks for your password, type it → Enter. Characters will not appear.

Terminal 
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install -y git curl xz-utils && curl -fsSL https://hermes-agent.nousresearch.com/install.sh | bash

Wait until finished. Already seeing model selection? Continue. Otherwise reopen Terminal.

Connect a model

If model selection did not open:

Terminal 
hermes model

Choose a provider with arrow keys → Enter. For OpenRouter, enter your key; for account sign-in, finish in the browser and return here. Then choose a model.

Open chat

Open chat with:

Terminal 
hermes

Paste into the message box:

Hermes chat 
Help me plan a day off. Start by asking one question. Do not use tools or change anything.

The agent asked a question? Chat works. You can try use cases. Email, calendar and schedules need separate setup.

If installation or chat fails

App or command not found

Check that installation finished. After a command-line install, reopen Terminal. File blocked? Do not disable protection; check the official help.

The app opens but the agent does not reply

Return to step 2: check provider, key or sign-in, and balance. For tool errors, try plain text chat first, without reinstalling.

Official installation help
Sources

Installation · Quickstart · Desktop · Platform support.