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.

Download and open Hermes

Choose Windows → open the installer from Downloads → follow its prompts → open Hermes from Start.

Keep the window open until downloading finishes and setup appears.

Choose a provider you can access.
OpenRouter: enter your key in API key. Account sign-in: finish in the browser and return to Hermes.
Choose a model. Skipped setup? Open Settings → Providers, then Settings → Model.

Open Chat → new conversation.

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

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

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

Sources