DeepSeek Harness
v0.2.1-rc.5 (latest pre-release tag); the desktop download is an unversioned 'latest' buildOpen sourceReleased 30 Oct 2026
DeepSeek's open-source AI agent, with desktop apps for Windows and Mac. By DeepSeek
- Windows
- macOS
By the ToolsBharat teamUpdated 30 Oct 2026How we check
Quick answer
DeepSeek Harness is open source software for Windows and macOS from DeepSeek. DeepSeek's open-source AI agent, with desktop apps for Windows and Mac. Download it only from deepseek.com. The latest version we track is 0.2.1-rc.5 (latest pre-release tag); the desktop download is an unversioned 'latest' build (30 Oct 2026). ToolsBharat links straight to the publisher's own download page, with no bundled offers.
- Latest version:
- 0.2.1-rc.5 (latest pre-release tag); the desktop download is an unversioned 'latest' build (30 Oct 2026)
- Publisher:
- DeepSeek
- Official site:
- deepseek.com
- Licence:
- Open source — MIT (source code); using DeepSeek's models needs a DeepSeek API key or account sign-in
- Requirements:
- Windows (64-bit); macOS 13 or later on Apple silicon
Our verdict
DeepSeek Harness (dsh) is DeepSeek's own agent: it works in a folder you choose, reads and edits files, runs commands and keeps a plan for long tasks. DeepSeek offers a desktop app for Windows and Apple-silicon Macs, and the same agent runs as a local web UI from npm. The code is MIT-licensed, but the models are cloud services, so you need a DeepSeek API key or account, or another provider's key. DeepSeek calls it a developer preview that has not had a security audit, so give it only folders you have backed up.
Screenshots
Key features
- Desktop app that DeepSeek says can work in the background, edit local files and handle long, complex tasks
- Asks before actions that need approval under the active permission policy
- Works with DeepSeek's models, built-in providers such as Anthropic, OpenAI, Kimi and GLM, or any OpenAI-compatible endpoint
- Everything-is-a-plugin design, with a plugin market and MCP support
- Optional dsh terminal command, plus web UI, headless, SDK and ACP modes
Pros
- Pro: MIT-licensed and developed in the open on GitHub
- Pro: Native desktop builds for Windows (64-bit) and Apple-silicon Macs
- Pro: Not tied to DeepSeek: you can add other model providers
Cons
- Con: Developer preview: DeepSeek warns of compatibility-breaking changes
- Con: Not security-audited, per DeepSeek's own safety notice
- Con: Model use is billed separately through the DeepSeek API or another provider
- Con: No Linux desktop download
What's new in 0.2.1-rc.5 (latest pre-release tag); the desktop download is an unversioned 'latest' build
See what changed in 0.2.1-rc.5 (latest pre-release tag); the desktop download is an unversioned 'latest' build in the official release notes
Version history
Version 0.2.1-rc.5 (latest pre-release tag); the desktop download is an unversioned 'latest' buildLatest
30 Oct 2026- SHA-256
- The developer does not publish one
- Source
- Release notes
Official downloads by platform
For Windows, use the Download button. Other platforms go straight to the publisher's own page or official store.
Requirements
- OS
- Windows (64-bit); macOS 13 or later on Apple silicon
- Architecture
- x64 (Windows), Apple silicon (macOS)
- Also needs
- Internet connection, plus a DeepSeek API key or account, or another provider's API key. The npm web UI route needs Node.js. DeepSeek lists no further Windows requirements.
Licence
- Type
- Open source
- Licence
- MIT (source code); using DeepSeek's models needs a DeepSeek API key or account sign-in
- Publisher
- deepseek.com
Where these facts come from
- DeepSeek download page
- DeepSeek Harness page
- GitHub: deepseek-ai/deepseek-harness (README, MIT licence)
- DeepSeek Harness safety notice
- DeepSeek Harness docs: Configure models
- DeepSeek Harness Desktop README
- DeepSeek API change log
- DeepSeek API pricing
Checked 30 Oct 2026
FAQ
Is DeepSeek Harness a desktop app or a CLI?
Both. DeepSeek's download page offers a desktop app for Windows and Apple-silicon Macs. The GitHub README also shows how to start the same agent as a local web UI with Node.js, and the desktop app can install a dsh terminal command.
Is DeepSeek Harness free?
The software is free and MIT-licensed. The AI models are not part of the download: the setup guide asks for a DeepSeek API key, which DeepSeek bills per token from a topped-up or granted balance. You can also add another provider's key.
Is it safe to let DeepSeek Harness edit my files?
DeepSeek's safety notice says the preview has not had a security audit and can run model-generated commands, modify or delete files, and expose data it can access. DeepSeek suggests running it with the least access it needs, ideally in a virtual machine or container, and keeping backups.
User reviews
User reviewsयूज़र रिव्यू
No reviews yet
Used DeepSeek Harness? Reviews appear after moderation; we never import or invent ratings.
Alternatives
- DeepSeekAuto-updating (Google Play, App Store) · FreeFree chat app from DeepSeek, running the company's latest models. Official No bundlesAvailable on Android, iOS, Web app
- Cline4.1.26 · Open sourceOpen-source AI coding agent that runs as a VS Code extension. Official No bundlesAvailable on Windows, macOS, Linux
- OpenAI Codex CLI0.166.0 · Open sourceOpenAI's open-source coding agent that reads, edits and runs code from your terminal. Official No bundlesAvailable on Windows, macOS, Linux
- Claude Code2.1.316 · PaidAnthropic's agentic coding tool for the terminal, IDEs and desktop. Official No bundlesAvailable on Windows, macOS, Linux
- OpenCode1.19.5 · Open sourceOpen-source coding agent for the terminal and desktop that works with 75+ model providers. Official No bundlesAvailable on Windows, macOS, Linux
DeepSeek Harness
0.2.1-rc.5 (latest pre-release tag); the desktop download is an unversioned 'latest' build · Not stated