Before sending the first request, choose the model Desktop will use and the local project you want it to work in. Desktop will keep the conversation and results in a session you can reopen later.
Choose a provider
Select OpenRouter, OpenAI, Anthropic, Ollama, or LM Studio. Hosted providers require an API key. Local providers normally require a running local endpoint instead. If you are unsure, follow Providers and models before continuing.
Open a project
Choose a folder you recognize and have permission to edit. Desktop adds it to your project library; it does not upload the folder to Kestrel One or silently move it elsewhere.
Start the first task
Create a session, ask Kestrel to explain a small part of the project, and wait for the run to finish. Close the application, reopen it, select the same project, and resume the session with a follow-up question.