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CoWork-OS

CoWork-OS/CoWork-OS

A free, open-source desktop AI app for macOS and Windows that works on files, documents, the browser, inbox and scheduled jobs, with approval before risky actions.

Open-source alternative to:ChatGPTClaude

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2 hours ago

What is it?

CoWork OS is a desktop AI assistant for macOS and Windows that carries out tasks on your files, documents, browser, inbox and scheduled jobs. Each step, such as a file read, command or edit, appears in a timeline as it happens. Under the default Ask for approval profile, the agent works freely inside your workspace but waits for your answer before sending messages, using the network, touching credentials, exporting, or accessing files outside the workspace.

You choose the model. Options include OpenRouter with free models, ChatGPT sign-in, local models through Ollama or LM Studio, and API keys for providers such as Claude, OpenAI, Gemini and Groq. Workspace data, memory, skills and history are stored on your machine, while model providers receive the data needed for the tasks you run. Memory is kept as plain markdown in a local git folder.

The app also includes a headless server for Linux, a `cowork` CLI, bots that can post to Telegram, Slack, Discord and WhatsApp, and an import path for Hermes Agent and OpenClaw setups. It is MIT licensed and installs via curl, PowerShell or npm (Node.js 24).

Key features

  • 01Timeline shows each file read, command and edit as the agent works.
  • 02Access profiles decide which actions wait for approval, with hard limits that hold even after approval.
  • 03Generated documents, spreadsheets and PDFs open beside the chat and can be edited in place.
  • 04Inbox triage and reply drafts, with sending always requiring your approval.
  • 05Browser window that can be watched and taken over, with logins filled only after confirmation.
  • 06Scheduled bots with their own memory and model, reachable on Telegram, Slack, Discord and WhatsApp.

Use cases

  • Turning a folder of invoices or receipts into a spreadsheet summary.
  • Triaging and drafting replies to email while keeping final sending under your control.
  • Running research in a visible browser and receiving a report with sources.
  • Running a local-model setup on your own machine with Ollama or LM Studio.

Topics

#ai-assistant#desktop-app#local-first#llm#mcp#electron#self-hosted#automation#ai-assistants#ai-automation

FAQ

What is CoWork-OS?
A free, open-source desktop AI app for macOS and Windows that works on files, documents, the browser, inbox and scheduled jobs, with approval before risky actions. CoWork OS is a desktop AI assistant for macOS and Windows that carries out tasks on your files, documents, browser, inbox and scheduled jobs. Each step, such as a file read, command or edit, appears in a timeline as it happens. Under the default Ask for approval profile, the agent works freely inside your workspace but waits for your answer before sending messages, using the network, touching credentials, exporting, or accessing files outside the workspace.
Is CoWork-OS free to use? What license does it have?
CoWork-OS is open source under the MIT license. Check the license terms before using it in commercial products.
Is CoWork-OS still maintained?
Actively maintained. The last commit to CoWork-OS was on Oct 22, 2026.
What can I use CoWork-OS for?
Turning a folder of invoices or receipts into a spreadsheet summary. Triaging and drafting replies to email while keeping final sending under your control. Running research in a visible browser and receiving a report with sources. Running a local-model setup on your own machine with Ollama or LM Studio.
Where can I get CoWork-OS?
The source code and installation instructions are on GitHub: https://github.com/CoWork-OS/CoWork-OS

Summary generated by AI from the project's README. GitHub stats refresh daily.

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