> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://dshtauri.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# First run

> Prepare the local runtime, choose plugins, and open Harness for the first time.

The initial setup prepares a local Harness service and then loads its web interface
inside the desktop window.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Start the application">
    The desktop app checks for a compatible local Node.js and Harness core. When one is
    unavailable, it downloads the managed runtime and prebuilt core.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Wait for setup to finish">
    Keep the app open while it downloads and verifies the required files. An official
    GitHub asset is tried first; supported downloads can fall back to a mirror.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose preset plugins">
    Select optional integrations from the guided list. You can skip them and revisit
    plugin management later.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open Harness">
    The app starts a loopback-only service, normally at `http://127.0.0.1:3080`, and
    embeds it in the desktop window.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/dshtauri/wkB541IUjMIrkizA/images/en/first-run-download.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=wkB541IUjMIrkizA&q=85&s=c7cd7abedec37191f7345c34fe1f6375" alt="First-run Harness core download progress" width="2238" height="1470" data-path="images/en/first-run-download.png" />
</Frame>

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/dshtauri/wkB541IUjMIrkizA/images/en/first-run-plugins.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=wkB541IUjMIrkizA&q=85&s=2a653b0b0f4dc9ece95760bed08e2995" alt="Selecting recommended plugins during first run" width="2238" height="1468" data-path="images/en/first-run-plugins.png" />
</Frame>

## What is installed

* A managed Node.js runtime when no compatible system runtime is available.
* A prebuilt `dsh` distribution published by `deepseek-harness-pkg`.
* pnpm and, where needed, supporting command-line tools.
* Required first-party internal plugins.
* Optional preset plugins you selected.
* A `dsh` command shim when CLI integration is enabled.

## Verify the setup

Open a **new** terminal after setup and run:

```bash theme={null}
dsh --help
```

The terminal must be reopened so it can read the updated `PATH`. The desktop window
should show the Harness session interface rather than the installer screen.

<Note>
  If the configured port is busy, the service can choose a higher available port. The
  app returns to your preferred port on a later launch when it becomes available.
</Note>

If setup does not complete, see [Troubleshooting](../help/troubleshooting). Otherwise,
continue with [Configure a model](./configure-model).