# Kimi Code Desktop > Source: > Published: 2026-09-21 12:56:02+00:00 # Quick Start Kimi Code Desktop is the desktop client for Kimi Code. Open a local project, ask the Agent to read and modify code through conversation, and check the results with file previews, changes, and the built-in terminal. This page walks you through installation, model setup, your first workspace, and your first task. ## Install and launch On first launch, choose the interface language and theme. You can adjust them later in Settings. ## Sign in On first launch, follow the Kimi OAuth authorization flow, or skip it for now. When you need to sign in later, use the sign-in entry in the app to complete authorization. If authorization fails, retry as prompted. The sign-in site depends on your region: kimi.com for mainland China and kimi.ai for other regions. Once signed in, you can check your plan usage anytime in the account area of Settings. ## Connect a model ### Use official Kimi models Once signed in, the desktop app uses the official models available to your account. You can confirm the current model in the model selector inside the Composer, or view available models and model entitlements in the model area of Settings. Without a Kimi membership, the official models are not available directly, and model entitlements vary by plan. Find the membership entry in the account area to review and choose a plan. See [Membership Benefits](https://www.kimi.com/code/docs/en/kimi-code/membership.html) and [Model Configuration](https://www.kimi.com/code/docs/en/kimi-code/models.html). ### Connect a third-party model provider To use another model provider: 1. Open Settings and go to the model provider area. 2. Add a provider and enter its API key, base URL, and model information. 3. Save the configuration and return to the session. 4. Switch to the model near the Composer. 5. Send a read-only task to confirm that the model works. For complete model and provider details, see [Model Configuration](https://www.kimi.com/code/docs/en/kimi-code/models.html) and [Providers and models](https://www.kimi.com/code/docs/en/kimi-code-cli/configuration/providers.html). ## Create a session and choose a workspace Desktop organizes sessions by workspace. After creating a session, choose the local project folder above the Composer: 1. Click **New session** on the left. 2. Click the folder name above the Composer to open the workspace picker. 3. Choose a recent project folder, or click **Choose folder…** to add another local folder. 4. Confirm that the target workspace appears above the Composer, then enter and send your task. The selected folder becomes a desktop workspace and is added to the recent folder list. When adding one, you can also expand **Enter an absolute path directly**; local absolute paths are resolved as provided. An empty session must have a workspace before you can send a message. Dropping a folder from Finder or File Explorer onto the sidebar can also add it as a workspace. The session appears in the session list for the selected workspace. You can switch between existing workspaces and sessions from the left sidebar. ## Start your first task Enter a task in the Composer, or use `@` to reference files and directories. The **+** button in the lower-left corner of the Composer provides several task modes: - **Goal** : Set an objective for a longer task that needs multiple turns and checks. The goal appears above the Composer. See[Goal mode](https://www.kimi.com/code/docs/en/kimi-code-cli/guides/interaction.html#goal-mode) . - **Plan** : Ask the Agent to analyze the task and propose a plan before changing files. See[Plan mode](https://www.kimi.com/code/docs/en/kimi-code-cli/guides/interaction.html#plan-mode) . - **Swarm** : Split independent work across multiple subagents. Progress appears in the Tasks or Subagent area. See[Agents and Sub-Agents](https://www.kimi.com/code/docs/en/kimi-code-cli/customization/agents.html) . While the task is running, the Agent's tool calls, thinking, and the files changed in each turn are all presented in the interface and can be checked at any time. You can send follow-up input to adjust the direction, such as narrowing the scope, adding constraints, asking for an explanation, or stopping the current action. To pause or revert, interrupt the current turn or use `/undo` to revert the most recent change. ## Handle approvals Desktop shows operations that need your decision in approval cards. A card can contain a command, file changes, or a plan. Review the exact scope before approving or rejecting it. When the Agent needs an answer, the question card can offer single-choice, multiple-choice, and **Other** input. There are three permission modes: - **Always Ask** : ask for approval for each operation that requires it. - **Ask When Needed** : ask only when approval is needed, reducing repeated confirmations while retaining control over key actions. - **Never Ask** : do not proactively show approval prompts; use this only when you understand the risks. For a first session or an unfamiliar project, **Always Ask** is a good starting point. You can change the mode after you understand the operation scope. ## Review changes and verify After a change, open Changes on the right. Start with the file list, then inspect the specific file and the changes from an individual turn. When you need more context, use File Preview for Markdown, JSON, HTML, PDF, CSV, images, and code or text files. You can copy, download, reveal in the system, or open in an external app. File paths mentioned in the conversation can also be clicked open directly. When the task requires checks, open the bottom terminal panel from the terminal button in the upper-right corner of the session. Confirm the command, current workspace, and output. Continue only after the results look correct. If something is unexpected, explain it in the session or use `/undo` to revert the most recent change. For web projects, you can also open the built-in browser in the right panel. Browser tabs stay with the session and share page context with the Agent, so you can check page results without switching to another window. ## Continue exploring After your first task, you can continue with: - **Goal** for long-running objectives. - **Swarm** for independent investigation or modification work. - The top menu to open the project in an external editor, file manager, or system terminal. - Creating, archiving, restoring, forking, or exporting sessions. - Adjusting models, permissions, shortcuts, and plugins in Settings. ## Common commands The Composer accepts tasks directly and also supports built-in commands through `/`. Common commands include: | Command | Purpose | |---|---| | `/new` | Start a new session | | `/login` | Open the sign-in flow | | `/plan` | Enter plan mode | | `/goal` | Set an ongoing objective | | `/swarm` | Use multiple subagents for a task | | `/compact` | Compact the current context | | `/undo` | Revert the most recent change | | `/fork` | Fork the current session | | `/export` | Export the session | | `/status` | View the current session status | ## Desktop and the CLI Desktop carries the Agent core of Kimi Code CLI. The two can be installed on the same machine and share some local configuration, such as account, model, provider, and plugin-related settings. In the CLI, run the `/desktop` slash command or the [`kimi install-desktop`](https://www.kimi.com/code/docs/en/kimi-code-cli/reference/kimi-command.html#kimi-install-desktop) subcommand to open the Desktop page in your browser. Desktop focuses on projects, sessions, changes, and terminal verification in a graphical interface; the CLI is better suited to terminal-first and scripted workflows. Refer to each product's settings and configuration files for the exact shared scope. ## Next steps - [Using the Desktop App](https://www.kimi.com/code/docs/en/kimi-code-desktop/using-desktop.html) : learn task modes, context, session management, terminal use, and settings. - [Kimi Code CLI Quick Start](https://www.kimi.com/code/docs/en/kimi-code-cli/guides/getting-started.html) : learn terminal commands, sessions, and scripted workflows. - [Model Configuration](https://www.kimi.com/code/docs/en/kimi-code/models.html) : view available models and configuration options. - [Membership Benefits](https://www.kimi.com/code/docs/en/kimi-code/membership.html) : learn about account benefits, usage, and upgrades.