The best offline AI for Windows depends on what you actually want the AI to do. If you simply want to test local models, a model runner may be enough. If you want to search private documents or build persistent personal context, you need more than a chat box.
What “offline AI” should mean
For this guide, offline AI means that the core language-model inference can run on the Windows PC after the required software and model files have been downloaded. Some applications may offer optional online features, update checks or model downloads, so “supports local models” and “never makes any network connection” are not automatically the same claim.
Four kinds of Windows local AI
| Type | Best for | Typical trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Model runner | Developers and experimentation | More setup |
| Desktop local chat | General offline prompting | Often session-focused |
| Document/RAG assistant | Private knowledge bases | Indexing and source quality matter |
| Persistent personal assistant | Ongoing context and workflows | More data stored locally |
Popular approaches
Ollama
A strong choice for developers who want a local model runtime and API that other applications can use.
LM Studio
A desktop-oriented way to discover, download and run local models with a graphical interface.
Jan
An open-source desktop AI option for users who value inspectable software and local-model support.
Open WebUI
A feature-rich web interface often paired with a local model backend; useful for more technical or shared setups.
Beginza AI
Designed around a different use case: a Windows assistant with local document retrieval and persistent memory for users who want their private working knowledge to stay on the machine.
How much hardware do you need?
Model size and quantisation matter more than the word “AI” on the box. Smaller models can run on ordinary modern PCs, while larger models benefit substantially from more RAM and a supported GPU with enough VRAM.
- 8GB RAM: focus on small, efficient models and modest context sizes
- 16GB RAM: a much more comfortable starting point for common local models
- 32GB+ RAM: more flexibility for larger models and document-heavy workflows
- Dedicated GPU: can greatly improve generation speed when supported
Do not choose an application solely from benchmark numbers. The best setup is the one that gives acceptable quality and speed on the machine you already use.
Which should you choose?
- I am a developer: start with Ollama.
- I mainly want to experiment with models: consider LM Studio or Jan.
- I want a shared, configurable local interface: investigate Open WebUI.
- I want private documents plus ongoing personal context: that is the use case Beginza AI is being built around.
Try Beginza AI on Windows
Beginza AI is currently in early beta. It is intended for people who want local AI to become a useful personal knowledge assistant rather than simply another interface for sending prompts to a model.
Your AI. Your knowledge. Your computer. Download Beginza AI for Windows and try it during the beta.
Download Beginza AI →Frequently asked questions
Can Windows 11 run AI completely locally?
Yes. Local language models can run on Windows hardware without sending each prompt to a cloud model.
Do I need an NVIDIA GPU?
No. CPU inference is possible, although a compatible GPU can make suitable models much faster.
Is offline AI always private?
Local inference avoids sending prompts to a remote model, but overall privacy still depends on the application's other features, device security and configuration.
Related Beginza guides: How to Use AI With Confidential Documents Without Uploading Them · Can I Upload Confidential Documents to ChatGPT? What to Check First · How to Ask AI Questions About a PDF Without Uploading It
About Beginza — Beginza builds privacy-first Windows software designed to keep useful work on your device. Explore Beginza.
Percy Ng
Co-founder of Beginza. Builds privacy-first Windows tools and Beginza AI.