Complete guide to installing DeepSeek on your computer

Artificial intelligence continues to evolve rapidly, and one of the most talked-about models today is DeepSeek-R1 . This model, known for its advanced reasoning capabilities, has generated significant interest among AI enthusiasts and professionals seeking local and cost-effective solutions. If you're interested in installing DeepSeek on your computer, this article will guide you step-by-step through the process, covering the main operating systems : Linux , macOS, and Windows.

The main advantage of DeepSeek-R1 is its flexibility to run locally, which not only saves on cloud service costs but also protects your privacy . Furthermore, it offers optimized versions for different hardware levels, making it accessible to users with basic computers as well as those with advanced workstations. Let's discover how to install and use this powerful AI model!

What is DeepSeek-R1 and why is it relevant?

DeepSeek-R1 is an advanced language model specifically designed for logical reasoning, complex problem-solving, and code generation. Its open-source nature makes it unique, as you can download and install everything locally without relying on external servers or worrying about data privacy.

Among its advantages are:

• Flexibility: You can choose from several versions of DeepSeek depending on the capabilities of your hardware.
• Privacy: All processing is done on your computer, avoiding sending your data to third parties.
• Efficiency: Cut-down versions of the model, such as the 8B, can run on computers with common specifications.

Requirements to install DeepSeek

Before starting the installation process, make sure you meet the following requirements :

• Operating system: Linux, macOS or Windows (WSL2 compatible in the latter case).
• RAM: At least 8GB, although a minimum of 16GB is recommended for best performance.
• Disc space: From 1.5 GB to 404 GB, depending on the version of the model you want to install.
• Internet access: Required to download software and initial model.

Step 1: Installing Ollama

Ollama is an essential tool for managing and running DeepSeek models on your computer. Its installation is quite simple and varies depending on the operating system:

Linux and macOS

Open the terminal and run the following command to install Ollama:

curl -fsSL https://ollama.com/install.sh | sh

This will automatically download and configure Ollama on your system.

Windows

If you are using Windows, you need to have WSL2 (Windows Subsystem for Linux) enabled. Once configured, open the Ubuntu terminal inside WSL and run the same command mentioned above.

To verify that Ollama has been installed correctly, use the command:

ollama --version

Step 2: Download the DeepSeek model

With Ollama already installed, you can now download the version of DeepSeek that best suits your hardware. The most common options are:

• 1.5B parameters: It requires about 1.1 GB of space and is ideal for basic computers.
• 8B parameters: It takes up 4.7 GB and offers a balance between performance and requirements.
• 70B parameters: Suitable for powerful computers with large GPU capabilities.
• 671B parameters: The full version, which takes up 404 GB and requires high-end hardware.

To download version 8B, open the terminal and type:

ollama pull deepseek-r1:8b

This process may take several minutes, depending on the speed of your internet connection.

Step 3: Run DeepSeek

With the downloaded template, you can run it directly from Ollama. In the terminal , enter the following command:

ollama run deepseek-r1:8b

A terminal interface will open where you can begin interacting with DeepSeek . Type your questions or commands and press Enter to get answers.

Alternative: Using LM Studio

If you prefer a graphical interface to using commands, LM Studio is an excellent option. Here's how to set it up:

• Download LM Studio from its official website.
• Install it and open it.
• Use the model finder to find DeepSeek R1 and download it.
• Load the model from the “My Models” section and start interacting with it.

Both methods, Ollama and LM Studio , will allow you to take full advantage of the capabilities of DeepSeek-R1 , adapting to your preferences and level of technical experience.

DeepSeek-R1 is a versatile tool that puts advanced artificial intelligence within everyone’s reach. With this guide, you can set it up on your computer and explore its capabilities without worrying about privacy or the costs associated with cloud solutions. Try different versions of the model and adapt its use to your needs to discover everything it can offer you.