Hey {{first_name | there}},

When you use ChatGPT or Claude, you're not actually running the AI. 

You're sending your thoughts to someone else's computer. That computer processes your words and sends back an answer. In between, your data stays on their servers. And that's not always safe.

I mean, just last month, Anthropic admitted that Claude "gained unauthorized access" to other systems during tests. 

That's the problem.

But there's a solution to this: run AI locally on your own device.

Now what does "running AI locally" even mean?

Instead of sending your prompts to OpenAI's servers, you download the AI model directly to your laptop. The model runs on YOUR hardware. No internet needed. Your files stay on your device. No one else sees what you're asking.

Your laptop becomes the computer running the AI.

And in 2026, this is easier than ever. So here’s how you can do it in 3 simple ways:

This is the simplest approach. Just go find your device specs and let AI tell you what you can run.

On Windows: Go to Settings, then About Your PC. On Mac: Click the Apple logo, then About This Mac. 

Take a screenshot of that page. Upload it to ChatGPT or Claude and add this prompt:

"Analyze my hardware specs and tell me which local AI models I can run on this device. Include RAM requirements, estimated speed, and whether I need a GPU."

You'll get a detailed answer of which models work on your hardware.

WhichLLM is a tool that checks your CPU, GPU, and RAM automatically, then recommends AI models that can run on your device. So you don’t have to manually do anything, just install it.

Here's how to set it up:

First, open Terminal. Then install a small tool called "uv". Skip this step if you already have it.

Once uv is installed, paste this: uvx whichllm@latest

Press Enter. WhichLLM will scan your computer and show you models your machine can run. You'll see things like model name, estimated speed, etc.

And if you want to download any model, just type: whichllm run It can pick a model for your hardware, download it, and start a local chat for you.

This is probably the easiest option for complete beginners.

Download LM Studio. Install it like any normal application. Open it and search for a model.

LM Studio helps you see whether different local models are suitable for your computer. It has a beautiful interface that shows you exactly what fits your RAM. Then download one and chat with it inside the app.

One thing to remember

A model saying "it can run" doesn't always mean "it will run well." Your device might technically run a huge model but generate answers painfully slowly.

So look for models that fit comfortably and have decent estimated speed.

Running AI locally isn't just about privacy. It's about independence. Your AI works even when the internet doesn't.

And with tools like WhichLLM and LM Studio, you don't need to be a tech genius to set it up.

Let me know if you try it and find it helpful!

- Aashish

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