Installing LM Studio

LM Studio lets you download and run AI language models directly on your computer, without sending data to the cloud.

Estimated time: 5–10 minutes

Mac

Step 1: Download LM Studio

1. Go to lmstudio.ai/download
2. Select macOS from the operating system options
3. Click Download for macOS
4. The .dmg file will appear in your Downloads folder when it’s finished

Step 2: Install LM Studio

1. Open your Downloads folder and double-click the .dmg file
2. A window will open — drag the LM Studio icon into the Applications folder
3. Once copied, close the window

Step 3: Open LM Studio

1. Open Finder, click Applications, and double-click LM Studio
2. If you see a warning saying “LM Studio cannot be opened because it is from an unidentified developer”:
   1. Click Done to dismiss the warning
   2. Open System Settings → Privacy & Security
   3. Scroll down and click Open Anyway next to the LM Studio message
   4. Enter your Mac password if prompted

Windows

Step 1: Download LM Studio

1. Go to lmstudio.ai/download
2. Select Windows from the operating system options
3. Click Download for Windows
4. The .exe file will appear in your Downloads folder when it’s finished

Step 2: Run the installer

1. Open your Downloads folder and double-click the .exe file
2. Click Next on each screen and wait for the installation to complete
3. When complete, click Finish — LM Studio will open automatically