Install Hermes Agent & Reach First Chat

What the installer typically does

Official installers aim to bootstrap dependencies (Python/toolchain, and related tooling), the environment, and a global hermes command so you can chat soon after. Prefer reading the current Installation page for root vs per-user layouts.

Install commands (verify on official docs)

Linux / macOS / WSL2 / Android (Termux)

curl -fsSL https://hermes-agent.nousresearch.com/install.sh | bash

Windows (PowerShell)

iex (irm https://hermes-agent.nousresearch.com/install.ps1)

Alternatives mentioned in ecosystem docs include Desktop installers, pip install hermes-agent / uv pip install, and platform packages—use what matches your ops standard. After install, reload the shell if hermes is not found (source ~/.bashrc or equivalent).

Setup wizard and providers

hermes setup
hermes setup --portal   # OAuth path covering model + Tool Gateway tools (when using Nous Portal)
hermes model            # pick provider/model
hermes doctor           # health / environment summary

hermes setup --portal is documented as a fast path: one OAuth covering a model plus Tool Gateway capabilities (web search, image generation, TTS, browser—confirm current bundle). You can also use OpenRouter, OpenAI, or a custom/OpenAI-compatible endpoint.

Optional posture: Blank Slate mode (docs) starts with a minimal tool surface—file + terminal only—then you opt into web, MCP, skills, cron, etc. Use it when you want least privilege by default.

First conversation proof

hermes
# or:
hermes chat -q "Summarize what you can do in one paragraph."

Confirm: model responds, tools you enabled behave, and nothing writes secrets into chat logs. Then explore slash commands (/skills, /compress, /usage—names vary by version).

Gateway after CLI works

hermes gateway setup
hermes gateway install   # background service when ready
hermes gateway start
hermes gateway status

Details and channel matrix: Messaging gateway guide. Do not skip security.

Config home

Expect operator state under ~/.hermes/ (or HERMES_HOME): config YAML, .env for secrets, skills, sessions. Useful helpers commonly documented:

hermes config path
hermes config edit
hermes config check
hermes config migrate
hermes update

First-week checklist

Common install snags

• command not found — PATH / shell reload.
• API key not set — hermes model or config/env set.
• Missing keys after upgrade — hermes config check then migrate.

Hermes column

• Hermes Agent hub
• What is Hermes Agent?
• Install & first chat
• Learning loop: memory & skills
• Messaging gateway
• Security for operators
• Use cases
• FAQ
• OpenClaw vs Hermes
• All OpenClaw-family alternatives