Imagine having a powerful AI model running right on your own machine, no lag, no cloud costs, and no limits. That’s exactly what we’re setting up today: DeepSeek, a cutting-edge open-weight LLM, running locally with Ollama on Windows.
Why does this matter? Running AI models locally gives you full control—faster response times, offline access, and the freedom to experiment without restrictions. Whether you’re a developer exploring LLM capabilities, a researcher pushing boundaries, or just someone fascinated by AI, this guide will walk you through every step in a practical, no-nonsense way.
We’ll start from scratch, covering installation, setup, and running your first prompts, making sure everything works smoothly. No complicated jargon, no unnecessary detours—just a clear, structured approach to getting DeepSeek up and running.
So, if you’re ready to unleash the power of AI on your own device, let’s get started!
What is DeepSeek-R1?
Before getting started, let’s briefly understand DeepSeek-R1. This robust open-source language model has gained a lot of attention recently. It is similar to ChatGPT, but it is open-source, meaning you can modify, personalize, and use it locally without having to pay for subscription services or cloud services.
Let’s go through the process of installing DeepSeek locally with the Ollama LLM (Large Language Model) on Windows.
Why Choose DeepSeek R1?
Here’s why Deepseek R1 stands out against ChatGPT & other applications;
- Advanced AI-powered tech: Provides highly accurate results in searching.
- User-friendly design: Easy for both beginners and experts to use.
- Fast performance: Quickly analyzes data and delivers insights.
- Comprehensive coverage: Great for a wide range of industries.
- High security: Ensures data privacy with robust encryption.
- Scalable: Can grow with your needs. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for top-notch data search capabilities.
Step-by-Step Guide to Install DeepSeek Locally with Ollama LLM on Windows
Step 1. Install Ollama
Download and Install Ollama
- Visit the Ollama website and download the Windows installer.
- Run the downloaded .exe file and follow the installation instructions.
- Restart your computer after installation (recommended).
Verify Ollama Installation
- Open Command Prompt (cmd) and run:
- ollama –version
- If installed correctly, this command will display the Ollama version.
Step 2. Install Python (If Not Installed Already)
Download and Install Python
- Visit python.org and download the latest version for Windows.
- Important: During installation, check “Add Python to PATH” before clicking Install.
Verify Python Installation
- Run the following command in the Command Prompt:
- python –version
- If installed correctly, this will show the Python version.
Step 3. Set Up a Virtual Environment (Recommended)
- A virtual environment helps keep dependencies organized.
- python -m venv deepseek-env
- To activate the virtual environment, run:
- deepseek-env\Scripts\activate.bat # Windows command
- You should see (deepseek-env) at the beginning of the command line, indicating it’s active.
Step 4. Install DeepSeek
Download DeepSeek through Ollama
- DeepSeek is integrated with Ollama, so instead of using pip install, run:
- ollama pull deepseek
- This downloads and prepares DeepSeek for local use.
Step 5. Run DeepSeek with Ollama
- To test if DeepSeek is set up correctly, run:
- ollama run deepseek
- This should launch the DeepSeek model and allow you to interact with it.
Step 6. Configure Environment Variables (Optional, If Needed)
- If you run into issues with DeepSeek recognizing Ollama, set the environment variable manually:
- setx OLLAMA_PATH “C:\Program Files\Ollama”
- Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Troubleshooting Tips
| Issue | Possible Solution |
| Ollama command not recognized | Make sure Ollama is installed correctly. Try restarting your computer or reinstalling it. |
| Python not recognized | Reinstall Python and ensure you checked “Add Python to PATH” during installation. |
| DeepSeek not recognizing Ollama | Double-check the path in deepseek_config.json or the environment variable. Ensure there are no typos or incorrect slashes. |
| Permission errors | Try running Command Prompt as Administrator. Right-click on cmd and select “Run as administrator.” |
Best Alternatives to DeepSeek LLM for Windows
If you’re exploring other local LLMs, here are some good alternatives:
- LLaMA 2 – Meta’s open-source language model
- Mistral AI – Efficient and lightweight for local use
- GPT4All – Offline AI chatbot with multiple models
- Vicuna – Optimized for conversational AI
DeepSeek is great for structured text generation, but testing different models can help find the best fit for your needs.
Conclusion
And that’s it! You now have DeepSeek running locally with Ollama LLM on Windows. With this setup, you can:
✔ Run AI models offline for privacy and speed
✔ Experiment with custom prompts and fine-tuning
✔ Process large datasets locally without cloud costs
✔ Integrate AI into your own applications and workflows
But running AI models is just one piece of the puzzle—how you use AI effectively and consistently matters. If you’re looking to improve how AI supports decision-making, Quarule can help. It ensures that AI-driven processes align with structured knowledge, policies, and reasoning frameworks, so your AI outputs are more accurate, explainable, and scalable.
Now that DeepSeek is up and running, what’s next? Try automating workflows, integrating AI into your projects, or explore how Quarule can help structure AI-driven decisions.
