Local-first execution
Willow runs as a native desktop app on your machine, with the agent loop, tools, memory, and knowledge kept local rather than on a remote server.
Willow
Willow is a local-first desktop AI agent that runs on your computer, uses your own AI providers, and automates browser and desktop tasks. It is built to keep memory and notes on-device rather than in a hosted cloud workspace.
Overview
Willow is a local-first desktop AI agent designed to run on your own computer instead of a hosted cloud workspace. The site positions it as a personal agent that remembers your work, uses your own AI providers, and acts directly on browser and desktop tasks.
According to the site, Willow can automate repetitive work, keep conversations and notes on-device, and use local memory to support follow-up tasks over time. The product emphasizes privacy by architecture, with the agent loop, memory, and knowledge stored locally and the option to use your own API keys or a local Ollama model.
Features
Browser and desktop automation
It can drive browser and desktop workflows by clicking, typing, scrolling, filling forms, and finishing multi-step tasks end to end.
Bring your own model/provider
You can connect your own API key or use a local Ollama model, and the source says models can be switched per task.
Local memory and notes
Willow keeps memory in a local SQLite database and plain Markdown files, and it includes an Obsidian-compatible Markdown vault.
Background awareness and scheduling
Proactive discovery can watch mail, calendar, and vault content, while scheduled workflows run on your clock.
Meeting, voice, and screen context
The source says Willow can listen to meetings and use screen context, voice, and transcription to understand what you are doing.
Use Cases
Founders and operators managing meetings and follow-ups
Capture calls, save summaries, and draft follow-ups while keeping client data on your machine.
Developers handling scripts and local workflows
Use browser automation, file access, and local sandboxed code to handle repetitive engineering tasks on your computer.
Researchers and students organizing reading
Read source material, create structured notes, and keep a Markdown-based vault of research.
Consultants and freelancers staying on top of client work
Watch inbox, calendar, and notes to surface threads, draft replies, and keep work moving with approval steps.
Everyday power users reducing routine admin
Use Willow for recaps, file organization, form filling, and other recurring computer chores that benefit from persistent memory.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Runs locally on the user’s computer instead of relying on a hosted agent service.
- Supports browser and desktop automation for multi-step tasks, not just chat responses.
- Lets users bring their own models or use local Ollama models for offline use.
- Stores notes and memory in local formats such as SQLite and Markdown.
- Includes scheduled workflows and proactive discovery for mail, calendar, and vault content.
Cons
- The pricing page was not available in the collected sources, so plan details and any trial terms are not confirmed.
- Windows and Linux are listed as coming soon, so the current release appears to be macOS-only.
FAQ
What platforms does Willow support?
Willow is installed as a native desktop app on macOS. The source says Windows and Linux are coming soon.
Can Willow work without sending data to a cloud account?
Yes. Willow is designed to run locally, and the source says you can connect your own API key or point it at a local Ollama model to run completely offline.
What kinds of tasks can Willow automate?
Willow can automate browser and desktop actions, including clicking, typing, scrolling, filling forms, running sandboxed code, and completing multi-step tasks end to end.
How does Willow store notes and memory?
The source describes a local SQLite database, plain Markdown files, and an Obsidian-compatible vault for memory and notes.
Is there a confirmed pricing page or plan breakdown?
The pricing page was not available in the collected sources, so the site text only confirms that Willow is a local-first desktop AI agent with no subscription mentioned on the home page.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Local-first desktop AI agent
- Platform
- macOS available; Windows and Linux soon
- Primary use
- Automating browser, desktop, and knowledge-work tasks
- Data storage
- Local SQLite database and Markdown files
- Model options
- Own API keys, local Ollama, and other providers listed on the site
- Source domain
- willowai.app
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