Published: 2026-10-18

DeepSeek released an updated version of its DeepSeek V4.1 Flash model, designated 1017. According to DeepSeek, the update is more than a naming change. This article summarizes the reported improvements and describes seven methods the author identified for accessing the model at no cost as of the publication date. Access terms and availability may change.

Model Overview

DeepSeek states that V4.1 Flash 1017 improves:

• Coding
• Reasoning
• Agentic tasks

The update also completes tasks faster and generates shorter outputs.

Reported Specifications

Reported Benchmark Results

The benchmark figures are as reported by DeepSeek and cited by the author. The author did not independently verify them.

Access Methods

The author tested the following methods. Each method is described as the author performed it.

Method 1: Official DeepSeek Website

1. Open the official site at chat.deepseek.com.
2. Enable DeepThink and Search.
3. Submit a prompt.
4. Copy the generated HTML file.
5. Open the HTML in an online viewer, paste the code, and open the preview in full-page mode.

The author reported that the output was usable but was not fully satisfied with the results. The author suspected that the official site may still run the earlier DeepSeek 4.1 Flash version. The author could not confirm which version the site used.

Method 2: DeepSeek Desktop Client

1. Go to the DeepSeek homepage and download the desktop app for macOS, Windows, or Linux. DeepSeek also provides a dedicated CLI and an extension.
2. Install the app and sign up.
3. Select 1017 as the model.
4. Send a test message and then a task.

The author reported that the client responded to a test message and started work on a task that requested an interactive 3D animated hero section in a single HTML file.

Method 3: DeepSeek Harness Desktop App

1. Go to the DeepSeek Harness website and download the Windows version.
2. Install the app and sign in or sign up.
3. Select DeepSeek 4.1 Flash 1017 and set the effort level to high.
4. Submit a task.

The author reported that the model worked correctly in the official DeepSeek Harness desktop app. The settings page lists six views for each sign-up.

Method 4: Model Listing Site

1. Open the listing site and go to the model list.
2. Select DeepSeek 4.1 Flash 1017.

The author reported the following:

• The listing offers DeepSeek 4.1 Flash 1017 at no cost. It also offers a second DeepSeek 4.1 Flash variant.
• A new account may require a $1 verification. Some regions require this step.
• Using a VPN may allow access without the $1 verification.
• The author considers the $1 verification a favorable option because it enables testing of the latest offers and models.
• The author states that users may receive 600 credits and 100 daily credits. The author qualified this statement with "maybe."

Method 5: Open Design

1. Download the Open Design desktop app.
2. Sign in or sign up.
3. Select the model from the model list. The list shows the model as "DeepSeek 4.1 Flash" without the 1017 suffix.

The author states that the model is updated to 1017, based on the platform's announcement. The platform offers up to $120 in monthly free usage credits for new users. The author reported the following:

• Setup and updates are not required.
• The account balance shows a $0.50 credit awarded at sign-up.
• The author tested the model successfully.

The app also supports file attachments, references, and plugins.

Method 6: OpenRouter

The author reported that DeepSeek 4.1 Flash is available on OpenRouter. The platform states that:

• The model is updated to the latest version.
• The model name and API are unchanged.
• No code changes are required.

The author accessed the model at no cost by using the OpenRouter website.

Method 7: WorkBuddy AI

WorkBuddy AI announced free access to DeepSeek 4.1 Flash 1017 through October 31. The author followed these steps:

1. Download the WorkBuddy desktop app.
2. Sign in.
3. Select the free plan. The plan includes free credits.
4. Select DeepSeek 4.1 Flash.

The author reported that the platform lists the model as updated to 1017. The author used some credits and the model still worked.

Additional Option: DeepSeek Harness Plugin

DeepSeek Harness models, including 1017, can be used inside a coding agent through a plugin. The procedure is as follows:

1. Copy the plugin link provided by the author's source.
2. Give the link to a coding agent.
3. Ask the agent to install the plugin.

After installation, the DeepSeek Harness models, including 1017, are available in the agent.

Demonstration Output

The author used DeepSeek Harness to generate two interactive web projects:

• Single HTML hero section: The app created the file in the selected project folder. The author opened the file in a web browser and reviewed it. The files can also be opened in VS Code.
• 3D animated pizza shop: The author reported that the output included the following features:
  • An interactive 3D pizza model that can be rotated
  • Size selection
  • An add-to-order function that updates the cart

The author described the results as strong.

Summary

The author identified seven methods for accessing DeepSeek V4.1 Flash 1017 at no cost. These methods are:

1. The official DeepSeek website
2. The DeepSeek desktop client
3. The DeepSeek Harness desktop app
4. A model listing site
5. Open Design
6. OpenRouter
7. WorkBuddy AI

Limits and availability may differ by method. If one method does not work, the author recommends trying another.