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Kevin Stratvert

Hermes Agent Tutorial for Beginners (FREE & Local)

Oct 23, 2026

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Hermes Agent Tutorial for Beginners (FREE & Local)

Set up Hermes, a free open-source AI agent, on Windows with a local model. Automate files, browser tasks, YouTube replies, memory, skills and scheduled jobs.

Hermes is a free, open source AI agent that can perform tasks on a computer, retain user preferences, and automate repetitive work. This tutorial covers installation on Windows, connection to a local AI model, task execution, browser-based automation, memory, reusable skills, scheduled jobs, and messaging-app access.

Overview

The tutorial demonstrates the following capabilities:

  • Installing Hermes on Windows and running an AI model locally, without a paid AI subscription
  • Executing tasks directly on the computer, such as creating folders and documents
  • Operating a web browser to review and reply to YouTube comments
  • Storing user preferences in memory across sessions
  • Packaging a multi-step workflow into a reusable skill
  • Running skills automatically on a schedule
  • Interacting with Hermes through messaging apps

Installation

Hermes runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Users can install it from the command line or with the desktop installer. The tutorial uses Windows and the desktop installer, which simplifies setup.

  1. Open the Hermes Agent website.
  2. Select the download option for Windows.
  3. Open the installer after the download completes.
  4. Follow the prompts to install Hermes.

Connecting an AI Model

Hermes requires an AI model to interpret requests and carry out tasks. Users have two options:

  • Cloud-based model: Connect through Nous Portal.
  • Local model: Run the model on the user's own computer.

The tutorial uses a local model. Local execution means the model runs on the laptop, and the user does not pay for API usage.

Hermes recommends Qwen3.8 27B. The model requires about 18 GB of storage and a computer with sufficient memory.

To set up the model:

  • Select Setup for me to let Hermes download and configure the recommended model automatically.
  • Select Let Me Choose to review other available models.

Interface

The main interface includes the following elements:

  • Left panel: Options to start a new conversation, explore capabilities, and manage scheduled tasks.
  • Bottom text box: Input field for instructions. Unlike a standard chatbot, Hermes can take actions on the computer.

Task Execution

In the demonstration, Hermes performed two file operations from a single instruction:

  1. Create a folder named Hermes Test on the desktop.
  2. Create a document inside the folder listing five practical ways to use an AI agent to automate everyday tasks.

Hermes used its tools to create the folder and write the document. The user then opened the file in File Explorer and confirmed that it contained five automation ideas.

Browser Automation

Hermes can operate websites through a browser. It can navigate pages, click buttons, fill in forms, and complete tasks on the user's behalf.

Connecting the Browser

  1. Select New Session or press Ctrl + N.
  2. Enter /browser connect in the bottom text box and press Enter.

The command opened Microsoft Edge and connected it to Hermes. Google Chrome also works.

Reviewing and Replying to Comments

The demonstration followed this process:

  1. Open YouTube Studio in the browser. The user was already signed in.
  2. Instruct Hermes to review the five most recent YouTube comments.
  3. Instruct Hermes to draft a short, helpful reply for each comment that warrants a response.
  4. Instruct Hermes not to publish any reply at this stage.

Hermes located the five comments, identified those that merited a response, and drafted a reply for each.

After reviewing the drafts, the user approved one reply. Hermes then:

  1. Located the correct comment.
  2. Clicked Reply.
  3. Entered the approved response.
  4. Published it to YouTube.

Memory

Hermes stores information about the user and the user's preferences. Its usefulness increases with use.

The user saved the following instructions for comment management:

  • Responses should be concise, friendly, and helpful.
  • Responses should avoid generic replies.
  • Responses should answer the viewer's actual question.
  • Hermes should retain these preferences for future conversations.

To verify memory, the user opened a new session, so that Hermes could not rely on the previous chat. When asked what it remembered about the channel and the user's comment preferences, Hermes described both correctly.

Skills

A skill is a reusable set of instructions that defines how Hermes completes a specific task. Hermes can also create skills from tasks it has already performed.

Creating a Skill

The user converted the YouTube comment process into a skill:

  1. Hermes had already shown how to find comments, draft replies, and publish them.
  2. The user gave the skill the name YouTube Comment Manager.
  3. The user listed the steps for Hermes to follow.
  4. Hermes created the skill.

Locating and Testing a Skill

  1. Select Capabilities in the left panel.
  2. Open the Skills tab.
  3. Use the filter to show only installed skills.
  4. Confirm that YouTube Comment Manager appears in the list.

To test the skill, the user started a new session and referenced the skill by name in the prompt. Hermes followed the saved instructions and used its stored memory. The user did not need to explain how to navigate YouTube Studio, which comments to prioritize, or how to format replies. Hermes returned a set of suggested responses.

Scheduled Jobs

Scheduled jobs run tasks automatically at set intervals, such as daily, weekly, or at a specific time.

The demonstration created a daily job:

  1. Select Scheduled Jobs in the left panel.
  2. Select the plus icon.
  3. Enter a name: Daily YouTube Comment Review.
  4. Confirm the frequency. The default is daily.
  5. Confirm the run time. The default is 9 a.m.
  6. In the prompt field, instruct Hermes to use the YouTube Comment Manager skill.
  7. Select Create Cron.

The job appears as active. Hermes then runs the task every morning and prepares replies for the user to review.

Requirements for Scheduled Jobs

  • Hermes must run in the background.
  • The browser session must remain accessible.

Messaging Apps

Hermes can connect to messaging apps, including WhatsApp and Telegram. Users can then send instructions to the agent from a phone without opening Hermes on the computer.

To set up messaging:

  1. Select Messaging in the left panel.
  2. Choose a messaging platform.
  3. Follow the setup instructions for that platform.

As an example, the user can ask Hermes to check the latest YouTube comments while away from the desk.

Additional Use Cases

The demonstration noted that Hermes can automate other types of work, including:

  • Managing email
  • Researching topics
  • Organizing information

Introduction

Hermes is introduced as a free, open-source AI agent that can act on a computer, remember preferences, and automate repetitive work. The video covers installation, a local model, memory, skills, and automation.

  • Hermes is a free, open-source AI agent that can perform tasks on the computer.
  • It can remember user preferences and automate repetitive work.
  • The tutorial covers installing on Windows, connecting a local AI model, memory, skills, and automation.
  • The presenter uses Hermes to help manage comments on his YouTube channel.
  • The presenter's name is Kevin.

Installing Hermes on Windows

Hermes is installed on Windows using the desktop installer, which is easier than the command line. Hermes also supports Mac and Linux.

  • The official Hermes Agent website provides the download link.
  • Hermes is free, open source, and can run directly on the user's own computer.
  • Hermes supports Windows, Mac, and Linux.
  • The presenter chose the desktop installer over the command line because he uses Windows.
  • The user clicks download for Windows, opens the installer, and follows the prompts.

Connecting a Local AI Model

Hermes needs an AI model to understand requests and carry out tasks. The user can connect to a cloud model through Nous Portal or run a model locally. The presenter chooses a local model to avoid paying for API usage.

  • The AI model gives Hermes the intelligence to understand requests and carry out tasks.
  • Options include a cloud-based model via Nous Portal or a model running locally.
  • The presenter runs a model locally so he does not pay for API usage.
  • Hermes recommends a local model called Qwen3.8 27B.
  • The model requires about 18 gigabytes of storage and enough memory to run comfortably.
  • Clicking Let Me Choose shows other available models.
  • Clicking Setup for me lets Hermes download and configure the recommended model automatically.

Basic Use: Creating a Folder and Document

The main interface includes conversation, capabilities, and scheduled task options. Unlike ChatGPT, Hermes can take actions on the computer. As a test, it creates a folder and a document with five AI automation ideas.

  • The left side menu includes starting new conversations, exploring capabilities, and managing scheduled tasks.
  • The bottom text box is used to tell Hermes what to do, similar to ChatGPT.
  • Hermes can take actions on the computer, not just respond with text.
  • The first test asks Hermes to create a folder on the desktop called Hermes Test.
  • Hermes creates a document inside the folder with five practical ways to use an AI agent to automate everyday tasks.
  • Hermes uses tools to create the folder and write the document.
  • The prompt for this test is included in the video description.

Browser Automation: Managing YouTube Comments

Hermes can use a browser to navigate pages, click buttons, fill out forms, and complete tasks. The presenter connects it to Microsoft Edge with the /browser connect command and has it review and draft replies to his five most recent YouTube comments in YouTube Studio, without publishing them yet.

  • Hermes can navigate pages, click buttons, fill out forms, and complete tasks in a browser.
  • A new session can be started by clicking New Session or pressing Control + N.
  • The browser is connected by typing /browser and then connect in the text box and pressing Enter.
  • Microsoft Edge opened and connected to Hermes. Google Chrome can also be used.
  • The presenter navigates to YouTube Studio, where he is already signed in.
  • Hermes reviews the five most recent comments and drafts short, helpful replies for comments that need responses.
  • The presenter tells Hermes not to publish anything yet.
  • Hermes lists the comments and shows the drafted responses.

Publishing a Reply

After reviewing the drafts and approving one, the presenter asks Hermes to publish the reply to the correct comment. Hermes locates the comment, clicks reply, enters the response, and publishes it to YouTube, all with a locally running model.

  • The presenter approves a drafted reply and asks Hermes to publish it under the correct comment.
  • Hermes finds the comment, clicks reply, enters the response, and publishes it to YouTube.
  • Hermes successfully responded to a YouTube comment.
  • The whole process runs on an AI model running locally on the laptop.

Memory

Hermes memory lets it retain information about the user and preferred ways of working, improving with use. The presenter teaches it his channel preferences: concise, friendly, helpful replies that avoid generic answers and focus on answering questions. In a new session, Hermes recalls these preferences.

  • Hermes can remember information about the user and how they like things done.
  • The presenter teaches Hermes about his channel and how he prefers to interact with viewers.
  • Preferred response style: concise, friendly, and helpful.
  • Hermes should avoid generic replies and focus on answering people's questions.
  • The presenter asks Hermes to remember these preferences for future conversations.
  • In a new session, Hermes correctly recalls the channel focus and comment-response preferences.

Skills

A skill is a reusable set of instructions that tells Hermes how to complete a specific task, and Hermes can create skills from tasks it has already performed. The presenter creates a YouTube Comment Manager skill, verifies it under Capabilities, and tests it in a new session.

  • A skill is a set of reusable instructions for completing a specific task.
  • Hermes can create skills from tasks it has already performed.
  • The presenter names the skill YouTube Comment Manager, based on the successful YouTube Studio workflow.
  • The skill lists the steps for finding comments, drafting responses, and publishing them.
  • Skills are viewed under Capabilities on the Skills tab and can be filtered to installed skills.
  • The skill appears at the bottom of the installed skills list.
  • In a new session, the presenter references the skill by name, and Hermes follows its saved instructions and uses its memory of the user.

Scheduled Jobs

Scheduled jobs let Hermes run tasks automatically, such as daily, weekly, or at a set time. The presenter creates a Daily YouTube Comment Review job that runs the skill every morning at 9 a.m. to prepare replies for review.

  • Scheduled jobs can run tasks every day, once a week, or at a specific time.
  • The presenter creates a job named Daily YouTube Comment Review by clicking the plus icon.
  • The default frequency is daily, and it runs at 9 a.m.
  • The prompt tells Hermes to use the YouTube Comment Manager skill.
  • The job is created by clicking Create Cron, and it is shown as active.
  • Hermes must be running in the background, and the browser session must remain accessible, for scheduled jobs to run.

Messaging Apps

Hermes can connect to messaging apps such as WhatsApp or Telegram, so the user can communicate with the agent from a phone. Setup is done under Messaging. The presenter suggests checking YouTube comments remotely, and notes Hermes can automate email management, research, and organizing information.

  • Hermes can connect to messaging apps such as WhatsApp or Telegram.
  • Users can communicate with the agent from their phone without opening Hermes on the computer.
  • Setup is done by clicking Messaging on the left side and following the platform's setup instructions.
  • Example use: checking the latest YouTube comments while away from the desk.
  • Other tasks include managing emails, researching topics, and organizing information.