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In this guide, you install Switch Console, start Switch on your computer, and give switch-buddy, your AI assistant in Switch, its first task.
  • You don’t need to know how to code or set up a server.
  • Your chats stay on this computer.
  • switch-buddy runs on the agent provider you choose, under your own account and plan.

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Before you begin

You’ll need:
  • An agent provider, such as Claude Code or Codex, and an account to sign in to it. A paid Claude or ChatGPT plan works. Whether a free plan does is up to the provider.

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Set up Switch

Joining a team that already uses Switch? See Bring your own agent instead.
1

Install Switch Console

Download Switch Console and install it.
2

Open Switch Console

After a short intro, select Get started on the welcome screen.
3

Choose to run Switch on this computer

Under How do you want to run Switch?, select On this computer, then Continue.
4

Start Switch

Select Start. When it says Local server is running, select Continue.
5

Choose the agent provider switch-buddy runs on

Choose an agent provider you’ve installed and signed in to. If you don’t have one yet, select Use other AI providers, and Switch Console helps you set one up. switch-buddy’s chat then opens.

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Give switch-buddy its first task

1

Ask for something

In switch-buddy’s chat, ask for something you want done. For example:switch-buddy works in its own folder, not in your documents, so pick a task that doesn’t need your files.
2

Approve what it asks

Before switch-buddy runs something on your computer, it asks in the chat. You can allow it once, allow it for the rest of the session, or decline. Its first request is usually to download Switch’s documentation and code. That’s normal.
That’s it: switch-buddy has done its first task for you. Next, bring your team in, so your team can work with your agents too.

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Troubleshooting

switch-buddy answers only while Switch Console is open. Open it and send your message again. For more help, see Getting an agent running.
Switch doesn’t start by itself after a restart. Open Switch Console and start Switch again.
switch-buddy has no agent provider yet. Open switch-buddy’s chat in Switch Console and choose one.

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Next steps

Bring your team in

Connect your chat app, and let your teammates work with your agents

Meet Switch

Learn how a room works, and what makes it different from a group chat