Perplexity launches local AI assistant for Windows PCs

Perplexity has released a new version of its AI assistant Portable Computer, which now works on ordinary Windows computers with a powerful graphics card. The tool can plan and carry out multi-step tasks, for example gathering information from several files or producing recurring reports.

What's special is that Portable Computer runs entirely locally on your own computer instead of in the cloud. This means sensitive files and information stay on the machine, and the work doesn't draw on the credit system that Perplexity's other AI services otherwise use. If a task is too difficult for the local model, you can still send it on to Perplexity's AI models in the cloud for more advanced research.

The tool can be connected to programs such as Outlook, OneDrive, Word, Google Drive, Gmail, Slack and GitHub, so it can fetch and combine information directly from the systems many Danish workplaces already use daily.

There's an important catch, though. Portable Computer requires a powerful Nvidia graphics card of the GeForce RTX or RTX PRO type with at least 24 gigabytes of memory. Far from all ordinary office PCs have such a powerful graphics card, so the feature is for now most relevant for companies with newer, powerful computers or custom-built workstations.

The feature is available to Perplexity's Pro and Max subscribers, both for private use and on business plans, through the Perplexity app for Windows, which can be downloaded via the Microsoft Store.

For Danish workplaces that are concerned about sending sensitive data to foreign AI services in the cloud, local AI tools like this can be interesting, because data by default doesn't leave the computer. You still have to make sure yourself that you comply with your company's own rules for data processing when you start using the tool, though.

What it means for you

If you or your company have a newer PC with a powerful Nvidia graphics card, you can now get an AI agent to solve multi-step tasks without sensitive files leaving the machine. That's especially relevant if you work with data that may not be sent to the cloud but still want to use AI for research and reports. Check whether your PC has an RTX card with at least 24 GB of memory, and download the Perplexity app via the Microsoft Store if you have a Pro or Max subscription. Remember that it's still your responsibility to comply with your company's own rules for data processing.