DSH Launcher

A simple launcher for the DeepSeek Harness that keeps it always updated and opens it as a desktop app.

What is this?

The DeepSeek Harness is a powerful command‑line tool for interacting with DeepSeek models. However, running it typically requires opening a terminal, remembering npm commands, and using a browser tab. This launcher simplifies everything:

• One‑click start – launches the harness and opens it in a clean, app‑like Edge window (no browser chrome).
• Automatic updates – checks for new versions on startup and can install them with a single click (or automatically if you prefer).
• Version picker – choose between stable and alpha builds.
• Runs in the background – no console window stays open; the harness runs silently.
• Simple installer – a single .exe that installs the launcher and optionally Node.js if missing.

Requirements

• Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64‑bit)
• Node.js (v18 or later recommended) – the installer can install it for you if missing
• Microsoft Edge – already present on all modern Windows systems
• Internet connection (for first‑time installation and updates)

Installation

1. Download the latest DSH-Launcher-Setup.exe from the Releases page.
2. Run the installer. It will:
   • Install the launcher to your user folder (no admin rights needed).
   • Check for Node.js and offer to install it if missing.
3. After installation, launch DSH Launcher from the Start Menu or desktop shortcut.
4. On first run, you will be prompted to choose a version (stable or alpha). The harness will then be installed and opened in an Edge app window.

Usage

• Starting the app: Simply run “DSH Launcher” from the Start Menu or desktop.
• Updating: If a new version is available, a dialog will appear. You can:
  • Update now – automatically installs the latest version.
  • Ignore this version – skips this specific version (you can change later in settings).
  • Not now – continues with the currently installed version.
• Switching channels: On the alpha channel, a reminder appears on every start, allowing you to pick a stable version again.
• Settings: The launcher stores its settings in %LOCALAPPDATA%\DeepSeekHarness\settings.json. You can edit it manually if needed (e.g., set "channel": "latest" or "skipVersion": "1.2.3").

Troubleshooting

• “Node.js / npm was not found on PATH” Install Node.js from nodejs.org or re‑run the installer and choose to install it.

• “The harness did not report a URL” This usually means the first‑run profile build failed. Close the app and relaunch – it often succeeds on the second attempt. If it persists, check the logs in %LOCALAPPDATA%\DeepSeekHarness.

• “Could not clear the old runtime – files are still locked” A previous harness process is still running. Open Task Manager, end all node.exe processes, then relaunch.

Building from Source

If you want to build the installer yourself:

1. Clone this repository.
2. Install the required tools:

   Install-Module ps2exe -Scope CurrentUser
   winget install JRSoftware.InnoSetup
   

3. Run build.ps1. The resulting installer will be in the dist folder.

   powershell -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File .\build.ps1
   

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License – see the LICENSE file for details.

Disclaimer

This launcher is an independent project and is not affiliated with or endorsed by DeepSeek. The DeepSeek Harness is a separate open‑source tool.