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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →For most Windows users, the official Open WebUI guide recommends Docker Desktop with its WSL 2 backend. Install Open WebUI from a WSL terminal, keep its data in a Docker volume, then connect a local model service such as Ollama or a hosted provider before starting a chat. Open WebUI is the interface—not a model provider—and it has no models of its own.
Choose an installation route
The official Open WebUI Quick Start recommends Docker for most users and documents Windows support. Its Windows route uses Docker Desktop with WSL 2. Python with uv is an alternative if you are comfortable managing a Python environment and persistent data yourself. The official instructions are installation guidance, not independent Windows performance testing.
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| Route | Setup style | Data persistence | Provider access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Docker through WSL 2 | Docker Desktop with WSL integration; run Docker commands in a WSL terminal | Attach the named open-webui volume to /app/backend/data |
For a service on the Windows host, the documented Docker command maps host.docker.internal to the host gateway |
| Python with uv | Run Open WebUI directly from PowerShell through uv | Set DATA_DIR to a stable Windows path; otherwise uvx may use a temporary location |
For Ollama on the same machine, the documented endpoint is http://localhost:11434 |
The official homepage also links to a desktop app described as running natively without Docker or manual setup; its page advises Docker or Python for production deployments. The steps below focus on the documented Docker and Python/uv routes.
Install Open WebUI with Docker Desktop and WSL 2
Prepare WSL and Docker Desktop
- Install WSL by following Microsoft’s WSL installation instructions.
- Install Docker Desktop for Windows and select the WSL 2 backend.
- In Docker Desktop settings, enable WSL integration for the Linux distribution you plan to use.
- Open that distribution’s WSL terminal. Run the Open WebUI Docker commands there, and make sure any mounted paths are accessible from that distribution.
Start the container with persistent storage
Generate a private secret key in WSL with openssl rand -hex 32. Keep the result somewhere safe and reuse the same value if you recreate the container. In the command below, replace YOUR_GENERATED_SECRET with that generated value; do not copy the placeholder literally or publish your real key.
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docker run -d -p 3000:8080 --add-host=host.docker.internal:host-gateway -v open-webui:/app/backend/data -e WEBUI_SECRET_KEY=YOUR_GENERATED_SECRET --name open-webui --restart always ghcr.io/open-webui/open-webui:mainThis command maps the container’s port 8080 to port 3000 on your Windows machine. It attaches the named open-webui volume to the app’s data directory, where chats, users, and settings are stored. The host-gateway mapping lets the container reach services running on the Windows host. Open http://localhost:3000 in a browser to load the interface.
Keep the volume attached when replacing the container. Removing that volume during uninstall deletes the data stored in it. Retaining the same WEBUI_SECRET_KEY also prevents container recreation from invalidating sessions and logging users out.
Alternative: run Open WebUI with Python and uv
Use this route from PowerShell if you prefer not to use Docker. The official Quick Start documents installing uv on Windows, then setting a stable data directory and starting Open WebUI with Python 3.11:
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$env:DATA_DIR="C:open-webuidata"; uvx --python 3.11 open-webui@latest serveWhen the server starts, open http://localhost:8080. The DATA_DIR setting gives chats and settings a predictable location; without it, uvx may use a temporary directory.
The Quick Start also documents a direct pip installation using pip install open-webui, followed by open-webui serve. It lists Python 3.11 and 3.12 as supported and says Python 3.13 is not yet supported. Keep the commands for this route separate from the Docker setup rather than mixing their data or networking settings.
Connect a model provider
Open WebUI supplies the chat interface, not the model. Before you can chat, connect a model source in Settings > Admin > Connections. You can use a local inference service such as Ollama or configure a hosted API. The two choices differ mainly in where inference runs and which endpoint receives your prompt and context.
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Connect Ollama on the Windows host
Start Ollama and make sure it has a model available. In Open WebUI’s connection settings, use the endpoint for your installation route:
- Open WebUI in Docker:
http://host.docker.internal:11434. The Docker command above includes the host-gateway mapping needed for this host address. The Quick Start notes Ollama may need to listen on0.0.0.0for Docker access. - Open WebUI through Python/uv:
http://localhost:11434.
Save the connection. The Quick Start also describes pulling an Ollama model from the model selector when you start a new chat.
Connect a hosted API
In the appropriate connection area, enter the provider URL and API key, then save. Use credentials issued by the provider and check that the endpoint and key are valid. Availability and connection fields depend on the provider you choose.
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When you select a cloud model, Open WebUI sends your prompt and any included context to that provider endpoint; the provider runs inference and returns the response. Choosing local inference does not automatically make separately configured cloud tools, extraction, or embedding services local. Choose a local or hosted setup with that data flow in mind.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Start your first chat
- Choose New Chat.
- Open the model selector and select a connected model. If the list is empty, resolve the connection first.
- Type a simple prompt and press Enter. A straightforward question is enough to confirm that the model responds.
- After the basic chat works, you can drop a file into the chat to ask questions about it.
Fix common setup problems
- No models appear: Check that the provider URL is correct, the API key is valid if required, and the provider service is running and reachable. For Docker-to-host Ollama, check
host.docker.internal, the host-gateway mapping, and whether Ollama is listening on0.0.0.0as needed for Docker access. - You are logged out after recreating the container: Start it again with the same
WEBUI_SECRET_KEY. - Chats or settings disappear after replacing the container: Confirm that the
open-webuivolume is still attached at/app/backend/data. Do not remove the volume if you need the stored data. - Python/uv data is missing after a restart or rerun: Set
DATA_DIRto a stable Windows path before starting the server rather than relying on uvx’s potentially temporary location.
Installation commands and provider options can change. Consult the official Quick Start and provider guide for the current setup details.
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