Our verdict: GPT4All is a simple way to run local chat models on ordinary hardware, and its LocalDocs feature lets you ask questions about your own files offline. It does not require a GPU. Development has slowed, though: the latest desktop release, 3.10, came out in February 2025.
About GPT4All
GPT4All is an open-source desktop app under the MIT license from Nomic AI. It downloads open models in GGUF format and runs them locally on the CPU, or on NVIDIA and AMD GPUs through Vulkan, so no API calls or graphics card are required. Windows builds need at least an Intel Core i3 2nd Gen or AMD Bulldozer processor.
The LocalDocs feature indexes folders of documents on your PC so models can answer with your files as context, without uploading them. The app is built on llama.cpp and lets you pick from many open models in its catalog. Nomic now focuses its website on a commercial platform for businesses, while GPT4All remains a free download.
What it does well
- Local models. Downloads and runs open LLMs on your own computer.
- No GPU required. Runs on the CPU, with optional Vulkan acceleration on NVIDIA and AMD GPUs.
- LocalDocs. Lets models answer questions using folders of your own documents.
- Model catalog. Offers a built-in list of open models to download.
- Offline use. Works without internet once the models are downloaded.
Who it is for
Good fit
People without a gaming GPU who want to try local AI chat and ask questions about their own documents.
Look elsewhere
Users who want the newest models and features as soon as they appear.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free and open source
- Runs on ordinary PCs without a GPU
- LocalDocs chat with your own files
- Simple interface
Cons
- No new desktop release since February 2025
- CPU-only speed is slow with bigger models
- Fewer features than newer local AI apps
How to install GPT4All
Run the small online installer; it downloads the app components during setup. On first start pick a model from the catalog, which downloads several gigabytes. Add folders under LocalDocs to let models use your documents, and keep in mind that indexing large folders takes time.
Questions about GPT4All
Is GPT4All free?
Yes. GPT4All is open source under the MIT license and free to download and use.
Do I need a graphics card for GPT4All?
No. GPT4All runs models on the CPU, and it can use NVIDIA or AMD GPUs through Vulkan for more speed.
