# Link overview

Source: [https://docs.aventail.co.uk/docs/link-app/overview](https://docs.aventail.co.uk/docs/link-app/overview)

**Aventail Link** runs models on your device and connects it to Control. We use **Link** for short. Version 2.x is Aventail; the 1.x releases are **Locai Link (Legacy Aventail)**. Historical screenshots retain the labels shown in those releases.

### Run models on your device

Aventail Link 2.0.0 setup; agent operation and model serving are separate.

1.  **Sign in to Aventail**
    
    Select Sign in with Aventail. In the browser, check the account and organisation before approving this device.
    
    The captured 2.0.0 build opens development Control. Use the environment intended for your package.
    
    [Screenshot: Connect and Sign in with Aventail — close-up from Aventail Link Setup.](https://docs.aventail.co.uk/img/link/installation-2.0.0/setup-connect.png)
    
2.  **After installation**
    
    Use Preferences or the menu bar for day-to-day controls. Review release notes before updating.
    
    -   Agent: Keep Link running and connected
    -   Model: Deploy and start serving
    -   Applications: Chat or send API requests

**Read the Link overview and update steps**

The Aventail Link 2.0.0 macOS package installs a desktop setup and a background service in your user account. Its command is `aventail`; Locai Link (Legacy Aventail) 1.x uses `locai`.

## Choose your installation

-   **Apple Silicon Mac:** follow the [quickstart](https://docs.aventail.co.uk/docs/getting-started/quickstartguide).
-   **Linux x64:** follow the [headless installation guide](https://docs.aventail.co.uk/docs/link-app/install-linux), or use the desktop AppImage for a graphical session.
-   **Windows x64 or a headless Mac:** use [terminal installation](https://docs.aventail.co.uk/docs/getting-started/initial-setup#headless), or choose the desktop package from the [platform reference](https://docs.aventail.co.uk/docs/introduction/versions-and-supported-models).

Use the release channel for your Control environment. Moving from 1.x requires a new registration and model deployments; read [migration guidance](https://docs.aventail.co.uk/docs/link-app/install-macos#if-locai-link-is-already-installed) before installing.

## Day-to-day controls

Starting the agent and starting a model's serving endpoint are separate actions. Use the [Aventail menu bar](https://docs.aventail.co.uk/docs/link-app/menu-bar-companion) for quick controls, or [Preferences](https://docs.aventail.co.uk/docs/link-app/preferences) to check device health, manage models and choose startup or theme settings.

For a terminal installation:

```bash
aventail status
```

If the desktop app has not added the command to PATH, use the [full executable path](https://docs.aventail.co.uk/docs/link-app/file-locations).

If needed, [restart Link](https://docs.aventail.co.uk/docs/getting-started/restarting-loc-ai-link). To add a model, follow [Deploy a model](https://docs.aventail.co.uk/docs/getting-started/initial-setup#deploy-a-model).

## Update Link

Read the [release notes](https://docs.aventail.co.uk/docs/changelog/link) and finish active requests. With Aventail Link 2.0.0, check for an update before applying it:

```bash
aventail update --check
aventail update
```

The second command applies an available update and restarts the daemon. Check `aventail status` using the same executable path afterward, confirm **Online** in Control and repeat a short inference request.

For **Locai Link (Legacy Aventail) 1.x**, the corresponding commands are `locai status` and `locai update`. Running the old command does not operate the new Aventail service. Keep any error output; do not reinstall merely because an update check fails.