Guides by Christian Munoz

How to Connect Ollama to Burrow on Windows

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The problem

You installed Burrow, you saw Javi mentioned, and nothing seems to happen when you try to use it. The reason is by design: Burrow does not bundle a language model, so the helper has nothing to run on until a separate program provides one. Without a clear picture of that division of labor, it is easy to assume something is broken, or to download a model that your computer cannot run comfortably.

Ollama is a free app that runs models on your own computer, and Burrow talks to it so that Javi can answer questions without your data leaving your computer. Connecting the two is mostly a matter of installing Ollama, letting Burrow suggest a model that fits your memory and clicking one download button. This guide explains each piece, what to expect on modest hardware and what continues to work if you skip the whole thing. Burrow itself is a Windows 10 and 11 app, and the steps follow that.

Steps

  1. Check your computer's memory

    Open Windows system settings and note how much memory the PC has. Burrow recommends 8 GB or more for Javi and 16 GB for the best helper. A graphics card is not required, although on the processor alone the first answer can be slow.

  2. Install Ollama

    Ollama is a separate free app. When Burrow cannot find it, the setup screen shows a Get Ollama button, so you do not need to hunt for the right download. Run its installer and make sure the Ollama app is running before you go back to Burrow. Installing Ollama also needs the internet.

  3. Open Burrow and let it suggest a model

    In Burrow, open Settings > AI, or use the setup screen on first run. Burrow suggests a model that fits your computer's memory, rather than leaving you to compare model names yourself.

  4. Click Download model

    The model comes down only when you click Download model. Sizes range from 1.3 to 4.7 GB, so expect a wait on a slow connection. Once the model is on your PC, asking Javi does not need the internet.

  5. Try a first question

    Ask Javi something short. On the free app, Javi gives read-only advice on each page. Asking Javi about your data and letting it make approved changes are Pro features, which every new install gets for 14 days.

  6. Know what to do if it stays quiet

    If Ollama is installed but not running, Burrow tells you so. Open the Ollama app, then click Check again. Everything else in Burrow keeps working without it, including the Budget, Journal and the rest of the modules.

What actually happens when you ask a question

Burrow does the sums with plain code, then hands finished numbers to Javi to put into words. Ollama is the engine that makes that last step possible, and it runs beside Burrow on the same PC. Because both live on your computer, an ordinary question does not need an outside connection.

If you would rather use a cloud model, Burrow lets you bring your own key. That is free, off by default and a separate decision from connecting Ollama. Your stored journal, notes and health data are held back from it unless you choose otherwise.

Which parts are optional

Ollama is needed only for Javi, daily briefings and Explain. The budget, the journal, backups, export and the privacy controls do not depend on it. If your computer is short on memory, skipping Ollama is a perfectly reasonable choice and leaves you with a complete, if quieter, app.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • The model and the app both run on your computer, so questions need no outside service.
  • Burrow suggests a model sized for your memory, which avoids guesswork.
  • No graphics card is needed.
  • Skipping the setup costs you only Javi, briefings and Explain.

Cons

  • You install and maintain a second program.
  • The model download is large, between 1.3 and 4.7 GB.
  • On a processor-only PC the first answer can take a while.
  • Setup involves three separate clicks, Get Ollama, Download model and Check again, and a model download of several gigabytes comes on top of the Ollama install.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need Ollama to use Burrow?

Only for Javi, briefings and Explain. Without it, everything else in Burrow works.

Why does Burrow not include a model?

Burrow does not include a model. One downloads, between 1.3 and 4.7 GB, only when you click Download model, and Burrow suggests one that fits your computer's memory.

Does this need a powerful PC?

Burrow itself is light. For Javi, 8 GB of memory or more is recommended, 16 GB for the best results, and no graphics card is needed.

Can I use a cloud model instead?

Yes, with your own key. It is free, off by default and you pay the provider directly.

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