Software Install (Version 3)

Install order: python310.exe → OllamaSetup.exe → NovaDesktop3Setup.exe.

Nova Desktop V3 installs in three quick steps: Python, Ollama, then Nova Desktop 3. After that, you launch Nova from the desktop shortcut and you're good to go.

What the installer does for you

• Installs all required Python modules for Nova Desktop 3
• Installs/sets up Ollama and downloads the two Nova models automatically
• Offers Desktop and Start Menu shortcuts
• Offers to install Microsoft Visual C++ x64 (recommended)

When it finishes: click Close and launch Nova using the desktop shortcut. No manual pip commands. No manual model setup.

1) Install (in this order)

• Download these three files to your PC (Downloads folder is fine):
• python310.exe
• OllamaSetup.exe
• NovaDesktop3Setup.exe

1. Run python310.exe
2. Run OllamaSetup.exe
3. Run NovaDesktop3Setup.exe
   If it asks about installing VC++ Runtime (x64), tick the box only if you don’t already have it.
4. Once everything is complete, run Nova Desktop 3

If Windows blocks any installer, see the Trouble? section at the bottom (SmartScreen + antivirus notes).

If SmartScreen appears

1. Click More info
2. Click Run anyway

2) First-run checklist (so it “just works”)

Audio (Mic + Speakers)

• Plug in your mic and speakers/headphones
• Windows Settings → System → Sound: pick the correct Input device
• If Whisper cuts out early: increase mic gain and speak closer to the mic

Camera (USB)

• Plug in the USB camera before launching
• Close other apps that might be using the camera (Discord/Teams/browser tabs)
• If you get a black screen: try a different USB port + reboot

Servo boards (UDP / Wi-Fi)

• PC + ESP32 boards must be on the same Wi-Fi
• If the ESP32 is connected, the status LED flashes

Optional: quick sanity checks

You don’t need these to install — they’re just useful if you’re troubleshooting.

Check Ollama + models

ollama --version
ollama list

Print audio devices (mic debugging)

python -c "import sounddevice as sd; print(sd.query_devices())"

Run Nova (manual launch option)

If you ever want to run the launcher manually (without shortcuts), run it from the installed folder.

cd "%USERPROFILE%\Documents\Nova Desktop 3 Software"
python nova_app_launcher.py

If your installer used a different install location, just open that folder and run nova_app_launcher.py from there.

Nova App Launcher screenshots

Trouble?

Windows SmartScreen / “protected your PC”

• Click More info → Run anyway

Antivirus deleted/quarantined the installer

• Temporarily allow/restore it in your antivirus
• Re-download the installer(s) and run them again

App won’t start / DLL missing / crashes instantly

• Re-run NovaDesktop3Setup.exe and make sure VC++ x64 is ticked ✅
• Then reboot Windows and try again

Ollama errors / models missing

• Make sure you’re online and retry
• Check models exist with: ollama list
• If needed, re-run NovaDesktop3Setup.exe (it will re-check Ollama + models)

Camera not detected / black feed

• Close other apps using the camera (Discord/Teams/browser tabs)
• Try another USB port
• Reboot

Microphone not detected / no input

• Windows Settings → Sound → Input: choose the correct mic
• Windows Privacy settings: allow microphone access
• Reboot (audio drivers can be fussy)