> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.notis.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Local Shell

> Let Notis do work directly on your own computer — your files, your projects, your tools.

Sometimes the work isn't in the cloud — it's on your laptop. Local Shell lets Notis act on your machine: your files, your code, your installed apps. You stay in charge with approvals and a sandbox that keeps writes inside a safe folder.

## What you can ask for

* "Open the repo on my Desktop, run the tests, and tell me what's failing."
* "Find duplicate photos in my Pictures folder and move them to a review folder."
* "Push my current branch and open a pull request."
* "Show me what's taking up space in my Downloads."

## What you need

* The **Notis desktop app**, installed and signed in.
* A **Mac** for the smoothest experience. Windows and Linux work too, but every command asks for your approval.

## How you stay in control

Open **Settings → Local shell access** in the desktop app and pick the mode that matches how much trust you want to hand over:

| Mode                                | What happens                                                                                                              |
| ----------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Ask every time**                  | Notis asks before running anything. Maximum control.                                                                      |
| **Auto-run in sandbox** *(default)* | Notis runs freely inside a safe folder (`~/Documents/Notis`). Asks only when it needs to step outside or use the network. |
| **Run everything**                  | No prompts, no limits. For when you trust Notis to drive.                                                                 |

When Notis does ask, a modal pops up showing the exact command, the folder it'll run in, and a network toggle. You **Allow** or **Deny**.

## When Notis uses it

Only when the task really needs your machine. If it can be done in the [Cloud Computer](/tools/cloud-computer), Notis will stay there — it's faster and doesn't touch your computer.

## Related

* [Cloud Computer](/tools/cloud-computer) — the cloud default.
* [Local MCP](/your-computer/local-mcp) — connect MCP servers that run on your machine.
* [Desktop Use](/your-computer/desktop-use) — when Notis needs to click around in a real app.
* [Desktop and Web App](/channels/manager) — install the desktop app and see what Notis did.