# Start your first conversation

> The shortest path from configuring a model to running an agent.

---

LLMS index: [llms.txt](/llms.txt)

---

Prerequisites: initialization is complete, the management UI is accessible, and you have model provider credentials. This path creates a custom agent and does not require an external CLI.

## 1. Set up a model connection

Open model management and configure the three items below. The form layout may vary by client, but the information is the same.

| Setting | What to prepare | Purpose |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Provider | The service’s protocol, API endpoint, and API key | Where AGW sends requests and how it authenticates |
| Model | The exact model ID, context window, and maximum output length | Which model to use and its content limits |
| Model Provider | A link between the model and provider | The working connection an agent selects |

Use the model ID supplied by the service. Model discovery may suggest `256,000 / 64,000` for context and output limits; replace these defaults with the model’s actual specifications. See [Model providers](/docs/guides/providers/) for field details.

## 2. Create a simple agent

In **Agents**, click **Create**. Keep the default **Agent Type** `System` (a custom agent), enter “Question helper” as the **Display Name**, choose your connection in **Model Provider**, and enter these **Instructions**:

```text
Answer the question directly, then explain any necessary background.
If information is missing, say what you need to know.
```

Click **Create** to save, then confirm that the **Enabled** switch is on in the Agents list. New agents are enabled by default. Start with text chat; add tools, Skills, and workflows after the connection works.

## 3. Send your first message

Open **Chat**, confirm the Server, and choose an available Project: in Desktop, use the project tabs at the top of the window; in Web, use the dropdown at the top of the left sidebar. Then choose “Question helper” in the selector at the top-left of the message box and send:

```text
Explain a working directory in two sentences and give a simple example.
```

The reply should appear progressively and the execution should finish. Follow up with “Make that explanation simpler” to check that the agent can continue the discussion. This verifies both the model connection and a continuing conversation.

![AGW Desktop chat.](/images/screenshots/desktop-chat.png)
{caption="AGW Desktop chat."}

## Next steps

Verify plain text chat before adding [tools and Skills](/docs/guides/tools-skills/). File-based work needs a [Project workspace](/docs/guides/projects/). An existing Codex or Claude Code installation can use an [external agent](/docs/guides/external-agents/).

## No response

Check the selected Model Provider, model ID, credentials, and endpoint, then inspect Server logs. The icon beside each conversation in the list shows its status: **Running** means it is still running, **Last turn failed** means the previous turn failed, and **Last turn interrupted** means the previous turn was interrupted. A conversation may also be waiting for approval or user input; handle that state in Chat. Avoid adding many tools or complex workflows before the model connection works.

## Implementation and references

- [Model configuration UI](https://github.com/zxyao145/agw/tree/main/src/clients/packages/providers)
- [Agent runtime](https://github.com/zxyao145/agw/blob/main/src/server/Agw.Agents.Execution/README.md)

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Backlinks:

- [Development setup](/docs/development/setup/)
- [Chat and execution history](/docs/guides/chat/)
- [Getting started](/docs/start/)
- [Core concepts](/docs/start/concepts/)
- [Install and configure Server](/docs/start/install/)