# Run DeepSeek R1 Distilled Locally - Web Interface (Not Terminal)

Run a distilled DeepSeek-R1 model locally with Ollama and Open WebUI, then use it as a chatbot in your browser.

Author: Vladislav Guzey
Published: 2025-02-10
Canonical: https://proflead.dev/posts/run-deepseek-r1-distilled-locally/


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[DeepSeek R1](/posts/deepseek-ai-all-you-need-to-know-crash-course/) is an exciting AI model that you can run locally without relying on cloud services. In this guide, I’ll show you step-by-step how to set up and run **DeepSeek R1 Distilled** using **Ollama** and **Open WebUI**. By the end, you’ll have a fully functional **local AI chatbot** accessible via your web browser! If you are ready, then let’s get started! ;)

## How to Run DeepSeek R1 Distilled Locally

The installation is pretty straightforward. We’ll need only four things:

- Docker
- Ollama
- Open WebUI
- DeepSeek R1 Model

## Step 1: Install Docker

First, we need to set up Docker. We would need it to run Open WebUI.

### 1.1 Download Docker

- Go to [Docker’s official website](https://www.docker.com/).
- Download **Docker Desktop** for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
- Follow the installation instructions for your OS.

![Download Docker](/assets/blog/run-deepseek-r1-distilled-locally/2.webp)


### 1.2 Install Docker on Ubuntu (Linux users)

If you’re using **Ubuntu**, install Docker via the terminal:

```
sudo apt-get update  
sudo apt-get install ./docker-desktop-amd64.deb
```

Once installed, confirm that Docker is working:

```
docker --version
```
## Step 2: Install Ollama

[Ollama](/posts/ollama-tutorial/) is a tool for running AI models locally.

### 2.1 Download Ollama

- Visit Ollama’s [website](https://ollama.com/)
- Click the **Download** button.
- Install Ollama on **Windows, macOS, or Linux** by following the instructions on the site.

![Download Ollama](/assets/blog/run-deepseek-r1-distilled-locally/3.webp)




### 2.2 Install Ollama on Linux (Ubuntu example)

For **Ubuntu**, install it with:

```
curl -fsSL https://ollama.com/install.sh | sh
```

Verify installation:
```
ollama --version
```
## Step 3: Install Open WebUI

[Open WebUI](https://docs.openwebui.com/) provides a user-friendly chat interface for AI models.


![Install Open WebUI](/assets/blog/run-deepseek-r1-distilled-locally/4.webp)


### 3.1 Install Open WebUI with Docker

- Open your **terminal**.
- Pull the Open WebUI Image

```
docker pull ghcr.io/open-webui/open-webui:main
```

- Wait for the installation to complete.
- Run the following command:
```
docker run -d -p 3000:8080 --add-host=host.docker.internal:host-gateway -v ollama:/root/.ollama -v open-webui:/app/backend/data --name open-webui --restart always ghcr.io/open-webui/open-webui:ollama
```

- Open your browser and go to:  
    **http://0.0.0.0:3000**
- Create an account and log in.


![Create an account and log in](/assets/blog/run-deepseek-r1-distilled-locally/5.webp)

## Step 4: Import DeepSeek R1 Model

Now that Open WebUI is running, we need to import **DeepSeek R1**.

### 4.1 Open Model Settings

- In Open WebUI, go to **Settings** (bottom-left menu).
- Click **Admin Settings** → **Models**.


![Import DeepSeek R1 Model](/assets/blog/run-deepseek-r1-distilled-locally/6.webp)




### 4.2 Download the DeepSeek R1 Model

- Click **Import Model** (top-right button).
- Open the Ollama models page.
- Find **DeepSeek R1** and copy the installation command.
- Go back to Open WebUI and **paste the command**.
- Remove the **ollama run** part and keep only the model name.
- Click **Import** and wait for the download to complete (this can take a few minutes depending on your internet speed).


![Download the DeepSeek R1 Model](/assets/blog/run-deepseek-r1-distilled-locally/7.webp)




## Start Chatting with DeepSeek R1

Once the model is imported, you’re ready to chat! First, refresh the Open WebUI page to ensure everything is loaded correctly. Then, click New Chat and select DeepSeek R1 from the available models. Now, type your first message and see how the AI responds!

DeepSeek R1 offers some useful features beyond basic chatting. You can upload text files to the chat for analysis. It also supports PDF summarization, allowing you to extract key insights from documents. However, note that image support is limited at this time.

If you experience any slow performance, try restarting your computer to refresh the system.

## Video Tutorial

I’ve created a video for those who have trouble with written tutorials.



_Watch on YouTube:_ [_Ollama DeepSeek R1_](https://youtu.be/7tkstNuCt8I?si=OlsnMyJuQSm7DX39)

## Final Thoughts

You now have DeepSeek R1 running locally and accessible via your web browser! 🎉 This setup lets you use an AI chatbot without sending data to the cloud. If you found this tutorial helpful, like, subscribe, and share your experience in the comments.

Cheers!