01What Is the Hermes Agent Update?
The Hermes agent update is the Quicksilver Release, a major upgrade to the free, open-source AI helper called Hermes. This update makes the AI faster, safer, and easier to watch while it works. It turns Hermes from a simple chatbot into a full platform that runs like a team of employees on your computer.
Hermes acts more like an employee than a chatbot. It remembers past actions, learns new skills, keeps working even when you walk away, and plugs into your tools. You can talk to it from your desktop, terminal, or chat apps like Discord and WhatsApp.
The Quicksilver Release improves all of that with a focus on speed and control.
02Main Features in the Quicksilver Release
The biggest change in the Hermes agent update is speed. The old version took about four seconds to wake up. Now it takes less than one second—about 80% faster.
The desktop app also shows text quicker and switches between chats instantly.
Here are the other key features:
- Live thinking display: Watch the AI's thoughts appear word by word as it works.
- Smart approvals: Another AI checks risky commands first, so you get asked less often but stay safe.
- Password manager support: Use Bitwarden or 1Password to keep your secret keys locked up.
- Sub-agent monitoring: See each helper agent's steps and results live.
- Durable delivery: Finished answers are saved even if the app crashes.
- Multiple profiles: Run one Hermes with different personalities, memories, and settings.
- New model support: Includes GPT-5.6, Claude Sonnet 5, Grok 4.5, and Kimi K3.
- Thinking levels: Choose low, medium, high, max, or ultra for different tasks.
03How to Get Started with the Agent OS
Getting started with the Agent OS that uses Hermes is simple. Julian Goldie built a complete system called Agent OS, and you can grab it as a ready-to-install file. Here's how to set it up:
- Join the AI Profit Boardroom—the link is in the description and comments.
- Download the Agent OS zip file from there.
- Drop the file into your Hermes installation folder.
- Follow the 30-day roadmap included in the boardroom to get familiar.
- Launch Hermes and start using the pre-built agents right away.
The Agent OS comes with model routing playbooks (which model to use for which job), over 10,000 pre-built agents, and new model briefings. You also get weekly coaching calls with real people. No setup headache—it just works.
04How to Use the New Hermes Features
Using the Hermes agent update is straightforward. Start with a simple task like asking Hermes to write five posts about how AI automation saves time. With the speed boost, you get answers right away and can keep ideas flowing.
For bigger jobs, use the sub-agent live view. Tell Hermes to plan a marketing week for your AI community. One helper writes emails, one plans posts, and one builds a landing page—all at the same time.
You watch their steps and results live, like a little team working inside your computer.
Set up smart approvals to handle risky commands. When Hermes wants to do something risky, another AI checks it first. If you say no, you can tell it why, and it learns for next time.
Also, connect your password manager to keep secret keys safe, and create different profiles for work and fun chats. Each profile has its own memory, skills, and settings.
05Speed and Safety Improvements Compared to Old Version
Julian compared the new Hermes update to the old version. The wake-up time dropped from four seconds to less than one second, which is about 80% faster. The desktop app feels smoother, with instant chat switching and text appearing quicker.
Safety also got better. Old versions stored secret keys in plain text files. Now Hermes works with Bitwarden and 1Password.
The smart approvals feature adds an extra layer of safety by checking risky commands before you get asked.
Here's the speed comparison in short:
- Old version wake-up: ~4 seconds
- New version wake-up:
- Speed improvement: ~80% faster
The update also introduces durable delivery, so if the app crashes after finishing a job, the answer is saved and given to you when you come back. No more lost work.
06Tips, Limits, and Mistakes to Avoid
The Hermes agent update is powerful, but there are some things to keep in mind. First, don't expect perfection with low thinking levels—use ultra for big, tricky jobs that require deep reasoning.
Take advantage of multiple profiles to keep different tasks separate. Use a professional profile for work and a relaxed one for fun. This keeps memories and settings organized.
Be careful with risky commands. Even with smart approvals, always review what the AI wants to do. If you say no, explain why to help it learn.
Also, use the password manager support to protect your keys—never leave them in plain text files.
One limit: the Agent OS is available through the AI Profit Boardroom, not for free. You need to join to get the zip file. Also, the video mentions over 10,000 pre-built agents, but you may need to test them since they might not all fit your needs.
Finally, avoid the mistake of stopping at the 30-day roadmap. The real value is the actual agent OS tool itself, ready to install.
07Who Should Use This Hermes Update and Why It Matters
The Hermes agent update is for anyone who wants AI to run parts of their business for real. If you run a business, like a community teaching AI, you can use Hermes to write posts, handle emails, and build landing pages—all automatically.
It matters because Hermes is turning into a full home base for AI helpers. You get faster answers, better safety, live monitoring, no lost work, and easier setup. That's exactly what you need to trust AI with real tasks.
Julian's Agent OS makes it even easier by providing a complete system with pre-built agents and playbooks. You can watch a whole team work live, which is honestly kind of magic. If you want to grow a real business with AI, this update is a big step forward.
08How to Get the Full Agent OS System
To get the full Agent OS system that runs on the Hermes agent update, you need to join the AI Profit Boardroom. The link is in the description and comments. Inside, you'll find the complete zip file ready to install.
The Agent OS includes model routing playbooks that tell you which model to use for which job. You also get over 10,000 pre-built agents, new model briefings to stay ahead, and weekly coaching calls with real people.
Julian built the whole thing so you don't have to set it up from scratch. Just download, drop it in, and it works. If you want the step-by-step process and free AI use cases, you can join the AI Success Lab, a free community with over 38,000 members learning AI together.
