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

# Cloud vs. local execution

> When work runs in the cloud versus on a person's own machine.

A thread's work runs in one of two placements: cloud or on your computer. See [How work runs](/docs/sidekick/concepts/how-work-runs) for what a placement is. This page is about which one fits a given piece of work.

## Choose cloud when the work doesn't need your machine

Cloud fits work that is unattended or scheduled, benefits from a clean environment, and doesn't depend on anything only your device has.

* The work runs on a schedule or without anyone at a keyboard.
* The work doesn't need files, apps, or credentials that live only on one machine.
* A clean, consistent environment matters more than matching your local setup.

## Choose on your computer when the work needs your machine

On-your-computer fits work that has to touch something local: a file, an installed app, or a credential already set up on your device.

* The work reads or writes files that live only on your machine.
* The work depends on a local app or tool that isn't available anywhere else.
* The work needs to act through something already logged in or configured on your device.

<Note>
  Cloud is the default placement and requires no setup. On-your-computer requires the desktop app and admin enablement before it can be used.
</Note>

## At a glance

|                   | Cloud                                           | On your computer                               |
| ----------------- | ----------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------- |
| Default           | Yes                                             | No, requires enablement                        |
| Setup             | None                                            | Desktop app + admin enablement                 |
| Best for          | Unattended or scheduled work, clean environment | Work tied to local files, apps, or credentials |
| Device dependency | None                                            | Requires the approved device to be connected   |

Placement changes where the work executes. It does not change where the work lives: the thread stays the record of what happened, in either placement.

## Where to go next

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="How work runs" icon="workflow" href="/docs/sidekick/concepts/how-work-runs">
    Harnesses, placements, and why the thread stays the record wherever work executes.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Running on your computer" icon="laptop" href="/docs/sidekick/use/on-your-computer">
    How to install the desktop app and run a thread on your own device.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Local-execution policy" icon="shield-check" href="/docs/sidekick/admin/local-execution">
    How admins enable and govern on-your-computer execution.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>