DeepSeek Harness v0.2.0-rc.2

DeepSeek Harness v0.2.0-rc.2: Desktop CLI & Timed Questions

Author: DeepSeekAgent.io Editorial Team
Published: Oct 1, 2026
Updated: Oct 1, 2026

DeepSeek Harness v0.2.0-rc.2 was released on September 29, 2026 and is now both npm latest and next. It turns Desktop into a more complete DSH workstation: macOS and Windows users can install the bundled dsh command and manage plugins from the menu bar without separately installing Node or pnpm. It also introduces experimental timed questions and fixes missing shell environments in graphical launches.

Key changes

Area	Update
Desktop CLI	Install and manage the bundled `dsh` command and plugins from native menus
Timed questions	The Agent can continue after timeout while the user answers later
Environment	Graphical macOS/Linux launches load login-shell PATH and proxy settings
Model selection	Fuzzy search and keyboard navigation for long model lists
Scheduled messages	Automation reminders enter the conversation as explicit scheduled user messages
PowerShell	Fixes completion parsing, missing exit codes, and leaked internal markers
Intel Mac	Fixes bundled Node signing permissions that crashed Office skills

Desktop no longer requires a separate Node setup

Desktop already included a runtime, but command-line management and plugin installation could still expose users to system Node, pnpm, PATH, and version mismatches. The native “Manage dsh command” action installs the CLI paired with the current Desktop build and uses its bundled runtime for plugin management.

This does not turn an arbitrary global Node installation into the DSH runtime. After upgrading, install or confirm the command through Desktop and verify that the resolved dsh version matches the app.

What timed questions change

Timed mode is experimental and disabled by default. When enabled, a question that reaches its timeout returns pending, allowing the Agent to continue work that does not depend on the answer. The question remains in the Session projection and can be answered after reopening the Session. A late answer enters as a normal follow-up through Inbox and steering.

Pending is not approval. Questions about deletion, publishing, payment, or critical scope must not interpret silence as consent. Plan review keeps its blocking path.

Graphical launches inherit the shell environment

Apps started from the Dock, Finder, or an application menu do not normally inherit an interactive shell's PATH, proxy, and tool variables. rc.2 reads the login-shell environment so configured tools and proxies become available to Desktop Sessions.

This addresses many “works in Terminal, missing in Desktop” failures, but variables defined only in interactive branches may still be absent. Inspect the actual Session PATH and command resolution after upgrading.

Model catalog and upgrade risk

The third-party catalog moves to pi-ai 0.87.1 and removes some older model IDs. A saved choice may need to be selected again. Record the provider, endpoint, and model ID before upgrading instead of relying only on the display name.

An npm package was briefly missing from the initial rc.2 publication. The Registry now contains @deepseek-ai/[email protected], and the main package is tagged latest; the earlier incomplete batch is not the current installation state.

Upgrade checklist

Back up Sessions, Profiles, and plugin settings.
Install or update the dsh command through Desktop and verify its version.
Check saved third-party model IDs.
Test PATH, proxy settings, PowerShell exit codes, and opening folders in local apps.
Enable timed questions first on non-destructive work and verify late-answer placement.
Confirm the Automation tasks bundle when scheduled work is required.