Open WebUI now supports computer-use workflows in a desktop tab and keeps terminals, files and artifacts alongside the chat. Self-hosters can try agentic desktop control with compatible models.
Key takeaways · AI-distilled
Open WebUI 0.13.0's Desktop tab shows and controls the desktop of a connected Open Terminal, so a model with desktop tools can run computer-use workflows while you watch and step in. It requires an Open Terminal connection with desktop support.
A new Browser tab in Chrome mode gives you and the model a shared browser session on a compatible Open Terminal, so the model can navigate sites, fill in forms and test the web apps it builds.
The release changes the database schema. The project recommends backing up first, and multi-worker or load-balanced deployments must update every instance at once, because rolling updates will cause failures.
Native tool useA model's ability to call external functions — run code, search the web, edit files — instead of only generating text.Full definition → now allows up to 1024 tool-call rounds per response, up from 256, and subagentA separate agent spawned by another to do one scoped piece of work in its own context, returning only the result.Full definition → limits that previously defaulted to 20 concurrent and 30 tool loops each now default to no limit.
MCPThe Model Context Protocol — an open standard that lets any AI assistant plug into any tool or data source without custom integration code.Full definition → Apps now render in chat inside a sandboxAn isolated environment where AI-generated code or agent actions run without being able to touch anything real.Full definition → frame that can reach only the sites the server declares, and every tool call the app wants to make waits for user confirmation.
Terms in this piece · Glossary
tool use — A model's ability to call external functions — run code, search the web, edit files — instead of only generating text.
subagent — A separate agent spawned by another to do one scoped piece of work in its own context, returning only the result.
MCP — The Model Context Protocol — an open standard that lets any AI assistant plug into any tool or data source without custom integration code.
sandbox — An isolated environment where AI-generated code or agent actions run without being able to touch anything real.
