Complete Step-by-Step Tutorial to Configure Claude Desktop with Aerolink Gateway
If you want to use Claude Fable 5 inside Claude Desktop through an Aerolink Gateway API, this guide will walk you through the complete setup process. Simply follow each step below, and you'll be ready to use Claude Fable 5 within a few minutes.
Note: Free access depends on Aerolink's current plans, available credits, supported models, and service availability.
Requirements
Before starting, make sure you have the following:
- Windows PC
- Claude Desktop installed
- Aerolink account
- Active API Key
- Stable internet connection
Step 1: Install Claude Desktop
Download and install Claude Desktop on your Windows computer.
After installation:
- Open Claude Desktop.
- Click Get Started.
- Complete the initial setup process.
Step 2: Open the Main Menu
Inside Claude Desktop:
- Maximize the application window if necessary.
- Click the ☰ (Hamburger Menu) located in the upper-left corner.
This menu provides access to Developer settings.
Step 3: Enable Developer Mode
Go to:
Help → Troubleshooting → Enable Developer Mode
Developer Mode is required to access Third-Party Inference settings.
Step 4: Confirm Developer Mode
A confirmation popup will appear.
Click:
Enable
Developer Mode will now be activated.
Step 5: Open Third-Party Inference
Open the menu again and navigate to:
Developer → Configure Third-Party Inference
This section allows Claude Desktop to connect to external AI providers.
Step 6: Configure the Aerolink Gateway
Select Gateway and enter the following information.
Base URL
Copy and paste the Base URL from your Aerolink Dashboard.
API Key
Paste your Aerolink API Key.
Authentication Scheme
Select:
x-api-key
Credential Type
Choose:
Static API Key
Save your settings after filling in all required fields.
Step 7: Create an Aerolink API Key
Log in to your Aerolink account.
Then:
- Open Documentation.
- Copy the Base URL.
- Navigate to API Keys.
- Create a new API Key or copy an existing one.
- Keep your API Key private and secure.
If Aerolink is offering a promotional trial, activate your account as instructed in the dashboard to receive any available trial credits.
Step 8: Test the Connection
Return to Claude Desktop.
Double-check:
- Base URL
- API Key
- Authentication Method
Click:
Test Connection
If everything is configured correctly, the connection test will succeed.
Step 9: Verify Model Discovery
After the connection is successful:
- Run Model Discovery.
- Wait until Claude Desktop finishes scanning available models.
- Ensure the discovery completes successfully.
- Click Apply Changes.
The supported models will now appear in the model list.
Step 10: Select Claude Fable 5
Start a new conversation.
Open the model selector.
Choose:
Claude Fable 5
If the setup is successful, Claude Fable 5 will become your active model, and you can begin chatting immediately.
Troubleshooting
Developer Menu Not Showing
- Make sure Developer Mode is enabled.
- Restart Claude Desktop.
- Open the application again.
Connection Failed
Verify the following:
- Base URL is correct.
- API Key is valid.
- Authentication Scheme is set to x-api-key.
- Internet connection is working.
- Aerolink account has access to the selected model.
Claude Fable 5 Not Available
If Claude Fable 5 does not appear:
- Run Model Discovery again.
- Refresh the model list.
- Confirm your Aerolink account includes access to Claude Fable 5.
Security Tips
For your safety:
- Never share your API Key publicly.
- Store credentials securely.
- Review Aerolink's privacy policy before sending sensitive information.
- Use Third-Party Inference only with trusted providers.
Final Thoughts
Congratulations! ????
You have successfully connected Claude Desktop with the Aerolink Gateway and configured Claude Fable 5. You can now use Claude Fable 5 for coding, content writing, research, automation, brainstorming, and many other AI-powered tasks.
Enjoy using Claude Fable 5 with your custom gateway setup!