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

# Windows Platform

> VoiceTypr features and requirements for Windows

## Overview

VoiceTypr for Windows includes GPU acceleration support via Vulkan, smart installer detection, and seamless integration with Windows 10 and 11.

## System Requirements

### Minimum Requirements

* **Windows Version**: Windows 10 (64-bit) or Windows 11
* **Free Disk Space**: 3-4 GB (for AI models)
* **Memory**: 8 GB RAM recommended
* **Processor**: x64 or ARM64 processor

### Recommended for GPU Acceleration

* **GPU**: NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel dedicated graphics
* **VRAM**: 2+ GB
* **Drivers**: Latest graphics drivers with Vulkan support

## Installation

### From NSIS Installer

1. Download the latest installer from [GitHub Releases](https://github.com/moinulmoin/voicetypr/releases/latest)
   * Look for: `VoiceTypr_x.x.x_x64_en-US.msi` or `VoiceTypr-Setup.exe`
2. Run the installer
3. Follow the installation wizard
4. The installer will:
   * Detect your GPU capabilities
   * Install Visual C++ Runtime if needed
   * Inform you about GPU acceleration options
5. Launch VoiceTypr from the Start Menu
6. Complete the onboarding to:
   * Download your preferred AI model
   * Set up your recording hotkey

<Note>
  VoiceTypr includes a **smart installer** that detects GPU hardware and Vulkan runtime automatically.
</Note>

## GPU Acceleration

### Vulkan Support

VoiceTypr for Windows uses **Vulkan** for GPU-accelerated transcription:

* **5-10x faster** than CPU-only mode
* Works with **NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel** GPUs
* Automatic fallback to CPU if GPU unavailable
* Requires Vulkan Runtime (included in modern graphics drivers)

### Supported GPUs

* **NVIDIA**: GeForce GTX 900 series or newer (Vulkan 1.0+)
* **AMD**: Radeon RX 400 series or newer (Vulkan 1.0+)
* **Intel**: Arc series, Iris Xe, or UHD Graphics 600+ (Vulkan 1.0+)

### Smart Installer Detection

The installer automatically:

1. **Detects dedicated GPU** (>1 GB VRAM)
2. **Checks for Vulkan Runtime** (`vulkan-1.dll` in System32)
3. **Informs you** if GPU acceleration is available
4. **Provides driver update links** if Vulkan is missing

From `smart-installer-hooks.nsh`:

```nsh theme={null}
; GPU detected but Vulkan missing
MessageBox MB_OK|MB_ICONINFORMATION "GPU Acceleration Available

Good news! Your GPU can make VoiceTypr 5-10x faster.

To enable GPU acceleration, please update your graphics drivers:

• NVIDIA: nvidia.com/drivers
• AMD: amd.com/support  
• Intel: intel.com/content/www/us/en/support

Modern graphics drivers include Vulkan Runtime automatically.
After updating, VoiceTypr will use your GPU!"
```

### Driver Requirements

For GPU acceleration, you need **up-to-date graphics drivers**:

* **NVIDIA**: [Download NVIDIA Drivers](https://www.nvidia.com/drivers)
* **AMD**: [Download AMD Drivers](https://www.amd.com/support)
* **Intel**: [Download Intel Drivers](https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/products/80939/graphics.html)

<Tip>
  **Modern graphics drivers include Vulkan Runtime automatically.** After updating, VoiceTypr will detect and use your GPU.
</Tip>

### Checking GPU Status

To verify GPU acceleration is working:

1. Check VoiceTypr logs after transcription
2. Look for messages like: `"Using Vulkan GPU backend"`
3. CPU fallback messages: `"GPU unavailable, using CPU"`

Logs are located at:

```
%APPDATA%\com.voicetypr.app\logs\
```

## Required Permissions

VoiceTypr requires minimal permissions on Windows:

### Microphone Access

**Required for**: Recording your voice

* Prompt appears on first recording attempt
* Navigate to: **Settings → Privacy → Microphone**
* Enable for VoiceTypr

### No Accessibility Requirement

Unlike macOS, Windows VoiceTypr does **not** require accessibility permissions for text insertion. It uses standard Windows clipboard and input APIs.

<Info>
  VoiceTypr preserves your original clipboard content and restores it after inserting text.
</Info>

## Platform Features

### Visual C++ Runtime

The installer includes **Visual C++ Runtime** bundling:

* Automatically detects if already installed
* Installs silently if needed
* Ensures VoiceTypr runs on fresh Windows installations

### System Tray Integration

VoiceTypr integrates with the Windows system tray:

* **Right-click** for quick actions
* **Recent Transcriptions**: Copy previous transcriptions
* **Recording Mode**: Toggle Push-to-Talk / Toggle mode
* **Model Selection**: Switch between AI models
* **Check for Updates**: Manual update check

### Start Menu Integration

* Launch from **Start Menu → VoiceTypr**
* Pin to taskbar for quick access
* Appears in installed programs list

### Auto-Start Support

VoiceTypr can start automatically when Windows boots:

* **Settings → General → Launch at Startup**
* Minimizes to system tray on startup
* No performance impact when idle

## Model Management

### Whisper Models

VoiceTypr for Windows uses Whisper models with Vulkan GPU acceleration:

* **Tiny** - Fastest, lower accuracy (\~75 MB)
* **Base** - Balanced speed/accuracy (\~142 MB)
* **Small** - Recommended for most users (\~466 MB)
* **Medium** - High accuracy (\~1.5 GB)
* **Large** - Best accuracy, slower (\~2.9 GB)

<Note>
  **Parakeet models are macOS-only** and use Apple Neural Engine. Windows users should use Whisper models.
</Note>

### Model Storage Location

Models are downloaded to:

```
%APPDATA%\com.voicetypr.app\models\
```

## Performance Characteristics

### With GPU Acceleration (Vulkan)

* **Transcription Speed**: 5-10x real-time
* **Model Loading**: 2-5 seconds (first time)
* **Memory Usage**: 500 MB - 2 GB (depending on model and VRAM)
* **Best For**: Users with dedicated GPUs

### Without GPU (CPU Only)

* **Transcription Speed**: 1-2x real-time (depends on CPU)
* **Model Loading**: 3-10 seconds
* **Memory Usage**: 200-600 MB
* **Best For**: Users without dedicated GPUs or with outdated drivers

<Warning>
  **VoiceTypr always works** - it automatically falls back to CPU mode if GPU acceleration is unavailable.
</Warning>

## Troubleshooting

### GPU Acceleration Not Working

**Issue**: Slow transcription despite having a GPU

**Solutions**:

1. **Update graphics drivers** (most common fix):
   * [NVIDIA Drivers](https://www.nvidia.com/drivers)
   * [AMD Drivers](https://www.amd.com/support)
   * [Intel Drivers](https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/products/80939/graphics.html)

2. **Verify Vulkan is installed**:
   * Check for `C:\Windows\System32\vulkan-1.dll`
   * Download [Vulkan Runtime](https://vulkan.lunarg.com/sdk/home) if missing

3. **Check Windows Event Viewer** for VoiceTypr errors

### Installer Hangs or Fails

**Issue**: Installation doesn't complete

**Solutions**:

1. **Run as Administrator**: Right-click installer → "Run as administrator"
2. **Disable antivirus temporarily** during installation
3. **Check disk space**: Ensure 5+ GB free

### App Won't Launch

**Issue**: VoiceTypr doesn't start after installation

**Solutions**:

1. **Install Visual C++ Runtime manually**:
   * Download from [Microsoft](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/cpp/windows/latest-supported-vc-redist)
   * Install `vc_redist.x64.exe`

2. **Check Windows Defender**: Whitelist VoiceTypr if blocked

3. **Reinstall**: Uninstall completely, then reinstall

### Microphone Not Working

**Issue**: No audio captured during recording

**Solutions**:

1. **Check microphone permissions**:
   * **Settings → Privacy → Microphone**
   * Enable for VoiceTypr

2. **Select correct microphone**:
   * Open VoiceTypr Settings
   * **Settings → General → Microphone**
   * Choose your preferred input device

3. **Test microphone in Windows**:
   * **Settings → System → Sound → Input**
   * Speak and verify the level bar moves

### Text Insertion Not Working

**Issue**: Transcription completes but text doesn't appear

**Solutions**:

1. **Ensure cursor is in a text field** before recording
2. **Try manual paste**: Transcription is copied to clipboard
3. **Check app compatibility**: Some apps block automated input

## Updates

VoiceTypr includes automatic update checking:

* Checks for updates on launch (requires internet)
* Downloads updates in the background
* Notifies when ready to install
* **System Tray → Check for Updates** for manual check

<Info>
  Update checks are the **only** internet connection required for normal operation. All transcription happens offline.
</Info>

## Uninstalling

To uninstall VoiceTypr:

1. **Settings → Apps → Installed apps**
2. Find **VoiceTypr** in the list
3. Click **⋯** → **Uninstall**
4. Follow the uninstaller wizard

### Remove App Data (Optional)

To completely remove all app data:

1. Press **Win + R**
2. Type: `%APPDATA%` and press Enter
3. Delete the folder: `com.voicetypr.app`
4. Navigate to `%LOCALAPPDATA%`
5. Delete the folder: `com.voicetypr.app`

## See Also

* [System Requirements](/guides/system-requirements)
* [GPU Acceleration](/guides/gpu-acceleration)
* [Troubleshooting](/troubleshooting)
* [FAQ](/faq)