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

# Permissions

<div style={{ marginTop: "-1rem" }}>
  See how permissions are handled on [macOS](#macos-permissions) or [Windows](#windows-permissions).
</div>

## macOS Permissions

Vowen requires certain system permissions to function. Here's what each one does and why it's needed.

### Microphone (Required)

**Why:** Vowen needs access to your microphone to record your voice for transcription.

**How to grant:**

1. When prompted during onboarding, click "Allow"
2. Or go to **System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone** and enable Vowen

### Accessibility (Required)

**Why:** Vowen uses Accessibility to:

* Detect global keyboard shortcuts (shortcuts work in any app)
* Auto-paste transcribed text into the focused input field
* Read selected text for Command Mode context

**How to grant:**

1. When prompted, click "Open System Settings"
2. In **System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility**, toggle Vowen on
3. You may need to unlock the settings with your password

<Warning>
  If you grant Accessibility but shortcuts still don't work, try removing Vowen from the list, then re-adding it. A restart of the app is required after granting this permission.
</Warning>

### Screen Recording (Optional)

**Why:** Only needed for Meeting Notes. Allows Vowen to capture system audio from other apps (Zoom, Teams, etc.) so it can transcribe what others say in meetings.

**How to grant:**

1. Go to **System Settings > Privacy & Security > Screen & System Audio Recording**
2. Toggle Vowen on

<Tip>You can skip this permission entirely if you don't plan to use Meeting Notes. Vowen will never record your screen visually without your explicit action.</Tip>

## Windows Permissions

Windows handles permissions automatically. No manual steps are needed for:

* Microphone access (granted on first use)
* Keyboard input monitoring (no special permission required)
* System audio capture (handled by the OS)

***

Have a permissions question that isn't answered here? See the [Permissions FAQ](/faq#permissions).