> ## 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.

# Windows Guide

> Windows-specific features, settings, and tips.

## Supported Hardware

| Hardware      | Status                                 |
| ------------- | -------------------------------------- |
| Windows x64   | Fully supported                        |
| Windows ARM64 | Experimental (slower due to emulation) |
| NVIDIA GPU    | Optional, enables acceleration         |

## Key Differences from macOS

| Feature          | macOS                       | Windows         |
| ---------------- | --------------------------- | --------------- |
| Default shortcut | `Fn`                        | `Ctrl + Shift`  |
| AI shortcut      | `Alt + Shift`               | `Alt + Shift`   |
| "Option" key     | Option                      | **Alt**         |
| "Command" key    | Command                     | **Windows key** |
| Fn key support   | Yes                         | No              |
| Permissions      | Manual (Accessibility, Mic) | Automatic       |
| Code signing     | Yes (notarized)             | Not yet         |
| GPU acceleration | Not needed (Neural Engine)  | NVIDIA CUDA     |

## Windows-Specific Features

### GPU Acceleration (NVIDIA)

Speed up local model transcription dramatically:

1. Go to **Settings > Models**
2. Scroll to "GPU Acceleration" section
3. Click **Download** to get CUDA modules
4. Restart Vowen (or restart system if needed)

With GPU acceleration, Large v3 Turbo responds in 1-2 seconds.

<Note>Only NVIDIA GPUs with CUDA support are currently compatible. AMD and Intel GPUs are not supported.</Note>

### Start at Login

Enable automatic startup: **Settings > General > Open at Login**

### Minimize to Tray

Start the app minimized: **Settings > General > Start minimized to tray**

### System Tray

Right-click the Vowen icon in the system tray (bottom-right) for:

* Model and microphone switching
* Meeting notes controls
* Copy last transcription
* Open settings
* Quit

## Installation Notes

### Windows Defender Warning

Windows shows "Windows protected your PC" because the app isn't code-signed with an EV certificate. This is normal for indie software.

**To proceed:** Click "More info" → "Run anyway"

### Antivirus False Positives

Some antivirus software (QuickHeal, Kaspersky, Norton) may flag Vowen. Add the Vowen installation folder to your antivirus whitelist.

## Performance Tips

Local models are slower on Windows than macOS (no Neural Engine). To get fast transcription:

1. **Best:** Use a cloud model (Groq — free and fast)
2. **Good:** Enable GPU acceleration (NVIDIA only)
3. **OK:** Use Tiny or Base model (fast but less accurate)

<Warning>
  Without GPU acceleration, the Medium and Large models can take 5-10+ seconds to transcribe on Windows. Cloud models are strongly recommended for Windows users without NVIDIA GPUs.
</Warning>

***

Have a Windows-specific question? See the [Windows FAQ](/faq#windows-specific).