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

# Your first dictation

> Install SpeechKit on Windows, speak, and get text in any app

This guide takes you from nothing to your first spoken sentence turned into
text. It assumes Windows 10 or 11 and no previous experience.

## Before you start

* A Windows 10 or 11 computer with a 64-bit processor (x64).
* A working microphone.

SpeechKit is beta software, and the free Windows release is unsigned.

## Steps

<Steps>
  <Step title="Download and check the installer">
    Follow [Install on Windows](/speechkit/install-windows). Download only from
    the official release, compare the checksum and then start the installer.
    Windows may show a reputation warning because the release is unsigned.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start SpeechKit and choose your microphone">
    On the first start, select the microphone that you want to use.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose your privacy setting">
    Pick a Network Scope. If you do not want your voice to leave the computer,
    choose a local provider and a stricter scope. The page
    [Choose your privacy settings](/speechkit/privacy-settings) explains the
    choices.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Test Dictation first">
    Click into a text field in any app, for example a note. Use the default
    Dictation hotkey, `Ctrl+Win`, and speak a sentence.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Look at the result">
    The text appears in the field where your cursor was.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Check that it worked

Your spoken sentence appears as text. If not, see the section below.

## If nothing happens

* Check that the right microphone is selected.
* Check that the provider you chose is available. A local provider needs to be
  installed on the computer.
* A stricter Network Scope suspends settings that need the internet. Settings
  tell you what is disabled and why.
* Try Dictation before Assist, Voice Agent or Meeting.

## Next steps

* [Modes and data paths](/speechkit/modes) explains Dictation, Assist and Voice Agent.
* [Meeting](/speechkit/meeting) records a call and writes it up afterwards.


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