Skip to main content
SpeechKit can run without cloud keys. On the local path your voice is processed on your computer. This guide shows how to set that up on Windows.

​
What you need

  • A Windows 10 or 11 computer with the installed app. See Install on Windows.
  • One internet connection for the first setup. The installer includes the local speech engine. The speech model itself is downloaded when you choose it.

​
Steps

1

Choose Local in the setup

In the first-run setup, choose Local. It runs Dictation and Assist on this device, and the models live on your computer.
2

Pick a speech model

Pick a local Whisper model to download. If you do not choose one, SpeechKit starts with the smallest starter model. The download runs in the background, and you can continue while it finishes.
3

Test your microphone

The setup can record a short local test. It is optional, and nothing is saved. The text is shown only in the setup window.
4

Set the privacy scope

Open Settings > Privacy & Data. Under Network scope choose This device only. Only models that SpeechKit runs on the device may then be used. Everything that needs the network is paused, not deleted.
5

Keep nothing you do not need

Choose Zero retention if raw meeting material should be removed after a meeting. See Choose your privacy settings.

​
Good to know

  • With This device only, even model downloads and update checks are blocked by default. If you need to download a model later, widen the scope for that moment. A setting called allow_setup_traffic in config.toml can allow model and update downloads on official sources, without audio, transcripts or prompts.
  • Text you dictate stays in your history on the computer. A computer without internet still saves transcripts unless you choose Zero retention.
  • Assist and the Voice Agent can also run on local models. A local language model and local speech output are separate downloads or services. Check the Model tab of each mode.
  • On macOS, the Dictation beta works with the bundled local engine, and models download on demand.

​
If something goes wrong

  • The model does not download. With a strict scope, downloads are blocked. Widen the scope for the download, then switch back. Also check free disk space.
  • The model download stays stuck. Retry the download in Settings.
  • Dictation says the engine is not ready. The local engine may still be starting or the model is missing. Look under Needs attention in Overview.
  • A setting is greyed out. It needs the network. Settings shows why it is disabled.