> For AI agents: the complete documentation index is at [llms.txt](https://saydart.com/llms.txt). A concatenated dump of public pages is at [llms-full.txt](https://saydart.com/llms-full.txt). Markdown versions of pages are available at the same path with a `.md` extension (for example `https://saydart.com/workflows/excel.md`).

Source: https://saydart.com/compare/whisper-voice-typing-windows/

# Whisper dictation on Windows

Compare three ways to run Whisper dictation on Windows, and how they differ from a ready-made voice typing app. SayDart does not use Whisper.

Verified against official project docs on October 18, 2026

## What OpenAI Whisper actually is

OpenAI's repository describes Whisper as a general-purpose speech recognition model that can also do speech translation and language identification. The code and model weights are released under the MIT License.

The official package is a Python library and command-line tool. Its own example transcribes audio files, as in whisper audio.mp3 --model turbo. On its own, it has no microphone shortcut and doesn't type into Word, Slack or your browser. That is the job of the app or script you put around it.

## Route 1: the official Python package on Windows

OpenAI Whisper is an open-source speech recognition model, not a Windows app. To dictate with it, you install it, choose a model and connect it to something that records your voice and puts text where you type. This guide covers the three common routes on Windows and how they compare with a ready-made app like SayDart. SayDart doesn't use Whisper; speech is recognized in the cloud.

This route suits you if you want to transcribe files or script your own workflow.

- Install Python. OpenAI says the code was trained and tested on Python 3.9.9 and is expected to work with Python 3.8–3.11.
- Run pip install -U openai-whisper.
- Install FFmpeg. The README gives choco install ffmpeg (Chocolatey) or scoop install ffmpeg (Scoop) for Windows.
- If pip fails on the tiktoken dependency, the README says you may also need Rust and pip install setuptools-rust.
- For an NVIDIA GPU, use the CUDA build of PyTorch from PyTorch's install selector. It's a separate command, and PyTorch notes that ROCm is not available on Windows.

## Which Whisper model fits your Windows PC

OpenAI lists six model sizes. Four also come in English-only .en versions. The memory column is OpenAI's approximate VRAM figure, which matters most if you run on a graphics card.

| Size | Parameters | English-only | Multilingual | Required VRAM (approx.) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| tiny | 39 M | tiny.en | tiny | ~1 GB |
| base | 74 M | base.en | base | ~1 GB |
| small | 244 M | small.en | small | ~2 GB |
| medium | 769 M | medium.en | medium | ~5 GB |
| large | 1550 M | — | large | ~10 GB |
| turbo | 809 M | — | turbo | ~6 GB |

OpenAI notes that turbo is not trained for translation. If you need non-English speech translated into English, use a multilingual model such as medium or large.

## Route 2: whisper.cpp builds for Windows

whisper.cpp is a separate C/C++ implementation of the Whisper model, also under the MIT License. It lists Windows as a supported platform with MSVC and MinGW builds.

- Clone the repository, download a model converted to its ggml format (for example base.en) and build with CMake.
- Choose acceleration at build time: -DGGML_CUDA=1 for NVIDIA cards, -DGGML_VULKAN=1 for a Vulkan-capable driver, or OpenVINO for Intel CPUs and GPUs. A plain CPU build also works.
- The whisper-cli example accepts 16-bit WAV files, so convert other recordings with FFmpeg first.
- For live microphone input, the whisper-stream example needs SDL2 and prints its transcript in the terminal. Getting that text into another app is still up to you.

## Route 3: a packaged Windows app around a speech model

If you want a shortcut and text in any app without building anything, look at finished dictation apps. Check each one's own documentation for which model it runs, whether it works offline and what it costs. Examples people search for:

- WhisperTyping: a Windows 10/11 voice typing app. Its support page says you press a hotkey (CapsLock by default), speak, and it types the text with a virtual keyboard.
- Whisper Key Local: an open-source project with global hotkeys that transcribes locally and pastes at your cursor. It installs from PyPI (Python 3.11–3.13) or as a Windows .exe, and its default Windows start hotkey is Ctrl+Win.
- Superwhisper: has a Windows app and documents both local and cloud models. See our Superwhisper comparison for its Windows status.

## Whisper on Windows vs SayDart: what changes

SayDart is an alternative for one specific job: dictating your own words into the app you are using. It does not use, bundle or download Whisper, so there is no model to choose and no GPU to configure.

|  | Running Whisper yourself | SayDart for Windows |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Setup | Python + FFmpeg (+ CUDA PyTorch), or a whisper.cpp build, plus a model download | Install the Windows x64 app (version 0.1.17), sign in, choose a microphone |
| Getting text into apps | Not part of the Whisper CLI; needs a wrapper app or your own script | Press your shortcut (Right Alt by default; change it in Settings > Shortcuts), speak, and the text goes into the field you were typing in. If it can't, copy and paste it |
| Cleanup and vocabulary | Depends on your wrapper | Auto cleanup tidies dictated text; Dictionary holds project names and technical terms; SayDart Assistant can change selected text on request |
| Questions | Not included | SayDart Assistant, answers in a card above the capsule (Right Alt + Space by default) |
| Offline | Local models can work offline once set up | Requires internet; recognition, cleanup and the assistant run in the cloud. History is stored on your PC |
| Cost | Whisper is free under the MIT License; your hardware and any app have their own costs | Free with a modest weekly limit; Pro $15/month or $144/year ($12/month equivalent, billed yearly), before tax; all current Pro features unlimited |
| Learns your vocabulary | Not stated on this page | Dictionary that learns: cloud learning suggests terms from your dictation and edits (on by default, can be turned off), synced to your account |

## Choose by the thing you can't compromise on

Must work with no internet, or audio must never leave the PC? Choose a local Whisper setup or an app that runs models on-device, and check every optional cloud feature. SayDart is not the right fit.

Want to transcribe recordings, subtitles or long files? The Whisper CLI or whisper.cpp is built for files. SayDart is for live dictation, not file upload.

Want to talk and have clean text land in Outlook, Slack, Notion or an AI chat, with nothing to set up? That's exactly what SayDart does. Press Right Alt and talk. Free to start.

Using a terminal, such as Claude Code or Codex CLI? With SayDart, dictate, review, then copy and paste into the terminal.

## Try it: your first dictation with SayDart on Windows

- Download the Windows installer from saydart.com. If SmartScreen warns on first run, confirm the file came from saydart.com, then choose More info → Run anyway.
- Sign in and pick your microphone. Your shortcuts are shown and set in Settings > Shortcuts.
- Click into an email, document or prompt box, press Right Alt, say what you want to write and stop.
- Review the text. Add recurring names to Dictionary, or select the text and ask the assistant if it needs reshaping.

## Whisper, Wispr Flow, WhisperTyping and SayDart are different things

OpenAI Whisper is a speech model. Wispr Flow is a commercial dictation app. WhisperTyping and Whisper Key Local are separate Windows dictation tools. SayDart is an independent dictation app for Windows and Mac, and it doesn't use Whisper. If you meant "Whisper Flow", see our Wispr Flow comparison.

## Related

- [Download SayDart for Windows](https://saydart.com/download/windows/)
- [Whisper dictation on Mac](https://saydart.com/compare/whisper-dictation-mac/)
- [SayDart vs Windows voice typing](https://saydart.com/compare/windows-voice-typing/)
- [Compare dictation apps](https://saydart.com/compare/)

## FAQ

### Is there an official Whisper dictation app for Windows?

OpenAI publishes Whisper as an open-source model with a Python package and command-line tool. Desktop dictation apps with a shortcut and typing into other apps come from third parties.

### Do I need an NVIDIA GPU to run Whisper on Windows?

No. Both the official package and whisper.cpp can run on the CPU. A GPU is optional: OpenAI lists approximate VRAM per model size, and whisper.cpp offers CUDA, Vulkan and OpenVINO builds.

### Does SayDart use Whisper?

No. SayDart doesn't use Whisper. Speech is recognized in the cloud, so there's no model to install and no GPU to set up.

### Is SayDart a free Whisper alternative?

Yes. SayDart Free includes every feature, with a modest weekly limit. Unlimited Pro is $12/month, billed yearly ($144), or $15 month to month. Whisper itself is free (MIT License), but you supply the setup and hardware.

### Can SayDart work offline like a local Whisper setup?

No. Recognition, Auto cleanup and SayDart Assistant need an internet connection. If offline use is a must, use a local Whisper tool.

### What are WhisperTyping and Whisper Key?

They are third-party Windows dictation tools, not made by OpenAI or by SayDart. Check their own sites for the models they use and their pricing.