App won't launch or install

Fix Superwhisper launch and install failures on Windows and macOS, including missing DLL and Vulkan errors. Cloud models work without a GPU.

Windows: missing DLL or Vulkan error

The app won’t launch, or you see an error like vkGetPhysicalDeviceFeatures2 could not be located or a missing DLL. Cohere Transcribe and the Whisper models use your GPU through Vulkan, and this error means your graphics drivers don’t provide it. If Vulkan isn’t available, these models fall back to the CPU.

1. Update your graphics drivers from your GPU vendor (Intel, NVIDIA, or AMD)
2. Restart and launch Superwhisper again
3. If the app opens but a local model fails with this error, your GPU may not support Vulkan. Use Parakeet Multilanguage as a local option, since it doesn’t use Vulkan. Or pick a cloud model, which works without a GPU
4. On Windows ARM (Snapdragon) devices, use Parakeet Multilanguage or a cloud model. See Windows requirements
5. If the app still won’t launch after a driver update, email [e-mail] with your Windows version and GPU model

Windows: installer problems

• Re-download the installer from superwhisper.com/windows. A partial download corrupts the install
• Install from a local drive, not a network share
• If SmartScreen blocks it, choose More info → Run anyway (the installer is signed)

macOS: app won’t open

1. Check your macOS version: current Superwhisper releases require macOS 14 or later. On an older macOS, install an older Superwhisper version
2. Re-download from superwhisper.com and drag the app into Applications again. Replacing the old copy is safe: your settings live in the Superwhisper folder, not the app bundle
3. Restart your Mac and try again
4. If the app crashes immediately at launch, email [e-mail] with your macOS version. Include the crash report macOS offers to show you

Install an older version on macOS

If your Mac can’t update to macOS 14, run an older Superwhisper release:

1. Open superwhisper.com/appcast.xml, which lists previous releases with download links
2. Download the newest version that supports your macOS (version 2.16.1 is the last release for macOS 13.3+)
3. Drag it into Applications, replacing the current copy. Your history, modes, and settings are stored separately and stay intact

If you’re not sure which build fits your macOS version, email [e-mail] with your macOS version and we’ll point you to the right one.

Older versions don’t receive new features, models, or fixes. Update to a current macOS and Superwhisper version when you can.

Rule out the machine

Cloud models don’t need a GPU. If local models are the problem (old integrated graphics, a virtual machine, low memory), the app itself can still work. Pick a cloud model during setup and revisit local models later.