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

# App Won't Launch or Install

> Fix Superwhisper launch failures on Windows and macOS, including missing DLL and vkGetPhysicalDeviceFeatures2 Vulkan errors.

## 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.** Superwhisper's local models run on your GPU through Vulkan, and this error means your graphics drivers don't provide it.

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 local models fail with this error, your GPU may not support Vulkan. Pick a **cloud model** instead; cloud models work without a GPU
4. On **Windows ARM (Snapdragon)** devices, use **Parakeet Multilanguage** or a cloud model. See [Windows requirements](/docs/get-started/windows#requirements)
5. If the app still won't launch after a driver update, email [support@superwhisper.com](mailto:support@superwhisper.com) with your Windows version and GPU model

## Windows: installer problems

* Re-download the installer from [superwhisper.com/windows](https://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](#install-an-older-version-on-macos)
2. Re-download from [superwhisper.com](https://superwhisper.com) and drag the app into **Applications** again. Replacing the old copy is safe: your settings live in the [Superwhisper folder](/docs/get-started/settings-advanced#app-folder-location), not the app bundle
3. Restart your Mac and try again
4. If the app crashes immediately at launch, email [support@superwhisper.com](mailto:support@superwhisper.com) 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](https://superwhisper.com/appcast.xml), which lists every previous release 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 [support@superwhisper.com](mailto:support@superwhisper.com) with your macOS version and we'll point you to the right one.

<Note>
  Older versions don't receive new features, models, or fixes. Update to a current macOS and Superwhisper version when you can.
</Note>

## Rule out the machine

Superwhisper's **cloud models run on any hardware**. If local models are the problem (old integrated graphics, a virtual machine, low memory), the app itself still works. Pick a cloud model during setup and revisit local models later.

To install an older version, use the releases listed at [superwhisper.com/appcast.xml](https://superwhisper.com/appcast.xml).