Install and update on Windows

Download Freehand from the official GitHub Releases page. Choose the installer for a normal installation, or the portable executable to run without installing. Download SHA256SUMS from the same release to verify either file.

Choose the build for your processor in Settings → System → About → System type:

System type	Installer	Portable executable
x64 (Intel or AMD)	freehand-windows-amd64-installer.exe	freehand-windows-amd64.exe
ARM64 (for example, Snapdragon)	freehand-windows-arm64-installer.exe	freehand-windows-arm64.exe

The download page links only to files present in the selected public release. Older releases may not contain ARM64 builds.

Unsigned Windows builds

The current downloads are not Authenticode-signed, so Windows may identify the publisher as unknown. Confirm that your download came from the official release and compare its SHA-256 hash with the matching entry in SHA256SUMS before opening it. If the hashes differ, do not run the file; download it again.

Install

Before installing	Requirement
Computer	Windows 11 x64 or ARM64
Web runtime	WebView2; the installer installs it if missing, while the portable executable needs it already installed
Speech processing	A managed local runtime or compatible service

Only Voice dictation needs a microphone; recording shortcuts are optional. On Windows ARM64, connect a compatible service. Freehand’s managed Windows runtime setup currently supports x64. Audio files and text to speech can be configured independently. For a Mac, use macOS setup.

Installer

The installer installs for your Windows account beneath %LOCALAPPDATA%\Programs. It creates a Start Menu shortcut and does not require administrator access.

1. Download the installer and checksums. Save the matching installer from the table above and SHA256SUMS from the same release.

2. Verify the download. Open PowerShell in the download folder and run:

   Verify the Windows installer

   Get-FileHash -Algorithm SHA256 .\freehand-windows-amd64-installer.exe

   For ARM64, substitute freehand-windows-arm64-installer.exe. Compare the displayed hash with the line for your file in SHA256SUMS. They must match.

3. Run the verified installer. It checks the Windows version, processor architecture, and WebView2 Runtime. If WebView2 is missing, it runs Microsoft’s bootstrapper to install it.

4. Launch Freehand from the Start Menu. Installation does not launch the app automatically or add a Desktop shortcut. Continue with the first-run setup guide below.

Portable

The portable executable requires an existing WebView2 Runtime. It does not add Start Menu shortcuts or an uninstaller.

1. Download the executable and checksums. Save the matching portable executable and SHA256SUMS from the same release.

2. Verify the download. Open PowerShell in the download folder and run:

   Verify the portable executable

   Get-FileHash -Algorithm SHA256 .\freehand-windows-amd64.exe

   For ARM64, substitute freehand-windows-arm64.exe. Compare the displayed hash with the line for your file in SHA256SUMS. They must match.

3. Open the verified executable. Keep it in a stable, user-writable folder if you want the in-app updater to replace it. Continue with the first-run setup guide below.

Connect your speech serviceChoose your endpoint, configure a microphone, and finish your first dictation.

Upgrade

Upgrading from an earlier alpha

This version does not import earlier alpha settings. Reconfigure connections and API keys as described in the first-launch notice. Earlier settings and saved keys remain untouched.

In-app update

Automatic checks are on by default; turn them off in Settings → General. When a newer release is available, the update window downloads and verifies the standalone executable, then waits for you to restart. It replaces the executable without running the installer.

Newer installer

1. Quit Freehand from its tray menu. Closing the main window only hides it. The installer will not silently terminate a running instance.
2. Download and verify the newer installer using the steps above, then run it.
3. Launch Freehand again from the Start Menu.

The installer does not block installing an older version, but an older app cannot downgrade a newer settings database. Read the release notes and settings recovery guidance before downgrading.

Portable executable

Use the Portable tab under Install for download verification.

Portable behavior	What to expect
Installation	Runs directly; no Start Menu registration or uninstaller
In-app updates	Keep the executable in a writable folder
Settings	Still saved in your Windows user profile, not beside the executable

See saved settings and backups for configuration locations.

Uninstall

1. Quit Freehand from its tray menu.
2. Remove Freehand through Installed apps or its Start Menu uninstaller.

Uninstall removes the installed executable, third-party notice, uninstaller, registration, and Start Menu shortcut.

For the portable version, quit Freehand and delete its executable instead.

Settings and keys remain

Uninstall retains settings, interface preferences, and Windows Credential Manager entries. Freehand does not currently offer a remove-all-data option.