Download, switch and delete recognition tiers

Applies to: Windows, macOS, Linux

For recognition on the device, Stenowise downloads a recognition tier to your computer. The tier decides how well and how fast your computer recognises.

The tiers

Tier	Size	Requirement
Compact	705 MB	runs on any computer
Precise	1.08 GB	graphics, built-in graphics included, with at least 2 GB of graphics memory and at least 8 GB of RAM

Precise gives the most accurate result your computer reaches without a server. When you open the dialog, Stenowise checks your computer and shows only the tiers that run on it. Exactly one tier carries the label “Recommended”.

Download a tier

Open Settings › Privacy.
Next to Recognition tier, click Choose or Change. The “Recognition on this device” dialog opens.
Next to the tier you want, click Download.

During the download, Stenowise shows the progress, for example “Downloading, 40%”. Cancel stops the download. Once downloaded, recognition switches to the new tier. A tier is downloaded once and stays on this computer. Until a tier is downloaded, Stenowise recognises through the server.

If the download stops, you see “The download stopped. Try again later.”

Switch tiers

Open Settings › Privacy.
Next to Recognition tier, click Change.
Next to the other tier that is already downloaded, click Use.

The settings then show, for example, “In use: Compact, 705 MB”.

Delete a tier

Open Settings › Privacy.
Next to Recognition tier, click Change.
Next to the tier you no longer need, click Delete.

You cannot delete the tier in use. Stenowise then shows “This tier is in use, so it cannot be deleted. Switch to the other tier first.”

Frequently asked questions

Does the tier take up memory all the time?

After five minutes without a dictation, Stenowise frees the memory. As soon as you are back at the computer, Stenowise loads the tier again in the background.

Last updated 28 September 2026