🖥️ Windows Version

Desktop-grade AI input for Windows 10/11

Langou on Windows: Smart Overlay

The Windows version of Langou takes a different approach than the Android version. Rather than replacing your system keyboard, Langou runs as a smart floating overlay that integrates with any chat or text app. This means you keep your existing keyboard preferences while gaining AI superpowers. Built with C# and WPF for native Windows performance.

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Floating Overlay

Langou for Windows appears as a sleek, draggable overlay when you click into a text input field:

  • Auto-detect: Detects when you're in a chat app (WhatsApp Desktop, Telegram, WeChat, Discord, Slack, etc.) and activates automatically
  • Draggable: Move the overlay anywhere on screen — always stays on top without blocking your view
  • Transparency: Windows 11 Mica/acrylic blur support for a native-feeling transparent UI
  • Three modes: Compact (suggestions only), Standard (suggestions + style picker), Full (all controls)
  • Dark/Light: Automatically follows Windows theme or can be set independently
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UI Automation Context Capture

On Windows, Langou uses the powerful UI Automation API to read chat context:

  • Active window reading: Reads text elements from the active chat window — message bubbles, input fields, usernames
  • No screenshot needed: Unlike OCR-based solutions, UI Automation works with text directly for instant, accurate capture
  • Multi-app support: Works with Electron apps (Discord, Slack, WhatsApp Desktop), native apps (WeChat, QQ), and browsers (Web WhatsApp)
  • OCR fallback: For apps with custom rendering, Langou falls back to screenshot + PaddleOCR (same as Android)
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Desktop-Grade Chinese Input

The Windows version includes RIME's full desktop implementation:

  • Full keyboard customization: Custom key bindings, macros, and input schemas through YAML configuration files
  • Multi-schema switching: Switch between pinyin, double pinyin, Wubi, Cangjie, and custom schemas on the fly
  • Direct dictionary editing: Edit your user dictionary as plain text — import/export .dict.yaml files
  • System-wide input: Unlike the overlay, the IME component works in every Windows app including games, IDEs, and terminals
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Integration Features

  • Clipboard integration: AI suggestions can be sent directly to clipboard for apps that don't support automation
  • Auto-send: Direct Send mode simulates Ctrl+Enter or Enter key in supported apps
  • Global hotkeys: Customizable shortcuts to trigger AI generation, switch styles, toggle the overlay
  • Startup with Windows: Optional auto-start for always-available AI
  • System tray: Minimal tray icon with quick-access menu
  • Multi-monitor: Properly handles multi-monitor setups with DPI scaling
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System Requirements

  • OS: Windows 10 20H2+ or Windows 11 (all versions)
  • RAM: Minimum 4GB, recommended 8GB
  • Storage: 300MB for application + AI models
  • .NET: Built-in with Windows, no additional runtime needed
  • GPU: Not required. GPU acceleration for OCR processing (optional)

Download Langou for Windows from our Download page. See the Keyboard Shortcuts reference for desktop productivity tips.