Windows desktop privacy policy

Last updated October 7, 2026

Scope and contact

This policy applies to the OpenSubs Windows desktop application. Local features do not require an OpenSubs account. It does not cover the opensubs.app web application, browser extensions, or independent processing by third-party services. For privacy questions, contact the OpenSubs development team at privacy@opensubs.app.

Content processed on your device

When you select video, audio, subtitle, or style files, the app reads their contents and necessary file paths, duration, and media properties to transcribe, process subtitles, translate, preview, and export. With local features, decoding, speech recognition, and subtitle burning take place on your device. The app does not upload these video or audio files to OpenSubs. Source files and exported results remain local.

Local translation and optional cloud translation

You enable translation in the processing options. The current implementation prefers Anthropic cloud translation when a usable Claude API key is configured in the environment; otherwise it attempts to use the local translation model bundled with the installer. An unavailable service or model may produce an error. Cloud translation sends subtitle text, the source language if provided, the target language, and necessary translation instructions to Anthropic, using your API key to authenticate. This translation request does not send the source video or audio. To keep translation on-device, do not configure a usable Claude API key for the app and ensure the local translation model is available.

API keys and third-party processing

The desktop app reads cloud translation credentials from the system environment, uses them while running, and sends them directly to the service for authentication in cloud translation requests. Environment variables may persist in the operating system or launcher and are not automatically removed when the app closes. You can remove them from your system configuration and restart the app. The current desktop settings file is not used to store API keys. Third-party services may process requests, connection information, and service logs under their own policies. Retention, processing locations, and training terms are determined by that service. OpenSubs does not guarantee deletion or retention behavior by third parties.

Model downloads and network connections

The installer may include local speech and translation models and media-processing components. When you request an additional speech model, the app connects to Hugging Face and its download infrastructure to fetch model files. Model-download requests do not include the video, audio, or subtitle contents being processed. Download services receive information needed for the connection, such as your IP address, request time, and requested file. If you use dependency-installation features, they may also contact software sources through the system package manager. Cloud translation and downloads require networking; local processing can run offline once the necessary resources are available.

Local storage and retention

The app stores the selected model path in settings.json in its application configuration directory. Additional speech models are normally saved under .cache/opensubs-models in your Windows user directory; older installations may continue using .cache/openvidsub-models. Bundled models reside in the application resources. Processing jobs may create extracted audio, working subtitle files, and other intermediate files in the system temporary directory. The app attempts to delete the working directory when the job ends, but crashes, interruptions, or permission failures may leave files behind. Exported videos and subtitles remain in the location you choose until you delete them.

Accounts, payments, and usage analytics

The desktop local workflow covered here does not require OpenSubs sign-in or use a web credit account for processing. Cloud translation may incur charges under the third-party API service terms. The current desktop implementation has no analytics or advertising module that automatically reports usage activity or media contents to OpenSubs. Microsoft Store, Windows, and third-party download or API services may collect installation, diagnostic, or connection information under their own policies; this policy does not replace those policies.

Your choices, deletion, and uninstalling

You can leave translation disabled, avoid configuring a cloud API key, decline additional model downloads, and stop using the app at any time. To delete local data, close the app and remove unwanted exports, model caches, application settings, and remaining task temporary directories. Uninstalling does not guarantee deletion of user-downloaded models, settings, or exports. For content already sent to a third party, use that service’s access or deletion process. If you contact us by email, we receive your email address and the information you send. Do not send API keys, and share only files or logs you consent to disclose.

Security and international processing

Model downloads and current cloud translation requests use HTTPS. Local files, caches, and exports rely on Windows account permissions and device security; the app does not promise additional encryption of these files. People who share your device or have access to the relevant files may be able to read them. When using cloud translation or third-party downloads, connection information or subtitle text may be processed outside your country. Refer to the provider’s policy for processing locations and safeguards.

Children and policy updates

OpenSubs is not directed at children under 13. If you believe a child’s personal information has been provided to us through support, contact the email address above. When desktop data practices change, this policy will be updated along with the date shown on this page. You can review the current policy before using an updated app.

This policy webpage

This webpage retains the site’s analytics script. When hosted on opensubs.app, page-view and interaction events may be sent to the site’s self-hosted analytics service. This page does not receive media processed in the desktop app. External websites have their own privacy policies.