Every desktop AI interview copilot needs two things from your computer: the microphone and the audio of the call. On a Mac the second usually means approving Screen and System Audio Recording, and some tools also ask for Accessibility or screen access for shortcuts and screen-reading features; on Windows, LockedIn AI and Hedy AI say no extra permission is needed. This page lists what each vendor says it installs and asks for, as described on its own site on November 13, 2026. CoPilot Interview, which we make, runs as a separate window and listens to the call and your microphone, and it is our pick for most people choosing a desktop copilot they can test before paying.
What each copilot installs and asks for
| Tool | What you install | Mac permissions it names | Windows | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoPilot Interview (ours) ★ Best choice | Desktop app for Windows 10 and 11 and macOS 12 or later | Microphone and access to the call's audio | Microphone and the call's audio | Runs as a separate window beside the meeting app |
| Final Round AI | Desktop app for Apple silicon and Intel Macs and Windows 10 or newer | Microphone, system audio (macOS 14.4 or later) and screen access for Auto-capture and Solve screen | The same three roles | Its FAQ says the app automatically records session audio in live, phone and practice sessions and uploads it after the session, without screen video |
| Verve AI | Desktop app (Mac 2.3.12, Windows 2.3.13) or browser | Microphone and screen recording, when prompted | The same prompts | The browser route shares a tab, window or screen with audio |
| LockedIn AI | Desktop app (universal Mac build; Windows 10 or 11) or web app | Screen and System Audio Recording, Microphone, and Accessibility for shortcuts; quit and reopen after granting | No permission required; SmartScreen may warn on first launch | Safari and Firefox are not supported for the web app |
| Sensei AI | Nothing; a web app | The browser asks to share the interview screen or tab | The same | Chrome recommended |
| Parakeet AI | Desktop app, or desktop Chrome | Screen Recording, which it said in October 2026 is how macOS lets it hear the call | Not described | The browser route shares the call's tab |
| Cluely | Mac app from the Mac App Store; Windows 11 x64 download | Not listed in its quickstart | Not listed | Its quickstart asks you to link Google Calendar; 8 GB of RAM recommended |
| Interview Coder | Desktop app moved into Applications | Not listed on its help page | Not listed | The free download has no AI features |
| Beyz AI | Desktop app 0.1.10 (macOS 14 or later, Windows 11 22H2 or later) or web app | Not published | Not published | Separate Apple silicon and Intel installers |
| Hedy AI | Native apps for Mac, Windows, iPhone and Android | Microphone and Screen and System Audio Recording; it says it takes no screenshots | Nothing extra; the installer adds a Visual C++ runtime | Optional Camera, Photo Library and Local Network access |
| Interview Sidekick | Desktop app, or Chrome with tab sharing | Screen and System Audio Recording on its download page; its help also mentions the microphone | Play the call through your default output device (October 2026) | The Chrome route needs the meeting to run in Chrome |
Competitor details are as each vendor listed them on its own site on November 13, 2026. Items marked October 2026 come from our earlier reading of the same vendor's pages, used where the page did not show the figure today. They change often, so confirm on the vendor's site before you pay.
Why an audio tool asks for Screen Recording
macOS puts system audio capture under the Screen and System Audio Recording permission, so a copilot that only wants to hear the interviewer still triggers a prompt that mentions the screen. Hedy AI's help says the name is misleading for its app, which does not take screenshots, and that on macOS 15 and later you can grant audio without screen access. Tools with screen-reading features, such as Final Round AI's Auto-capture, do use the screen, so read why each one asks. Our guide to macOS permissions for interview apps walks through each prompt, and the Mac support comparison lists the macOS version each tool needs.
Permissions worth questioning
- Accessibility. It lets an app observe and control other apps. LockedIn AI uses it for keyboard shortcuts; grant it only if you want those shortcuts.
- Screen access. Needed for screen-reading features, not for hearing a call. If you will not use those features, ask whether the tool works without it.
- Calendar linking. Cluely's quickstart asks you to connect Google Calendar for alerts and briefs, which shares your schedule with it.
- Automatic recording. Final Round AI's FAQ says its desktop app records session audio and uploads it after the session. Know where recordings go before an interview.
- Optional extras. Hedy AI lists Camera, Photo Library and Local Network as optional. What permissions an interview app should ask for sets out a reasonable minimum.
Work laptops and managed computers
A computer managed by an employer or school may block installs or audio permissions, and some vendors publish separate instructions for managed devices. Do not try to get around those controls: install on a personal computer instead, or use a browser tool for practice. If you are interviewing for an internal role on a company laptop, the company's rules apply twice, so follow your employer's rules.
A safe install routine
- Download from the vendor's own site or an official app store, never from a link in a message.
- Read each permission prompt and grant only what the features you will use need.
- Run a test call with a recorded question and check captions appear.
- Read the privacy page for what is stored and for how long; our privacy policy comparison summarises each vendor's.
- When your search ends, revoke the permissions (System Settings, Privacy and Security on a Mac; Settings, Privacy and security on Windows) and uninstall.
Where CoPilot Interview fits
★ Best choice for a desktop copilot you can test before paying: CoPilot Interview. CoPilot Interview is an interview copilot built as a desktop app for Windows 10 and 11 and macOS 12 or later. It runs as a separate window, listens to the call and your microphone, and shows captions and a structured answer in about two seconds. It needs the microphone and the call's audio, and you can test it before paying: The free plan gives 15 minutes a day of live help in sessions of up to 15 minutes, with AI mock interviews included. Paid plans are $24.99 (Standard) or $39.99 (Pro) a month, and hour packs cost $9.99, $29.99 or $49.99. Grant what it asks for the day before, and follow your employer's rules.
Also consider: Hedy AI if you want a tool that documents every macOS permission it requests and asks for nothing extra on Windows.
Disclosure: CoPilot Interview is our product, so weigh what we say about it accordingly.
Frequently asked questions
What permissions does an AI interview copilot need?
At minimum, the microphone and access to the call's audio. On a Mac the audio comes under Screen and System Audio Recording; some tools also ask for Accessibility or screen access for extra features.
Why does a copilot need Screen Recording on a Mac?
macOS groups system audio capture with Screen and System Audio Recording. Hedy AI notes that macOS 15 and later can grant audio without screen access.
Does any copilot record my interview audio?
Final Round AI's FAQ says its desktop app automatically records session audio in live, phone and practice sessions and uploads it after the session, without screen video. Check each tool's privacy page before use.
Do Windows copilots need special permissions?
LockedIn AI says no permission is required on Windows, and Hedy AI says it captures meeting audio without one. Check that the right output device is selected and not muted.
Can I install a copilot on a work laptop?
Only if the device owner allows it. Do not work around management controls; use a personal computer, and follow your employer's rules.
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