Frequently Asked Questions

What operating systems does Speaking Access support?

Speaking Access supports Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Do I need an internet connection to use the software?

No internet connection is required to run Speaking Access, except when you want to send emails or use normal online features. All voice control runs locally on your device.

Does Speaking Access work with screen readers?

Speaking Access is designed to work with NVDA. It has not been extensively tested with JAWS.

Can I try it before I buy it?

Yes, a 7‑day free trial is available through the Microsoft Store.

Does it support long-form dictation?

Yes. Speaking Access includes a feature called Post Mode, which supports conversational, long-form dictation. It's not perfect but quite acceptable for a local, offline speech recognition engine.

How is my privacy protected?

All recognition is local. Nothing is sent to the cloud, and nothing about your voice commands is stored or reported. Your data stays on your computer.

Can I use voice commands in third-party applications?

Yes. Speaking Access can control the desktop, browsers, and Windows-based programs like WordPad, Notepad, and File Explorer. Voice commands will work in most third-party apps that respond to standard Windows input.

Does it work with touchscreens?

No. Speaking Access is fully voice-activated and does not use touchscreen gestures.

Do I need a microphone or headset?

For voice commands only, a basic microphone is fine. For dictation, a microphone headset is strongly recommended to prevent feedback. Without a headset, dictation often performs poorly.

Super user tip: Some users have successfully used a laptop’s built-in mic combined with external speakers facing away from the laptop screen, or even a soundboard with tone adjustments. However, a good microphone headset is always the best option.

Is technical support available?

There is no dedicated technical support yet, but you can reach out through the contact page, and we’ll do our best to help.