Dragon dictation —no web browser compatibility in Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome (RESOLVED)

Question

Regarding the issue of having no web browser compatibility with Dragon Professional Individual in Chrome or Edge. “Click <link>” and "Show links" commands do not function, and no Full text control (no green light in the Dragon Bar, no editing or formatting ability) in any text boxes — I've found the solution and written the instructions for applying the fix below:

1. follow this link, which takes you to an official Microsoft website where you can download the needed executable, Microsoft Visual C++ 2012 Update 4: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=30679
2. scroll down the page to where it says download and click the download button. When prompted, select VSU_4\vcredist_x86.exe and VSU_4\vcredist_x64.exe. to download. You do not need the other file, with the name ending in "Arm".
3. navigate to the downloads tab in your web browser, or your downloads folder in Windows File Explorer. Double click on VSU_4\vcredist_x86.exe and follow the prompts to install. After, follow the same process with VSU_4\vcredist_x64.exe.
4. Close and reopen Google Chrome, navigate to a webpage such as YouTube or the weather network, and proceed to test the "show links", "click link" (i.e. "click <name>"). Try clicking into a text field and check if you have the green light on the dragon bar. This means you have full text control, giving you the ability to edit, correct,and format text.

I've tested this fix on several computers and it works for Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge. The fix was posted in an update to the related thread in December on the Nuance website:

https://nuance.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a\_id/29864/track/AvMIgwr2Dv8S~WF6GnQe~yJ~820qLS75Mv~V~zj~PP8c

Thanks to everyone who attempted to help with this issue, and I'm glad for all who have been affected by it that we finally have a resolution.

Answer 1

I also had this issue and have managed to find a fix (for me at least).

The first 'known issue' described in these release notes: https://www.nuance.com/products/help/dragon16/dragon-for-pc/enx/dpg-vla/Content/ReleaseNotes/DG\_relnotes\_16.htm#Fixed%20Issues

After installing the Dragon Web extensions for Edge or Chrome, dictation will continues to work but you can no longer use Dragon commands. This can result when the Microsoft C++ 2012 Redistributable(X64 and x86) is either not installed or has been removed. Workaround: Install Microsoft C++ 2012 Redistributable from the Microsoft: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=30679

After installing the X64 and X86 software the issue resolved.

Good luck

Answer 2

Hi Stewart_999，

Thank you for sharing this solution! It's helpful to have a workaround for this issue with Dragon Professional Individual. Installing the Microsoft C++ 2012 Redistributable components is a step that can resolve compatibility issues with Dragon's web extensions in Edge and Chrome. This information can be valuable for users who encounter similar problems.

Your Sincerely

Hahn - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

Answer 3

Good news for anyone else with this issue. I've found the solution and written the instructions for applying the fix below:

1. follow this link, which takes you to an official Microsoft website where you can download the needed executable, Microsoft Visual C++ 2012 Update 4: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=30679
2. scroll down the page to where it says download and click the download button. When prompted, select VSU_4\vcredist_x86.exe and VSU_4\vcredist_x64.exe. to download. You do not need the other file, with the name ending in "Arm".
3. navigate to the downloads tab in your web browser, or your downloads folder in Windows File Explorer. Double click on VSU_4\vcredist_x86.exe and follow the prompts to install. After, follow the same process with VSU_4\vcredist_x64.exe.
4. Close and reopen Google Chrome, navigate to a webpage such as YouTube or the weather network, and proceed to test the "show links", "click link" (i.e. "click "). Try clicking into a text field and check if you have the green light on the dragon bar. This means you have full text control, giving you the ability to edit, correct,and format text.

I've tested it on several computers that it works for Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge. The fix was actually posted recently on the Nuance website:

https://nuance.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a\_id/29864/track/AvMIgwr2Dv8S~WF6GnQe~yJ~820qLS75Mv~V~zj~PP8c

Answer 4

Hi

I just had a quick look in Dragon 16 for compatibility mode and the latest version of Windows is Windows 8.

This is on a windows 11 machine with the latest version of Dragon.

Is this really the compatibility mode we should be suggested our users select?

Answer 5

Hi Hunter,

Welcome to Microsoft Community.

I'm Hahn and I'm here to help you with your concern.3

I understand the frustration and challenges your students are facing with Dragon Professional Individual in Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome on Windows 11 Home. It's important to ensure that assistive technologies work properly for individuals with physical disabilities.

Here are some steps to consider:

1. Update Dragon NaturallySpeaking: Ensure that both Dragon 15 and Dragon 16 are updated to their latest versions. Manufacturers often release updates and patches to address compatibility issues.
2. Update Windows 11: Make sure that Windows 11 is up-to-date with the latest updates and patches. Microsoft frequently releases updates to improve compatibility and address issues.
3. Dragon Compatibility Mode: Try running Dragon in compatibility mode. Right-click the Dragon shortcut, go to Properties, and navigate to the Compatibility tab. Here, you can set Dragon to run in compatibility mode for Windows 10 or an earlier version. This can sometimes help with compatibility issues on newer Windows versions.
4. Submit Feedback: Both Microsoft and Nuance appreciate user feedback. You can submit feedback through the Feedback Hub in Windows 11 and directly to Nuance regarding the compatibility issues your students are facing. This may help them prioritize and address the issue.

Send feedback to Microsoft with the Feedback Hub app - Microsoft Support

Please share the feedback link here after submitting as it will allow others on the forum to vote for your submission, including me. More votes will lead to more visibility and higher priority to the development team. 

However, Windows 11 has its own voice access features that allow users to type with their voice on a virtual keyboard. You can also download Speech Packs from the Microsoft Store for better performance of transcription. You may want to try these features and see if they work better for your students. Set up voice access - Microsoft Support

I hope this helps.  If there is anything not clear, please do not hesitate to let me know.

Your Sincerely

Hahn - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist