So, you’ve got this cool voice tool, Dragon NaturallySpeaking, and it works with programs like Word, Excel, and Outlook through something called the “natspeak” add-in. But sometimes, this add-in gets switched off. Let’s quickly go over how to turn it back on!
The “natspeak” add-in refers to an integration component associated with Dragon NaturallySpeaking, a speech recognition software developed by Nuance Communications. This add-in allows Dragon NaturallySpeaking to function seamlessly within Microsoft Office applications, such as Word, Excel, and Outlook.
When you use Dragon NaturallySpeaking with these Office applications, the “natspeak” add-in lets you dictate text directly into documents, spreadsheets, or emails. If this add-in gets disabled or is not working correctly, the seamless integration between Dragon NaturallySpeaking and the Microsoft Office suite may be disrupted, meaning you might not be able to dictate or use voice commands effectively within these applications.
It’s called “natspeak” because “NatSpeak” is a short form of “NaturallySpeaking,” the full name of the Dragon software.
Why Did It Turn Off?
Sometimes, Word, Excel, or Outlook might turn off add-ins if they think it’s slowing things down a bit when you start the program.
How to Turn It Back On
For Word & Excel:
- Open Word or Excel.
- Click on ‘File’ at the top left.
- Choose ‘Options’.
- Click ‘Add-ins’ on the left.
- At the bottom, pick ‘COM Add-ins’ and click ‘Go…’.
- Find “natspeak” and check its box.
- Click ‘OK’. Restart Word or Excel.
For Outlook:
The steps are pretty much the same
- Open Outlook.
- Go to ‘File’.
- Pick ‘Options’.
- Choose ‘Add-ins’.
- Select ‘COM Add-ins’ and click ‘Go…’.
- Check the box for “natspeak”.
- Click ‘OK’ and then restart Outlook.
- Stop It from Turning Off Again
To keep it from turning off again, make sure you keep both Dragon and your Office programs updated. This helps them work better together.
Wrapping Up
So, if Dragon’s “natspeak” tool ever stops working in Word, Excel, or Outlook, don’t worry. Just follow these steps to get it going again. Happy talking and typing!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the “Natspeak” Add-in
What is the “natspeak” add-in?
It’s an integration tool for Dragon NaturallySpeaking, a speech recognition software. This add-in allows Dragon to work smoothly within Microsoft Office applications, such as Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Why is my “natspeak” add-in disabled in Microsoft Office?
There could be multiple reasons, including software conflicts, Office trying to speed up its start-up process, or manual disabling by a user.
How can I re-enable the “natspeak” add-in?
You can re-enable it through the Add-ins option in the File menu of your Microsoft Office application. If the add-in is not listed, it might need to be added again or reinstalled.
Is the “natspeak” add-in compatible with all versions of Microsoft Office?
Mostly, it’s designed to be compatible with popular versions of Office, but it’s always good to check Dragon’s official documentation or website for specifics on compatibility.
Does the “natspeak” add-in work with Dragon Home Edition?
The integration typically works best with Dragon Professional versions, but some features might work with the Home Edition as well.
Why is there a lag in dictation when I use the “natspeak” add-in?
Potential causes include software conflicts, heavy system load, or issues with the specific Office application. Updating both Dragon and Office might help.
Will the “natspeak” add-in slow down my Office applications?
It might cause a slight delay upon startup in some instances, which is why Office sometimes disables it. However, under normal conditions, its impact on performance should be minimal.
Do I need an internet connection to use the “natspeak” add-in?
While Dragon NaturallySpeaking has an offline mode, some features, especially cloud-based ones, might require an active internet connection.
Can I customize voice commands in Office with the “natspeak” add-in?
Yes, with Dragon NaturallySpeaking Professional versions, you can create custom voice commands for various tasks within Office applications.
I updated my Office suite, and now the “natspeak” add-in doesn’t work. What should I do?
It’s possible there’s a compatibility issue. Check Nuance’s website for updates to the Dragon software or guidelines on compatibility with newer versions of Office.
Remember, if you face consistent issues, it’s a good idea to reach out to Dragon support or refer to their official documentation and user forums.
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