Skip to main content
Dasher

Windows Installation

Dasher runs on all modern versions of Windows, from Windows XP through Windows 11.

System Requirements

  • Windows XP or later (Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11 supported)
  • 50 MB free disk space
  • 256 MB RAM minimum (512 MB recommended)

Downloading

Download the latest stable release from GitHub Releases:

Download Dasher for Windows

Select the Windows installer (usually named Dasher-x.x.x.exe or similar).

Installation

  1. Run the installer

    • Double-click the downloaded .exe file
    • If Windows SmartScreen appears, click “More info” then “Run anyway”

  2. Choose installation options

    • Select installation directory (default: C:\Program Files\Dasher)
    • Choose who can use Dasher (all users or just you)
    • Select start menu folder

  3. Complete the installation

    • Click “Install”
    • Wait for installation to complete
    • Click “Finish”

  4. Launch Dasher

    • Dasher should launch automatically
    • Or find it in Start Menu → Dasher

Installing for Portable Use

To run Dasher without installing:

  1. Download the ZIP version from GitHub Releases
  2. Extract to a USB drive or folder
  3. Run Dasher.exe from that location
  4. No administrator privileges required

Input Devices on Windows

Dasher for Windows supports many input methods:

Mouse (Most Common)

  • Move the mouse to steer through the text
  • Click to select and confirm
  • Adjustable sensitivity in settings

Eye-Tracking

Compatible with:

  • Tobii Eye Tracker (4C, 5, Eye Tracker 4)
  • Tobii Dynavox I-series and PCEye series
  • MyGaze assistive eye trackers
  • Alea Intelligaze eye trackers

Setup:

  1. Install your eye tracker software first
  2. Calibrate using the tracker’s software
  3. In Dasher, go to Settings → Control → Input Device
  4. Select your eye tracker from the list
  5. Adjust dwell time in settings

Head-Tracking

Use a webcam to track head movements:

  1. Go to Settings → Control → Input Device
  2. Select “Head tracking (webcam)”
  3. Allow camera access when prompted
  4. Follow the calibration wizard

Joystick/Gamepad

  • USB joysticks
  • Xbox controllers
  • PlayStation controllers (with adapter)
  • Generic gamepads

Setup:

  1. Connect your controller
  2. In Dasher, go to Settings → Control → Input Device
  3. Select “Joystick”
  4. Calibrate axes

Switch Access

For single-switch or multiple-switch scanning:

  1. Connect switches via:

    • USB switch interface
    • Serial port
    • Keyboard (spacebar, enter)
    • Mouse buttons

  2. Go to Settings → Control → Input Device

  3. Select “Button(s) / Switch(es)”

  4. Configure number of switches and scan mode

Speech Output

Dasher can speak entered text using Windows Speech API.

Enabling Speech

  1. Ensure Windows Speech API is installed:

  2. In Dasher, go to Settings → Speech

  3. Check “Enable speech”

  4. Select voice from dropdown

  5. Adjust rate and volume

Installing Additional Voices

Windows 10/11:

  1. Go to Settings → Time & Language → Speech
  2. Under “Manage voices”, click “Add voices”
  3. Download language packs as needed

Troubleshooting

Problem: “Windows protected your PC” warning

Solution:

  • Click “More info”
  • Click “Run anyway”
  • This is Windows SmartScreen for unsigned software

Problem: Dasher won’t start

Solution:

  • Ensure you’re using Windows XP or later
  • Run as administrator: Right-click → Run as administrator
  • Check Windows Event Viewer for crash logs
  • Try the portable version instead

Problem: Speech output not working

Solution:

  • Install Microsoft Speech SDK 5.1 if on Windows 7 or earlier
  • Check Windows is not muted
  • Test in Control Panel → Speech Recognition
  • Try a different voice in Dasher settings

Problem: Eye tracker not detected

Solution:

  • Ensure eye tracker software is installed and working
  • Test tracker in manufacturer’s software
  • Try running Dasher as administrator
  • Check for Windows updates
  • Try a different USB port

Problem: Installation fails

Solution:

  • Ensure you have admin rights
  • Disable antivirus temporarily
  • Run installer from a local folder (not network drive)
  • Download installer again (may be corrupted)

Uninstalling

To remove Dasher from Windows:

  1. Go to Control Panel → Programs and Features
  2. Find “Dasher” in the list
  3. Click Uninstall
  4. Choose whether to keep user settings and training files

Advanced: Command Line Options

Dasher supports several command-line options:

Dasher.exe --options-file=path/to/file  # Load custom settings
Dasher.exe --alphabet=english            # Start with specific alphabet
Dasher.exe --fullscreen                  # Start in fullscreen mode

Need Help?