Not working

[packam49]

Hi,

I use Work by Speech to control mouse by speech. Unfortunately Avast seems to block Work by Speech, because mouse clicking by speech doesn't work in Avast.
Mouse clicking by speech works in every other app I know.

You can find more information about this app here:
https://www.workbyspeech.com/

[DavidR]

1.  To be able to do anything would require more than Not Working  ?
e.g. are you getting any errors and or Avast Alerts, etc. 
What OS version, What Avast Product and version number  ?

2. EDIT

[packam49]

I'm not getting any errors.

Mouse clicking by speech isn't working in Avast. It's being blocked by Avast. So I can't do anything in Avast, because I don't use physical mouse at all.

I use Windows 10 64-bit and latest Avast Free Antivirus version (downloaded today from official Avast website).

[DavidR]

I'm not getting any errors.

Mouse clicking by speech isn't working in Avast. It's being blocked by Avast. So I can't do anything in Avast, because I don't use physical mouse at all.

I use Windows 10 64-bit and latest Avast Free Antivirus version (downloaded today from official Avast website).

Presumably it has worked previously with Avast installed  ?

Does it work when used outside of the Avast user interface, e.g. with other applications, as you are saying "it is blocked by Avast" but you are also saying "I can't do anything in Avast"

Avast would generally throw up an error or alert screen "if it is blocking."

Whilst I don't use workbyspeach, I'm using win10, but I'm not using the latest 23.3 version, so I can't try it to see.

What version were you using when it last worked  ?

If using Avast Free then FilePuma.com keeps old versions this should show 23.2.xxxx https://www.filepuma.com/search/Avast/#gsc.tab=0&gsc.ie=UTF8&gsc.sort=&gsc.q=Avast - download and save this version to your computer.

If you are able to uninstall Avast from the Control Panel - Programs and Features - Avast - Uninstal - restart and install Avast Free 23.2.xxx

[packam49]

I've never used mouse clicking by speech in Avast before.

I was using Norton 360 before and mouse clicking by speech was working in Norton 360.

I decided to test Avast, because it won so many awards, but I can't use it, because it blocks mouse clicking by speech. Keys pressing works in Avast, but  changing settings in Avast by keyboard is problematic.

Mouse clicking by speech works in every other app I use which is why I'm sure it's an Avast only issue. I would send this information to Avast developers, but free Avast users are supposed to use the forum for support.

[DavidR]

I don't know if this might have something to do with the Avast Self-Defence module, which essentially prevents other applications changing it.

Are you able to use a keyboard at all ?
If you are you could try disabling the Self-Defence module:
Avast UI > Menu > Settings > General > Troubleshooting > uncheck the Self-Defence module.  See attached screenshot.

Not really knowing how 'Work by Speech' actually works I wonder if it used a system level driver or not.  If so you could try unchecking this option first and testing and then disabling the Self-Defence module.  That said it does introduce a level of risk to malware trying to modify/block Avast.

[packam49]

I can use a keyboard.

Disabling the Self-Defence module solved the issue. Thank you for your help.

It's weird that I didn't have this issue in Norton 360. It's a pretty good antivirus too.

[DavidR]

You're welcome, I guess Norton doesn't have self defence to prevent it being modified/disabled

[Spec8472]

This application is not (authenticode) signed, so it is considered suspicious and emulated mouse input is blocked.