Install Software Updates to Resolve JAWS and ZoomText Issues

When installing Chrome and Edge versions 134 and 135, JAWS and ZoomText users have experienced issues that can be resolved by following the steps provided in this blog post.

Known issues:

  • In Chrome versions 134 and 135, when attempting to copy and paste text from a web page in Chrome using JAWS, the copy function did not work. In some cases, JAWS would not recognize language changes, and performance could be slow on some web pages.
  • When using Chrome versions 134 and 135 with ZoomText Magnifier/Reader, the Mouse Echo feature, which speaks text under the mouse pointer, no longer read bulleted lists when hovering over them.
  • Bulleted lists were not read correctly in AppReader, a ZoomText tool that reads onscreen text. Additionally, when using a ZoomText version prior to the March 2025 update, AppReader did not work at all. This was partially resolved in the March 2025 ZoomText update.

To resolve these issues, install the April update of JAWS, ZoomText, or Fusion 2025, and update Chrome and Edge to version 136.

Note: If you are using an earlier version of JAWS and experiencing these issues, update Chrome and Edge to resolve them. Also, if Edge version 136 is not yet available, continue checking for updates, as it will be available soon.

Download the April JAWS, ZoomText, or Fusion Update

If you are running the latest version of JAWS, ZoomText, or Fusion 2025 and automatic updates are enabled, you can start the download and installation process from the update notification.

You can also follow these steps to download and install the April update of JAWS, ZoomText, or Fusion 2025 on a computer connected to the internet:

  1. Select any of the following links to automatically download the software update: JAWS, ZoomText, or Fusion. Optionally, visit the Freedom Scientific website and locate these links under the “Software Releases” heading found near the bottom of the page.
  2. Save the setup file to a location where you can easily find it (for example, your Downloads folder).
  3. Place the focus on the Setup file, and press ENTER to run it.
  4. Follow the installation instructions that are displayed. The language automatically matches that of your operating system.

Update Chrome from the Help Menu

To update Chrome:

  1. Open your Chrome browser.
  2. Press ALT+F to access the Chrome menu, press the UP ARROW key to locate the Help submenu, then press ENTER.
  3. Press G to access “About Google Chrome.”
  4. Chrome will update automatically. JAWS will notify you that Chrome is checking for updates, and alert you when Chrome is up to date.
  5. Press ALT+F4 to close Chrome, then relaunch it for the update to take effect.
  6. Once Chrome is launched, use one of the following keystrokes to verify you have version 136.
    • If using a keyboard with an INSERT key, press CTRL+INSERT+V while in Chrome to hear JAWS speak the version number.
    • If you are using a keyboard without an INSERT key, press CTRL+CAPS LOCK+V while in Chrome to hear JAWS speak the version number.

Update Edge from the Help Menu

To update Edge from the Help menu:

  1. Open your Edge browser.
  2. Press ALT+F to access the menu.
  3. Press the UP ARROW key to locate Help and Feedback and press ENTER.
  4. Press the DOWN ARROW key to locate the About Microsoft Edge option, then press ENTER.
  5. Edge will update automatically. JAWS will notify you that Edge is checking for updates, and alert you when Edge is up to date.
  6. Press ALT+F4 to close Edge, then relaunch it for the update to take effect.
  7. Once Edge is launched, use one of the following keystrokes to verify you have version 136.
    • If using a keyboard with an INSERT key, press CTRL+INSERT+V while in Edge to hear JAWS speak the version number.
    • If you are using a keyboard without an INSERT key, press CTRL+CAPS LOCK+V while in Chrome to hear JAWS speak the version number.

If you have any questions or need assistance, send an email to training@vispero.com.