Working with Leasey and JAWS 2026.

Introduction.

JAWS version 2026 is now available. This blog post gives useful information about upgrading to this new version and how to install Leasey into it in the correct way.

Should I Upgrade JAWS to version 2026?

Certainly yes. It is my view that this version is a significant improvement over 2025 in many areas and you are strongly advised to upgrade to it. If you have not paid for an upgrade to JAWS 2026 yet, or you do not have a Software Maintenance Agreement, you seriously want to think about this fairly quickly.

Should I Uninstall JAWS Version 2025 or 2024?

Absolutely not. I heard a podcast recently which suggested doing this. This is not recommended. When I install a new version of JAWS for any customer, I always keep a previous version installed.
Why is that? Because if the new release of JAWS does not work well with an application you use regularly, or there are difficulties with customising specific settings, you have a version you can go back to. JAWS versions can coexist on the same machine and you may wish to return to an earlier version. This is good advice you are being given.
Please do not uninstall the previous version until you are 100 percent satisfied that the new release is doing exactly what you want.
This advice also applies in the workplace; indeed it is even more important there.

How to Install Leasey Into JAWS 2026.

Thanks to Vispero, a number of our Leasey Beta Testers were able to test the product with JAWS 2026, so we know the below procedure is correct.

Installing JAWS 2026.

Please work through the following procedure.

  1. If you live in the United States, you are required to create an account to use JAWS version 2026. It is suggested that you do this as a first step. Visit this page to do so.
  2. Download and launch the JAWS 2026 application from the Vispero web site. If you are offered this upgrade as part of the automatic JAWS update process, the below instructions equally apply.
  3. Within the initial screen of the JAWS installation procedure, there are two Check boxes. The first, which is immediately in focus, prompts you to accept the License Agreement. There is an opportunity to read this which you may care to do. Assuming you agree with its terms, press the Space Bar to check it.
  4. This next step is critical. Press the Tab key to reach the next Check Box. This offers to migrate your settings from a previous version to the new one. Press the Space Bar to uncheck this box. If Leasey is installed, this merge procedure fails. We will merge settings in a later step.
  5. You can now press Enter to proceed with the installation as usual and restart the computer when prompted. You can then sign in with your account if prompted to do so.

Installing Leasey into JAWS 2026.

Please work through the following procedure.

  1. Download and install Leasey from the Hartgen Consultancy web site. This must be Leasey build 1080 or above. Please do not install any other Leasey build if it is below 1080. The link pointing to the download always states the build number.
  2. Note that since February of this year, the company web site URL has changed. This has been heavily promoted since then. You can Download Leasey here.
  3. Launch the program you have just downloaded. In most cases, pressing Enter to activate the “Next” Button on each screen should be sufficient. Following the opening screen, you will be asked to accept the Licence Agreement. Press the Tab key to reach a group of Radio buttons, any one of which can be selected by pressing the Up or Down Arrow keys. You should select the Radio button so as to accept the Licence Agreement, then press Enter to proceed. If you wish, you can read the Licence Agreement by pressing the Tab key so as to reach its Edit Field, and then work through it in the usual manner for reading text.
  4. On the next screen, the Leasey installer detects the versions of JAWS which are installed onto the machine and presents you with a series of Radio Buttons, inviting you to choose which release you would like to install Leasey into. JAWS 2026 is the most recent version so that should be the default. If necessary, press the Down Arrow key to select the version of JAWS you wish to use,, then press Enter.
  5. You will next be asked for a language folder into which Leasey should be installed. This refers to the JAWS language settings to be used. You should press the Down Arrow key until “enu (English US)” is selected, then press Enter. Indeed, this is usually the first item in the list.
  6. If you are installing Leasey into JAWS 2026, you will next be asked if you would like to import your existing settings from JAWS 2024 or 2025. There are three options in the Combo Box: Do not import, import from JAWS 2024 or import from JAWS 2025. If you do choose to import from JAWS 2024 or 2025, this includes any JAWS configuration files, voice profiles and notification rules you may have available in the older JAWS version. JAWS 2025 is the default option. If this is not to your taste, press Down Arrow to select one of the other options and then press Enter.
  7. Prior to copying the necessary files to the computer, you will be asked to confirm the location of the installation of JAWS script files. If JAWS is being used by a person with an alternative Windows account to the one shown, you should correct this in the Edit Field before proceeding, changing the text so it points to the Leasey user’s account instead. The majority of users will not have to be at all concerned with this screen and can just press Enter to continue with the Leasey installation. For I T Administrators in a corporate environment however, (who may be logged onto the computer using a different account to that of the user), this will be particularly important.
  8. Finally, prior to the installation proceeding, the installer will make a copy of your existing JAWS settings. These are located at c:\LeaseyData\JAWS XXX Backup, where XXX is the JAWS version number. The reason a folder is created with the JAWS version number is that if you decide to install Leasey into multiple JAWS versions, your original settings from that release can be reinstated if necessary. A Dialog Box will be displayed, stating the exact backup path. Press Enter to proceed.
  9. When the installer has completed creating the additional folders required for Leasey, and copying files to them, you will be prompted to restart the computer and you should comply with this request. This is critical! At that point, if you have chosen to import settings from a previous JAWS version, they should now be active together with the most current version of Leasey.

What Happens If The Above Advice for Installing JAWS and Leasey Has Been Ignored?

You may be in a position where someone has installed JAWS for you and did not uncheck the Migrate Settings Check Box. In such a situation, running the Leasey installer and choosing to import settings from a previous version of JAWS should resolve most problems. However, the cleanest way of resolving the situation is as follows:

  1. With JAWS 2026 running, press Insert+J to move to the JAWS window.
  2. Select “Options”.
  3. Select “Restore to Factory Settings”.
  4. You are asked if you would like to go ahead. Select “Yes”.
  5. JAWS will restart in its default configuration. You can then run the Leasey installer and proceed with the steps above.

Conclusion.

Do enjoy using Leasey with JAWS 2026. We know it is going to be an excellent experience. If you feel you would prefer some assistance with installing Leasey into this new version, remote assistance is available assuming you have Remote Incident Manager installed. If you haven’t got it installed, why not? Everyone should have it. You can download it here.