Willo Not Working? Fixes for "Can't Run", Mic and Talk Key Problems

"This copy of the app can't run Willo's voice or ears"

That message means the copy of me you have can't run my voice or my ears. Reinstall me from the download page. Typing to me still works until then.

My talk key does nothing (Mac)

macOS has to allow me to hear your key. If I show "macOS keeps F6 from me · my mic button still works":

1. Open System Settings › Privacy & Security › Input Monitoring.
2. Switch Willo on.
3. Reopen me.

Meanwhile, the mic button in my window works.

Willo can't hear me (Mac)

If I say "Microphone is off for me":

1. Open System Settings › Privacy & Security › Microphone.
2. Switch Willo on.
3. Reopen me.

Typing still works.

Willo can't hear me (Windows)

1. Pick your microphone under Talk with Willo in Settings › Basics.
2. Open Windows Settings › Privacy & security › Microphone and check it isn't blocked.
3. Press and hold Hold to try. The bar shows how loud you are, and letting go shows the words I heard.

Typing still works.

Willo can't see the game (Mac)

macOS shows me the game only once you allow it: System Settings › Privacy & Security › Screen & System Audio Recording, switch Willo on, then quit and reopen me.

I hold the key but nothing happens

• My ears may still be downloading. If I say my ears download on a connection that isn't metered, or that they need a little more room on your computer, they'll come once that's sorted. Type to me meanwhile!
• My ears may be set to text only. If I say "Willo speaks, and you type", your ears setting is text only. Change it in my settings to talk out loud.
• You changed the talk key while the game was running? Type /reload in game.

I typed and Willo didn't speak

That's on purpose: typed questions get text answers. Ask out loud with your talk key to hear me.

I'm out of answers

The free Adventurer plan has 50 answers a day. My window shows how many you have left today, and they come back at midnight UTC (4 pm Pacific in winter). For unlimited answers, see the plans.

None of these fixed it

Tell us on Send feedback. Say what you see on screen and whether you're on Windows or Mac.

FAQ

What does "this copy of the app can't run Willo's voice or ears" mean?

The installed copy of Willo can't run her voice or speech recognition. Reinstall her from the download page.

Why doesn't my talk key work on Mac?

macOS needs to allow it. Switch Willo on under System Settings, Privacy & Security, Input Monitoring, then reopen her.

Why can't Willo hear me on Mac?

Switch Willo on under System Settings, Privacy & Security, Microphone, then reopen her. Typing works meanwhile.

Why did Willo answer in text?

Typed questions get text answers. Hold your talk key and ask out loud to hear her.