In comparison with smartphone versions, the Windows version allows for concurrent texts, fast hovering, and parallel lists for words and characters.
DDB Access is available on Microsoft Store (automatic updates) and with the link below (manual updates but reinstallable).
It should be stressed that, as a vintage application maintained by a vintage developer, both this website and the store version may vanish at any time.
Frequent users should prefer the reinstallable version below and keep a copy of the installation file.
With universities and institutions quickly moving to AI, DDB Access remains helpful to audit AI results and thwart AI hallucinations, as well as for any scholars wanting to challenge AI interpretations.
- Dictionaries updated.
Previous version: v2026.03
- System requirements: Windows 10 or 11.
- Ignore SmartScreen warnings (blue screen):
Windows protected your PC > More info > Run anyway
- Keep a copy of the installation file.
Due to hardened Windows security, just reaching the blue screen might require additional steps or custom security settings.
To my US users: I have always been committed to providing high-quality software for free. However, with the recent changes in Windows security policies and related certificates, the cost of 'free' has become prohibitive. The financial and administrative burden of simply 'existing' on Windows is no longer sustainable for an independent developer.
1) After 15 years, the application needs a full rewrite to facilitate maintenance. Another target is to have the same version on this website and on Microsoft Store.
Last year, the modern WinUI 3 framework was seen as an adequate basis, but it eventually appeared as incredibly complex and unstable. Moreover, due to well-documented instability and (litteraly) breaking changes in Microsoft's WinUI tooling, updates of the store version are currently put on hold.
A work is in progress for a professional, modern, and stable version with the Avalonia tool. Avalonia is derived from the excellent WPF tool used for the initial version, and allows for a shared Mac and Windows development. It is used by several large companies and seems reasonably mature. In case of success, it will strongly facilitate further developments.
2) Due to the extreme hardening of Windows security, downloading the reinstallable version above as recommended, may not be possible with default Windows security settings.
3) Practically speaking, at the moment:
- The above version can be updated but requires some Windows expertise for installation.
- Updates of the store version are put on hold.
