Fact · Dictation on Windows
Number overlays work best on the primary monitor, and using them on a secondary monitor gives an error message.
Checked against its source on October 16, 2026
In the source's own words
“Number overlays work best on the primary monitor. If you try to use overlays on your secondary monitor or on an app in the secondary monitor, you will see an error message.”
Use voice to interact with items on the screen, Microsoft Support, 2026, Interact with UI items using number overlays.
Open the original- What it measures
- This limits the overlay commands on a multi-monitor setup. Move the window you want onto the primary display before you say Show numbers.
- What it does not show
- The same limit applies to the grid overlay, which the mouse page also says works best on the primary monitor.