Known limitations: DRM streaming and games
Side Whisper opens your web apps in compact Chromium windows beside the rail. A few things work differently from a full browser or from the desktop apps of some services. Here is what to expect, and what to use instead.
#At a glance
| Limit | What happens | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| DRM streaming | Netflix, Spotify and other DRM services don’t play. | Use the service’s own Windows app or your usual browser. |
| Exclusive fullscreen | A game can hide the overlay. | Switch the game to Borderless windowed. |
| Anti-cheat | Some titles block overlays, focus changes or capture. | Try Borderless windowed, and follow the rules of your game. |
| Platforms | Windows 10 (1809 or later) and Windows 11, 64-bit only. | No macOS, Linux or ARM64 version. |
| Browser extensions | Not supported. | Ad blocking is built in. |
| Background notifications | A site can notify you only while its tab is open. | Keep the app’s tab open. |
#Why Netflix and Spotify don’t play in Side Whisper
Streaming services that protect their video or music with DRM need a Widevine module in the browser. Side Whisper’s browser windows run on Chromium without that module, so those services open but do not play.
- Video: Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Max and Apple TV+.
- Music: Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and Tidal.
- Any other site that protects its content with DRM works the same way.
LimitationDRM content does not play in Side Whisper. This is how the app is built, not a setting you can switch on.
What to use instead
Open the service in its own Windows app, if it has one, or in your usual browser. You can keep both beside your game or work as normal Windows windows.
What still plays
Sites that do not use DRM play normally, including ordinary videos on YouTube and Twitch.
NoteThe built-in Gaming Overlay template includes Spotify, so you will see its tile. The Spotify page loads, but it will not play music in Side Whisper. Remove the tile if you prefer; see Templates and themes.
#Does Side Whisper work with games and anti-cheat?
Yes, with two limits that come from the game, not from Side Whisper.
- Exclusive fullscreen can hide any overlay. Switch the game to Borderless windowed in its video settings. When a fullscreen game would hide the overlay, Side Whisper suggests this. The suggestion is a heuristic, not exclusive-fullscreen detection.
- Anti-cheat in some titles blocks overlays, focus changes or capture, and Side Whisper cannot override that. Try the game in Borderless windowed first, and keep to the rules of the game you play.
TipTo keep its own load low while you play, Side Whisper throttles inactive browser windows and tabs in Gaming by default. The Pro performance HUD shows what it uses. See Gaming modes.
#Which Windows versions does Side Whisper support?
- Windows 10 version 1809 or later, and Windows 11.
- 64-bit (x64) PCs only. There is no macOS, Linux, ARM64 Windows or mobile version.
- Side Whisper is installed and updated through the Microsoft Store only, for Free and Pro. The app has no updater of its own.
System requirements lists storage and memory, and Install and update explains how updates arrive.
#Can I use browser extensions in Side Whisper?
No. Side Whisper does not load browser extensions, so tools that work only as an extension, such as some password managers, are not available in its windows. Ad and tracker blocking is built in. Importing passwords and passkeys is not supported either, because Electron has no supported way to do it. You can import website sessions from a cookie export instead, under Settings, then Data & backup.
#Why don’t I get notifications when a site’s tab is closed?
Side Whisper turns a site’s notifications into Windows notifications and unread counts on the rail, but it does not run background Web Push. A site can notify you only while its tab is loaded. Memory Saver keeps an allowed app’s main tab awake for that reason.
#Other things that work differently
- Google sign-in on websites. Google can reject a sign-in from a browser it does not recognize. The app shows help, and Google website sign-in lists what to try.
- Very long dictation. A single recording of about 68 minutes of continuous speech fits. Past that, the overlay says Recording too long. Dictate in shorter parts.
- Websites keep their own look. Side Whisper never restyles websites, so a site shows its own light or dark appearance.
#Ask the community
Not sure whether something is a limit or a bug? Ask in the Side Whisper Discord, or write to support@sidewhisper.app.
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