So I'm just about to re-download Skyrim from scratch after re-verifying the cache, disabling all mods, disabling all plugins, renaming all the folders with "loose files" (textures, etc.) so they're not loaded, etc. to see how I can get dual-casting back into my game. I noticed on my current game it wasn't working with Conjuration nor Alteration. Here's how I tested:

- Disabled all mods and plugins.
- Made a new Breton character and waited through the entire opening sequence until I had complete control of my character, then did a hard save.
- Used "player.incpcs conjuration" until I leveled up twice to Level 3, picking the Novice Conjuration and Dual Casting perks.
- Tried Dual-Casting "Summon Familiar".

The spell casted itself TWICE instead of being properly dual-cast (you can sometimes see two portals and you hear the sound twice), and under "Active Effects" it still says 60 seconds (default duration).

Also tried "player.additem 000a26ec 1" to give myself "Spell Tome: Conjure Flame Atronach" and see if I could do it with that spell. Same result.

Exited out of Skyrim completely and reloaded the save. This time I did "player.inpcs alteration" until Level 3, picking Novice Alteration and its Dual Casting perk. Used "player.additem 0009e2a8 1" to give myself the spell tome for Oakflesh.

Same problem -- the duration doesn't change whether cast with one hand or dual-cast.

Now I have a question...is there a different way to select a spell for dual cast mode? The way I'm currently doing it is unequipping it entirely, then either left-clicking then right-clicking or right-clicking then left-clicking to select it in both hands. I then hold down one mouse button, then the other, so that my character is visibly charging both spells before I release both mouse buttons at the same time.

I never actually tried using a Dual Casting perk before in any of my playthroughs, but I did notice that using starting spells like "Flames" properly changes the position of my character's hands like he's dual-casting the spell when channeling the spell using both hands at the same time.

I'll let you know how re-downloading and starting yet *another* new game goes. I'm not optimistic as I've disabled everything that could possibly be interfering.

Edit: Just to note, I asked someone else on IRC earlier and they confirmed in their game using the Dual Casting perk with Conjure Flame Atronach gives a duration of 150 seconds.

I normally hold both buttons at the same time when dual casting. The way you describe it you might cast two spells at once instead of one more powerful. Are you sure this isn't what you're doing? Instead of charging up two spells, your hands should twist and form one bigger ball in between. Is this what's happening?
I don't see why conjuration dualcasting wouldn't work if it works fine for Flames...

And yes, your summon should have increased duration when dualcast.

Hmm no, I never saw the "big ball between two hands" effect. I ignored spells in my 1st playthrough and played Conjuration in my 2nd, and when using Bound Sword, and could never get it working right when I hit both mouse buttons at once, so I thought you weren't suppose to dual cast that way. But that makes sense, as otherwise you wouldn't be able to cast two of the same spell at once. I'll try that out when Skyrim's done re-downloading.

Yes, you have to click both mouse buttons at the same time to dual-cast. You will see one spell in between your two hands instead of one in each hand when you do this.

I just checked, you can't dualcast Bound Sword. Logically, it should create one sword with longer duration, but instead it works like double-casted spell and creates two normal sword. Other bound weapons probably won't work either.

Too bad you had to go through reinstallation

Yeah, I was working on a Conjuration mod and saw that Bound Sword is coded oddly when it comes to dual casting, and that's when I went in-game to check. can now dual cast just fine by using both mouse buttons at once...well now don't I feel silly (and incredibly stupid!) Also, it appears you can dual-cast Bound Sword, it just always goes in the left hand. I'll have to test more to see if the coding irregularity means anything.

I'll ask a moderator to lock this thread.

As requested.