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This article is for people who want to control their PC and author text using their voice with Windows. This article is part of the Accessibility support for Windows content set where you can find more information on Windows accessibility features. For general help, visit Microsoft Support home.

With voice access, you can use different ways to control your mouse with voice commands. For users with mobility disabilities, controlling a mouse with voice commands can be easier than using a physical mouse. For a list of voice access commands, go to Voice access command list.

Voice access is a feature in Windows 11 that enables everyone to control their PC and author text using only their voice and without an internet connection. For example, you can open and switch between apps, browse the web, and read and author email using your voice. For more information, go to Use voice access to control your PC & author text with your voice.

Voice access is available in Windows 11, version 22H2 and later. For more information on Windows 11 22H2 new features, and how to get the update, see What's new in recent Windows updates. Not sure which version of Windows you have? See: Find Windows version.

 In this topic

Move the mouse pointer with the grid overlay

Use the grid overlay to accurately move the mouse pointer to any location on the screen.

  1. Use the "Show grid" command to activate the grid overlay.

  2. Say a number between one and nine to move the mouse pointer to the center of the specified tile. For example, say "One." The grid is then redrawn in the specified tile.

    Microsoft Edge is open and on the Microsoft.com page. The voice access bar is on top and in listening state. The command issued is “1” and the feedback displayed is “Zoomed into grid “1”. Try saying “undo that” to go back to previous grid state.”

If you need to revert to the previous state of the grid, use the "Undo" command. The mouse pointer will automatically be placed at the center of the screen.

To do this

Say this

Example

Show grid overlay.

"Show grid"

Show grid overlay on a specific window.

"Show grid here" or "Show grid everywhere"

Hide grid overlay.

"Hide grid" or "Cancel"

Move the pointer to a specific tile.

"<Number>"

"One"

Revert to the previous state of the grid.

"Undo" or "Undo that"

Note: The grid overlay works best on a primary monitor. You might see an error message if the focus is on the secondary monitor.

Move the mouse pointer with mouse motion commands

Use the following mouse motion commands to move your mouse pointer continuously or by a fixed distance.

  • Continuously: You can move your mouse pointer continuously towards eight specified directions. You can also increase or decrease the speed of the movement.

    To do this

    Say this

    Example

    Move the mouse pointer up, down, left, right, top-left, top-right, bottom-left, or bottom-right.

    "Move mouse <direction>"

    "Move mouse bottom-right"

    Stop the movement of the mouse pointer.

    "Stop" or "Stop moving"

    Increase the speed of the mouse pointer.

    "Move faster" or "Faster"

    Decrease the speed of the mouse pointer.

    "Move slower" or "Slower"

  • By a fixed distance: You can move your mouse pointer by a fixed distance in a specific direction. 

    To do this

    Say this

    Example

    Move the mouse up, down, left, right, top-left, top-right, bottom-left, or bottom-right by a specific distance.

    "Move mouse <direction> <distance>"

    "Move mouse left five"

    Drag the mouse up, down, left, right, top-left, top-right, bottom-left, or bottom-right.

    "Drag mouse <direction>"

    "Drag mouse right"

Perform mouse clicks

To do this

Say this

Select an item.

"Click" or "Tap"

Left-click or right-click an item.

"Left-click" or "Right-click"

Double-click or triple-click an item.

"Double-click" or "Triple-click"

Drag and drop in the grid overlay

You can drag your mouse pointer from one location to another in the grid overlay. You can use this feature to, for example, drag and drop an attachment to your email or files within different apps. You can also use this functionality to select consecutive text from a specific start point to an endpoint.

  1. Say "Show grid" to activate the grid overlay.

  2. Use the "Mark" command to go to the location from where you want to start to drag. The location is highlighted after the item is marked.

    Note: If you need to change or update the source location you have marked, redo the steps above.

  3. After you mark your source location with the "Mark" command, the grid is automatically redrawn in full size and you can drill into the grid to reach your destination location. Use the "Drag" command to drag the marked item to the destination location.  An example of dragging and dropping a number overlay with voice access commands.

Reactivate the grid and follow the steps above, in case you need to change the item or source to be dragged from.

To do this

Say this

Example

Mark an item to drag.

"Mark" or "Mark <number>"

"Mark four"

Drop the marked item into a location.

"Drag"

See also

Use the keyboard with voice

Use voice to interact with elements on the screen

Use voice to work with windows and apps

Voice access Frequently Asked Questions

Technical support for customers with disabilities

Microsoft wants to provide the best possible experience for all our customers. If you have a disability or questions related to accessibility, please contact the Microsoft Disability Answer Desk for technical assistance. The Disability Answer Desk support team is trained in using many popular assistive technologies and can offer assistance in English, Spanish, French, and American Sign Language. Please go to the Microsoft Disability Answer Desk site to find out the contact details for your region.

If you are a government, commercial, or enterprise user, please contact the enterprise Disability Answer Desk.

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