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.
To complete the initial set up voice access in Windows, you need an internet connection. 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
Launch voice access
You can launch voice access from Settings or by using Windows search.
Start voice access from Settings
-
In the Start menu, select SettingsAccessibilitySpeech.
-
Turn on the Voice access switch.
Tip: If you want to automatically launch voice access every time you start your computer, select the “Start voice access before you sign in to your PC” or “Start voice access after you sign into your PC” checkboxes.
Start voice access from Windows search
-
Open Windows search and type voice access.
-
Select Open to start voice access.
Tip: Select Pin to Start or Pin to taskbar to make voice access quicker to find in the future.
Download language files
Voice access is currently available in the following languages and dialects: English–US, English–UK, English–India, English–New Zealand, English–Canada, English–Australia, Spanish–Spain, Spanish–Mexico, German–Germany, French–France, and French–Canada. The first time you launch voice access we check if your display language is something that is supported. If yes, you can continue with the setup experience. If we identify that your display language is not in the supported list of languages, we still give you the option to launch voice access, but in English (US). You can either choose to proceed at this point or turn off voice access.
-
When you turn on voice access for the first time, you are prompted to download voice access language files to be used by on-device speech recognition. Select Download to continue or Not now if you want to do it later. The download might take a few minutes.
-
If you want to learn more before downloading, select the More about voice access and Microsoft Privacy Statement links.
-
You can switch to a different language at any time from Voice Access SettingsLanguages.
Notes:
-
Once the language files have been downloaded, voice access works regardless of your internet connection status.
-
If you face any problems downloading the language files, refer to Troubleshooting live captions or voice access setup issues for further guidance.
Set up your microphone
After successfully downloading the language files, you can now use voice access both online and offline. However, before you get started, you have to select which microphone you want to use.
-
When the speech model is downloaded, the Set up your mic for voice access window opens. Select the microphone you want to use from the Microphone list if it's not already selected.
-
If you are unable to find the microphone you want to use from the list, select Add new microphone. If you need to check or adjust any sound-related settings, select Sound settings.
-
Select(Next), and then select Done to finish setting up voice access and start using it right away. Alternatively, you can first read the interactive guide. For more information, refer to Getting started with voice access.
Note: Use of the microphone by voice access is controlled by your privacy settings. To check that microphone use is allowed, navigate to SettingsPrivacy & securityMicrophoneLet apps access your microphoneLet desktop apps access your microphone.
Note: Voice access works best with a microphone that is less likely to capture background and ambient sounds. For more information, refer to section "Voice access settings" in Getting started with voice access.
See also
Use voice to work with windows and apps
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.
