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Choose the speech feature you need
Windows 11 separates language-level speech components, Voice Access, and Voice typing. Their setup routes and processing differ:
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| Feature | Where to set it up | How speech is processed | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Language speech feature | Settings > Time & language > Language & region | Depends on the feature; availability varies by language | Speech components associated with a Windows language |
| Voice Access language model | Voice Access first-run setup; later, Voice Access settings > Languages | On-device after the model is downloaded | Control the PC and author text using speech |
| Voice typing | Press Windows+H in a text field | Online speech recognition | Dictate into a text field |
If you see “Basic Speech recognition,” “Enhanced speech recognition,” or a Speech download under a language’s options, follow the language-feature steps below. If you want spoken PC control that works with an on-device model, use Voice Access.
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Connect the PC to the internet. Windows downloads language speech features online.
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Open Start > Settings > Time & language > Language & region.
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Under Preferred languages, select the ellipsis beside the language and open its language options.
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Find the Speech feature you want and select Download. If you are adding a language instead, choose Add a language, search for it, select Next, select Language pack and any available speech options you want, then select Install.
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Not every language offers every speech feature. If its options do not show a Speech section or the feature you need, Microsoft does not offer that feature for that language. Microsoft’s language settings guidance is at Manage the language and keyboard/input layout settings in Windows.
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Download a Voice Access language for offline use
Voice Access is available in Windows 11 version 22H2 and later. Its language files enable on-device speech recognition once downloaded. The initial download requires an internet connection; Microsoft says it may take a few minutes, without specifying an exact file size or duration.
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Open Start > Settings > Accessibility > Speech, then turn on Voice access. You can also search for Voice access in Windows Search and open it.
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In the welcome screen, select a supported Voice Access language and choose Agree and continue.
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Let Windows download the language files. When the download finishes, follow the prompt to set up a microphone.
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Microsoft’s setup page currently lists English (United States, United Kingdom, India, New Zealand, Canada, and Australia); Spanish (Spain and Mexico); German; French (France and Canada); Simplified Chinese (China); Traditional Chinese (Taiwan); Japanese; and Italian. The selected Voice Access language can be supported even if the Windows display language is not. Because support can change, check Microsoft’s current Set up voice access page if a language is missing.
To change models later, open Voice Access settings and choose Languages. A microphone is used for voice control; it is not required just to download the language model.
What works offline—and what does not
Voice Access processes speech on the device after its language files are installed. Windows also distinguishes device-based speech recognition from online speech recognition; Microsoft says, “When online speech recognition is turned off, only device-based features (such as Narrator) are available.” See Speech, voice activation, inking, typing, and privacy.
Voice typing is not Voice Access. Microsoft states, “Voice typing uses online speech recognition, which is powered by Azure Speech services.” It needs an internet connection and a working microphone. Installing language speech features does not make Voice typing available offline. See Use voice typing to talk instead of type on your PC.
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Fix a missing language or download option
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No Speech download under a Windows language: Confirm that the language is installed, then open its options from Settings > Time & language > Language & region. If the Speech section or feature is absent, it is not available for that language.
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Voice Access language is not listed: Choose another supported language from the Voice Access setup list.
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Voice Access setup was closed before the download finished: Open Voice Access again and restart setup to download the files.
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You are following Windows Speech Recognition instructions: Windows Speech Recognition is legacy guidance for current Windows 11 users. Microsoft says Voice Access replaced it for Windows 11 version 22H2 and later in September 2024. See Use voice recognition in Windows.
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