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On Windows 11 version 22H2 and later, the current feature for voice control and dictation is Voice Access, which replaced classic Windows Speech Recognition (WSR) in September 2024. Voice Access needs internet for its initial language-file download, but Microsoft says it can be used offline after setup. For text-only dictation, Windows also offers Voice Typing, a separate online feature.
Which Windows 11 speech feature should you use?
Windows has distinct tools for controlling the PC and entering text. Choose based on whether you need hands-free navigation or only dictation:
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| Feature | What it does | Network and starting point |
|---|---|---|
| Voice Access | Controls and navigates Windows, interacts with apps, and dictates text by voice. | Available on Windows 11 version 22H2 and later. Internet is needed for the initial language download; Microsoft says it can work offline after setup. Enable it in Settings > Accessibility > Speech or find it with Windows Search. Microsoft’s Voice Access setup guide explains setup. |
| Voice Typing | Dictates into the text field that currently has focus; it is not a tool for controlling the whole PC. | Uses online speech recognition and requires internet access and a working microphone. Press Windows key+H, or use the microphone on the touch keyboard. Microsoft’s Voice Typing guide describes the feature. |
| Windows Speech Recognition (classic) | Legacy voice control and dictation. | Microsoft says Voice Access replaced WSR for Windows 11 22H2 and later in September 2024; WSR remains relevant to older Windows versions. Microsoft’s WSR commands page gives the transition context. |
Voice Access languages listed by Microsoft
Microsoft’s detailed Set up voice access page currently lists these selectable languages and locales:
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- English: United States, United Kingdom, India, New Zealand, Canada, and Australia
- Spanish: Spain and Mexico
- German: Germany
- French: France and Canada
- Chinese: Simplified Chinese (China) and Traditional Chinese (Taiwan)
- Japanese
- Italian
The Windows display language does not have to be supported: Microsoft says you can select a supported Voice Access language during setup. Its documentation is not fully consistent across pages: the FAQ gives a shorter list, the command list names a different set of languages, and the “What’s new” page notes Italian’s addition. Treat the setup page as the detailed list of selectable locales and check it for the current options; do not assume every command or behavior works identically in every language.
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Classic WSR language information is historical context, not the current Voice Access list. Microsoft’s legacy commands page lists English (United States, United Kingdom, Canada, India, and Australia), French, German, Japanese, Mandarin (Simplified and Traditional Chinese), and Spanish.
What Voice Access requires
- Windows: Windows 11 version 22H2 or later.
- Internet during initial setup: Voice Access downloads speech files for the selected language. Microsoft describes use after that download as offline-capable.
- A working microphone: Configure one through Windows speech settings. Microsoft does not specify a required model, connector, or minimum hardware specification in its setup guidance.
- A supported Voice Access language: Choose a listed language even if your Windows display language is different.
Set up Voice Access
- Connect to the internet and make sure a working microphone is configured in Windows speech settings.
- Open Settings > Accessibility > Speech, or use Windows Search to find Voice Access.
- Choose a supported language and continue. Windows downloads the speech files needed for on-device speech recognition.
- After setup, configure whether Voice Access starts before or after you sign in, if that suits how you use the PC.
If the language download fails, check the network connection and whether the Microsoft Store app can reach its catalog. Microsoft lists these as possible causes, not as an exhaustive set of fixes.
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What can affect recognition?
Voice Access’s speech filtering can reduce background noise or focus on the user’s voice, but it does not guarantee accurate recognition. Microsoft notes that very noisy environments can still lead to errors. Overlapping speech may be captured, and voices that sound alike can be harder to distinguish. A microphone is necessary, but Microsoft’s setup guidance does not establish that buying a particular model will improve results.
Network needs also differ by feature: Voice Access requires connectivity to download its language files initially and is described as usable offline afterward; Voice Typing uses online speech recognition and needs internet while dictating.
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How to choose between Voice Access and Voice Typing
- Choose Voice Access if you need to navigate Windows, interact with apps, or dictate, especially if offline use after setup matters.
- Choose Voice Typing for quick dictation into an active text field when you have an internet connection.
- Before relying on Voice Access, check that your specific locale appears in Microsoft’s setup list and that you can complete the initial download and microphone setup.
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