How to Use Voice Typing in Windows 11

Step by step

1. 1 min

   Enable voice typing settings

   Open the Settings app by pressing Windows + I. Navigate to Time & language, select Speech, and ensure the Microphone is configured correctly under Speech recognition.

   Note: Ensure your privacy settings allow apps to access your microphone under Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone.
2. 15 sec

   Launch the dictation interface

   Click into any text field in any application. Press Windows + H on your keyboard to trigger the voice typing launcher.

   Note: Windows + H
3. 30 sec

   Configure dictation preferences

   Click the Gear icon in the voice typing menu. Toggle on Voice typing launcher to keep the icon visible, and enable Punctuation auto-formatting to allow Windows to insert commas and periods automatically.

   Note: Online speech recognition provides significantly higher accuracy than offline mode.
4. 30 sec

   Begin dictating

   Click the microphone icon in the pop-up bar to start listening. Speak clearly at a natural pace; text will appear in the active field as you speak.

   Note: If the indicator turns red, the system is actively processing your voice.
5. 30 sec

   Manage punctuation and symbols

   Speak punctuation marks explicitly if auto-formatting is disabled or missed. Use commands like 'comma', 'period', 'question mark', or 'new line' to structure your text.

   Note: New line acts as a carriage return for your text.
6. 15 sec

   End the dictation session

   Click the microphone icon again to stop recording, or simply say 'Stop listening' to deactivate the tool. The toolbar will remain available for your next input session.