How to set up Voice Access on Windows 11

Technology has become more accessible with time, and Microsoft has made accessibility a big point for many of its products. Products like the Xbox Adaptive Controller or the Surface Adaptive Kit help all types of users get the most out of their device. And on the software front, Microsoft recently added a big feature to Windows 11: Voice Access, which debuted with Windows 11 build 22H2.

Voice Access is fairly simple: it allows you to control your computer using your voice. There is a long list of supported commands, so you can open apps, type text, and more. If you want to try out Voice Access for yourself, here’s how to set it up and get started:

1. open the settings application on your computer.
2. Switch to a file Accessibility tab in the menu on the left side.
3. Scroll down (if necessary) and tap letter.

   

4. Voice Access is the first option. Click the toggle button to switch to it on.

   

   If you want Voice Access to start automatically when you turn on your computer, check Start Voice Access after logging into your computer box underneath.

5. A bar will appear at the top of your computer screen. click download To install the Voice Access service. The process takes a few seconds.

   

6. Once the service is installed, you can either click microphone Top left corner to activate Voice Access. Rather, say Activate Voice Access So the computer starts listening.
7. He says “What can I say?” or Show command list to see a list of available commands that you can use.

   

8. You can now speak any of the commands available for navigation.
9. To stop using Voice Access, say “Voice Access”. The feature will pause until you say Activate Voice Access once again.
10. To turn it off completely, tap Let’s go near the top right corner and select Turn off Voice Access.

The process is fairly simple, and gives you a whole new way to use your computer that doesn’t require your hands as much, which can be helpful for people with physical disabilities or problems like chronic pain. Currently, the feature only works in English, specifically in the US, though Microsoft is working on expanding to other English dialects.

Voice Access changes in upcoming updates

While Voice Access already came in handy with the original release of Windows 11, version 22H2, there are already some big changes coming in future updates, starting with the Moment 3 update expected in June. First, this update will expand the availability of Voice Access to a few other English-speaking regions, including the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and India.

Apart from that, it also brings some changes in the setup process. With this update, after downloading the Voice Access service (see step 5 above), the Voice Access directory will open automatically. You will first be asked to choose a microphone to use for voice access, after which you can also tap Getting started guide To try out some of the available commands and learn about the feature.

At the end of the guide, you can also open a completely redesigned list of commands. The list of new commands is divided into categories and more organized, and it provides more explanation of what each command can be used for.

There are also more commands listed here, and Microsoft is improving this further so you can see all the available commands more easily.

That’s all there is to know about the Voice Access feature in Windows 11 version 22H2 and later. As it stands, there is no indication that it will be available in other languages, but hopefully it will at some point. However, for English speakers, it is a very useful tool indeed. If you’re looking for more Windows 11 tips and tricks, maybe check out How to Customize Windows 11 and make it your own.