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One of the best tools that Windows 11 offers is the voice typing (aka dictation) tool. Using this method, you can tell your computer/laptop to do the typing for you.
Although Windows 10 had this feature, it lacked some functionalities. For example, sometimes, it failed to punctuate sentences correctly. So, you had to edit and outline the text yourself.
However, the voice typing method in Windows 11 seems to be a highly improved version of the previous one. It offers a minimalistic UI, new functionalities and is more accurate. It even detects the punctuation in your speech to auto-punctuate the sentence.
That said if you want to learn how to enable voice typing on Windows 11, read the guide below. Also, to make the most out of this feature, there’s a list of helpful dictation commands for you. Don’t miss that!
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Voice typing method in Windows 11: How to Enable Voice Typing in Windows 11?
The process of enabling the voice typing method in Windows 11 is a no-brainer. You can do it in two ways: using the inbuilt voice typing software and the inbuilt dictation software in Microsoft Office apps.
While both these methods are easy to follow, keep in mind that you need a constant internet connection to work with this feature.
Method 1 – Using the Inbuilt Voice Typing Method in Windows 11
With the inbuilt voice typing launcher, you can use voice typing in all apps and software on your device, including your browser (while commenting, mailing, or browsing), notepad, and office apps.
1) Using the Windows 11 Shortcut Keys
The easiest way to enable voice typing in Windows 11 is through the shortcut keys. You can do that by following the steps mentioned below:
✅ Open the notepad on your Windows 11 device.
✅ Press the Windows key and the H key simultaneously.
✅ The voice typing prompt will appear on your screen. Hit the mic button on the voice typing tool.
✅ Now the tool will convert your words into the text as you speak.
✅ If you want to stop the dictation, you can do it by pressing the Mic icon, the windows and H keys again, or saying “Stop Dictation.”
Additionally, you can even move the voice typing window from one place to another on your screen. All you need to do is hold the top of the tool, drag the mouse to your desired position and leave it.
That said, when you are done with your typing task, you can close the window by clicking on the cross icon at the top of the tool. Contrarily, you can press the “Esc” key on your keyboard.
2) Make Voice Typing Tool Appear Automatically for any Textbox
The above method is easy, but the drawback is that you need to launch voice typing every time you use it. A quick workaround for this is to enable voice typing for all text fields. So that the next time you open any text area (be it comment box, mail, web page, or any other app), you can find the mic symbol and dictate what you want to write. Here’s how to do that.
✅ Launch notepad on your PC/Laptop.
✅ Enable voice typing method by pressing Windows + H keys simultaneously.
✅ Navigate to the settings menu by tapping on the gear icon (settings icon).
✅ You will find the option “Voice Typing Launcher,” enable it by clicking on it.
✅ Now, whenever you open any text box, you’ll find a mic icon at the bottom. Click on the icon, and the voice typing launcher will begin.
Quick Note: If you enable the voice typing tool and it fails to detect the dictation, you can fix it by changing the language.
Simply navigate to Settings > Time and Language > Speech and select your preferred language from the menu.
3) Enabling the Auto Punctuation Settings
The voice typing tool in Windows 11 comes with an auto punctuation feature. However, this feature is not activated by default. So, you need to enable the auto punctuation settings before using the tool for the first time.
✅ Open notepad on your Windows 11 device.
✅ Launch the voice typing tool by hitting the Windows + H keys.
✅ Go to the options panel and click on the gear icon to open the settings.
✅ Turn on the “Auto Punctuation” setting by clicking on it.
That’s it! Whenever you use the voice typing tool on your device, it’ll automatically detect your punctuation and punctuate the text. And you’ll no longer have to deal with punctuation errors while editing.
Method 2 – Using the Inbuilt Dictation Software in Windows 11 Office Apps
In addition to the transcribe feature (paid) in Microsoft Office Apps, Windows offers an inbuilt voice typing tool. This Dictation tool is available for all Office App users (including those who use the free web version). It is similar to the inbuilt voice typing tool and supports auto punctuation. Here is how you can use this tool in Microsoft Office Applications.
✅ Open Microsoft Word or Microsoft PowerPoint on your device.
✅ On the top-right corner, you’ll find a “Dictate” option (In case you are using the Office app on the web, you will find the same option in the top-right corner.)
✅ Tap on “Dictate,” then hit the mic icon.
✅ Now begin speaking, and it will convert your speech to text right away.
You can enable auto punctuation by navigating to settings > auto punctuation. You can even set your preferred language from the Time and Language option and enable the profanity filter, as you would do in the inbuilt voice typing tool.
Essential Voice Commands for Voice Typing Method in Windows 11
Voice commands are a great way to improve your voice typing skills. These commands make it easier for you to dictate certain symbols, numbers, or actions. Using these commands, you can go entirely hands-free with the Windows 11 voice typing tool.
Below is a list of advanced voice commands for voice typing. You can memorize or write them separately and use them as and when required.
For Performing Certain Actions:
| Action | Commands |
| Clear a selection | 1. Unselect that 2. Clear selection |
| Delete the selected text, or the most recent dictation | 1. Delete that 2. Strike that |
| Delete a particular word | Delete “word” |
| Place the cursor at the first character after a particular word or sentence | 1. Move after “word” 2. Go after that 3. Go to end of paragraph 4. Move to the end of that |
| Place the cursor at the first character before a particular word or sentence | Go to the start of “word” |
| Place the cursor at the end of a particular text | 1. Go after “word” 2. Move after “word” 3. Go to the end of that 4. Move to the end of paragraph |
| Move the cursor backward by a unit of text | 1. Move back to the previous “word” 2. Go up to the previous paragraph |
| Move the cursor forward to the next unit of text | 1. Move forward to the next “word” 2. Go down to the next paragraph |
| Place the cursor at the start of a text unit | 1. Move to the start of that 2. Go before that |
| Place the cursor at the end of a text unit | 1. Move to the end of the “word” 2. Go to the end of the paragraph |
| To enter any of these keys:Tab, Enter, Backspace | 1. Tap Enter 2. Press Backspace |
| Choose a particular word or phrase | Select “word” |
| Choose the most recent dictation result | Select that |
| Select a unit of text | 1. Select the next three words 2. Select the previous two paragraphs |
| Enable or disable spelling mode | Start spellingStop spelling |
Note: The words in bold are placeholders, you need to replace them while using the commands to get the results you want.
For Symbols and Punctuations:
| Symbols | Command |
| @ | • at symbol • at sign |
| # | • Pound symbol • Pound sign • Number symbol • Number sign • Hash symbol • Hash sign |
| $ | • Dollar sign • Dollar symbol |
| % | • Percent sign • Percent symbol |
| ^ | Caret |
| & | • And symbol • And sign • Ampers and symbol • Ampers and sign |
| * | • Asterisk • Times • Star |
| ( | • Open paren • Left paren • Open Parenthesis • Left parenthesis |
| ) | • Close paren • Right paren • Close Parenthesis • Right parenthesis |
| _ | Underscore |
| – | • Hyphen • Minus sign • Dash |
| ~ | Tilde |
| \ | • Backslash • Whack |
| / | • Forward slash • Divided by |
| , | Comma |
| . | • Period • Dot • Point • Decimal |
| ; | Semicolon |
| ‘ | • Apostrophe • Open single quote • Begin single quote • Close single quote • End single quote |
| = | • Equal symbol • Equal sign |
| (space) | Space |
| | | Pipe |
| : | Colon |
| ? | • Question mark • Question symbol |
| [ | • Open bracket • Open square bracket • Left bracket • Left square bracket |
| ] | • Close bracket • Close square bracket • Right bracket • Right square bracket |
| { | • Open curly brace • Open curly bracket • Left curly brace • Left curly bracket |
| } | • Close curly brace • Close curly bracket • Right curly brace • Right curly bracket |
| + | • Plus sign • Plus symbol |
| < | • Open angle bracket • Open less than • Left angle bracket • Left less than |
| > | • Close angle bracket • Close greater than • Right angle bracket • Right greater than |
| “ | • Open quotes • Begin quotes • Close quotes • End quotes • Open double quotes • Begin double quotes • Close double quotes • End double quotes |
The voice typing method in Windows 11 is a savior, particularly when you want to go hands-free while typing. You can enable it easily using the shortcut keys or automatically make it available on all text fields, as mentioned in this article.
Voice Typing Method in Windows 11 – FAQs
1) Which languages does the voice typing tool in Windows 11 support?
Windows 11 supports voice typing for specific languages only. You can change your language preferences by navigating to the Time and Language tab in the settings. The languages supported by voice typing in Windows 11 are:
1) English (US, Canada, India, Australia, United Kingdom)
2) German (Germany)
3) French (France, Canada)
4) Italian (Italy)
5) Portuguese (Brazil)
6) Spanish (Mexico, Spain)
7) Simplified Chinese
2) How will I know whether the voice typing tool is active or not?
When the voice typing tool is active or listening, its color will be similar to your PC’s theme. However, when it isn’t listening, it will be white. In that case, you’ll need to tap on the mic icon to activate it. Check the voice typing method in Windows 11 here.
3) Can I use the voice typing tool in Windows in offline mode?
Unfortunately, neither the inbuilt voice typing tool nor the dictation tool in Office apps supports offline voice typing. Hence, you will need a constant internet connection to use this feature on any of the apps and software on your device.
4) What to do if voice typing is not working in the Office apps?
Sometimes Office apps may fail to recognize your speech and display the message: “There is a problem with your microphone” or “We cannot detect your microphone.”
The best way to solve this problem is to unplug your microphone and plug it back in. If the issue persists, check whether your mic is working or not.
5) What are the commands needed in the voice typing method in Windows 11?
You will find all the commands here in this article.