Windows
11 has a built-in feature called Voice Access. This feature lets
you control your computer entirely with your voice by using microphone. You can
open apps, click buttons, type text, and navigate the screen hands-free.
Here is a simple and step-by-step guide to
setting it up and using it.
Step 1: Set Up Your Microphone
First, ensure your microphone is properly
connected and that Windows has permission to use it.
1. Press Windows +
I to open Settings.
2. Go to Privacy
& security > Microphone.
3. Make sure Microphone
access is turned On. Also, ensure the toggle for "Let
apps access your microphone" is enabled.
Step 2: Enable Voice Access
Once your mic is ready, turn on the Voice
Access feature.
1. In Settings,
go to Accessibility > Speech.
2. Turn the switch
for Voice access to On.
3. The first time you do
this, Windows will automatically download the necessary speech files. After the
download, a setup window will appear.
4. Select your microphone
from the list and click Next. You can test your mic by reading a
sample sentence. Click Confirm when done.
5. A grey bar with a
microphone icon will appear at the top of your screen, meaning Voice Access is
active and listening.
Quick Tip: You
can also toggle Voice Access on or off at any time by using the keyboard
shortcut Windows + Ctrl + S.
Step 3: Learn Basic Commands
Once the toolbar is visible, you can start
speaking. Here are the most essential commands to get you started:
To do this. Say it.
Open an app. "open paint" or "open google chrome"
Click an item. "Click next" or "Click cancel"
Use numbers. "show number" and next "click numbers"
Use a grid. "Show grid" (an overlay appears). say a number to zoom in.
then click number.
Scroll. "Scroll down" or "Scroll Left"
Type text (dictation.) "Dictate Hello World" or just start talking into a text box.
Stop Listening " Go to sleep".
temporarily.
Wake it up. " Wake up"
Step 4: Create Your Own Custom Commands
(Optional)
You can create voice shortcuts for specific
actions, like typing your email address or opening a specific folder.
1. With Voice Access on,
say "Open voice shortcuts".
2. Click the Create button.
3. Type the command
phrase you want to say (e.g., "email address").
4. Type the action you
want it to perform (e.g., "my.name@email.com").
5. Click Create.
Now, whenever you say the command phrase, Voice Access will perform the action.
Tips for Best Results
·
Speak clearly: Enunciate your words and speak at a moderate pace.
·
Reduce noise:
Use a good quality microphone and try to minimize background noise for better
accuracy.
·
Ask for help:
If you forget a command, just say "What can I say?" A
full list of commands will appear on your screen.
I
hope this guide helps you use your PC in a whole new way. What are you most
looking forward to trying with Voice Access?
