Unlocking Hidden Features in Windows 11: The Voice Typing Tool

Windows 11 is packed with a variety of features that often go unnoticed by users. Among these are several utilities and tools that, while not widely utilized, can significantly enhance productivity when discovered. One such feature is the Windows 11 Voice Typing tool, a voice-to-text dictation utility that has impressed many users with its capabilities.

The Voice Typing tool is particularly beneficial for those who may experience discomfort while typing, such as repetitive strain injuries (RSI). For instance, after developing a severe case of RSI in my mouse hand, I decided to explore the dictation feature as a way to continue working without the strain of using a keyboard.

Upon using the Voice Typing tool for just a few minutes, I was pleasantly surprised by its accuracy. Even without prior training, the tool effectively transcribed my speech while I was outputting my laptop’s display to an external monitor and not speaking directly into the microphone. The results were impressive, with the tool capturing my words with near-perfect precision in Notepad.

Another noteworthy aspect of the Voice Typing tool is its support for 36 different languages, including various dialects of some widely spoken languages. Initially, I found editing my dictation a bit challenging, but after familiarizing myself with a few commands, I was able to insert punctuation and make corrections with ease.

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How to Use the Windows 11 Voice Typing Tool

Using the Voice Typing tool is straightforward. Follow these steps to get started:

Press Windows + H to open the Voice Typing tool. This feature comes pre-installed with Windows 11 and is enabled by default. Open the text application or program you wish to use it with; for this demonstration, I used Notepad, but it is also compatible with Microsoft Word.
Begin dictating the text you want to be typed. A comprehensive list of commands, including punctuation commands, can be found on the Microsoft Support website.
To stop dictation, simply click on the microphone icon in the Voice Typing box.

Image credit: Dominic Bayley / Foundry

In conclusion, the Windows 11 Voice Typing tool is a powerful feature that can enhance productivity, especially for those who may struggle with traditional typing methods. If you found this tip helpful and would like to receive more insights like this, consider signing up for the PCWorld Try This newsletter.

Take care, and until next time!