Draft:Windows 11 Voice Access
The new Voice Access feature on Windows 11
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Voice Access is a voice-controlled accessibility feature developed by Microsoft for the Windows 11 operating system. It allows users to navigate the interface, manage applications, and dictate text through speech. Unlike its predecessors, Voice Access utilizes on-device speech recognition, enabling core functionality without an active internet connection after the initial setup.
| Submission declined on 20 March 2026 by MolecularPilot (talk). This draft is not adequately supported by reliable sources. Wikipedia's verifiability policy requires that all content be supported by reliable sources.
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| Submission declined on 20 March 2026 by SpragueThomson (talk). This draft is not adequately supported by reliable sources. Wikipedia's verifiability policy requires that all content be supported by reliable sources.
Declined by SpragueThomson 41 minutes ago.
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Comment: Hi! The same issues still apply as of the last review. You need to add references to multiple WP:SECONDARY sources that are WP:INDEPENDENT of Microsoft to show that this feature is notable enough for its own article. Also, you should preferably use WP:INLINE citations, rather than your current general Reference list, more clearly show where everything comes from. Happy editing! :) MolecularPilot Talk 03:28, 20 March 2026 (UTC)
| Windows 11 Voice Access | |
|---|---|
.svg) Icon | |
| Developer | Microsoft |
| Stable release(s) | |
Build 10.0.26200.8037
/ March 10, 2026 | |
| Preview release(s) | |
Build 10.0.26300.8068
/ March 12, 2026 | |
| Operating system | Microsoft Windows 11 |
| Platform | ARM processors and x86-64 processors |
| Predecessor | Cortana, Windows Speech Recognition (WSR) |
In September 2024, Voice Access officially replaced the legacy Windows Speech Recognition (WSR), which had been the primary speech interface since the release of Windows Vista in 2006.
History
Announcement
The feature was unveiled as part of Microsoft’s 2021 five-year commitment to expanding accessibility for people with disabilities.
Initial Release
Voice access first appeared in the Windows 10 Insider Preview build 22518 in December 2021.
General Availability
The feature was rolled out to the general public in late 2022 as a core component of Windows 11, version 22H2.
Deprecation of WSR
In December 2023, Microsoft formally deprecated the legacy Windows Speech Recognition tool, shifting all engineering resources toward Voice Access.
Features
System Control
Users can launch or switch between applications, browse the web, and manage window states (e.g., minimize, maximize, or scroll) using natural language commands.
Navigation Overlays
To facilitate precise interaction with non-text elements, the tool provides a "show grid" command. This overlays a numbered grid on the screen, allowing users to move the cursor or click specific coordinates via voice.
Dictation and Editing
The tool supports full-text authoring. Beyond basic dictation, users can select, delete, and correct specific words or phrases using specialized editing commands.
Custom Voice Shortcuts
In later iterations, Microsoft added support for user-defined shortcuts, allowing multiple actions to be triggered by a single custom phrase.
Sign-in Support
- Recent updates enabled Voice Access on the Windows sign-in screen, allowing users to dictate PINs or passwords for secure login.
Technical Architecture
On-Device Processing
Voice Access downloads local language models to the system directory. Processing speech locally reduces latency and enhances user privacy by ensuring audio data does not leave the device.
Comparison to "Voice Typing"
It is distinct from the Windows "Voice Typing" tool (Win+H). While Voice Access is an on-device accessibility suite, Voice Typing is a cloud-based service powered by Microsoft Azure Speech.
Language Support
Initially English (US) only, it now supports English (UK, India, New Zealand, Canada, and Australia), Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, and Italian.
More
Voice Access v. WSR
| Feature | Voice Access (Modern) | WSR (Legacy) |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Active development; primary accessibility tool | Deprecated as of December 2023; replaced in Sept 2024 |
| Processing | On-device; uses local AI models for privacy and speed | Device-based, but lacks modern AI/NLP architecture |
| Connectivity | Requires internet for intial setup/download only; offline thereafter | Fully offline once configured; does not require cloud models |
| Interface | Modern, intuitive UI with interactive "numbergrids" and overlays. | Legacy "floating bar" interface from the Windows Vista era |
| Accuracy | High accuracy powered by Natural Language Processing (NLP). | Variable; often require manual "Voice Training" to improve |
| OS Support | Windows 11, version 22H2 and later. | Windows Vista through Windows 11 (limited support in newer builds) |
| Key Features | Custom voice shortcuts, lock screen support, and multi-monitor navigation | Basic dictation and system commands; lacks modern shortcut customization |
| Language Support | Expanding list including English, Spanish, French, German, Chinese, and Japanese | Historically broader language support due to its long lifecycle |
References
- Microsoft Support: Use Voice Access to control your PC
- Windows Central: Microsoft moves on from 'speech recognition'
- Microsoft Tips: Voice Access for Accesibility
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