Enabling accessibility options - Windows

If you would prefer to use voice instead of typing when interacting with Support, you can enable Dictation on your computer. 

For Windows - 10

To use Dictation*, or Speech to text, click in a text field, then from the keyboard hit the windows logo key + h 

1. If you have not previously set this up, you will first see a pop up with a message to go to settings.

2. Clicking on the message will bring you to settings.

3. Click "Turn on speech services and typing suggestions."

You will see a small window pop up. 

4. Click "Turn On" to continue.

5. To then enable Speech to Text, go back to the text field and from the keyboard hit the windows logo key + h once more. 

Once enabled, you will see a box with a microphone at the top of your screen.

You can click in different text fields then click the microphone at the top of your screen and start talking.

When the microphone is highlighted, you can speak and it will type what is said.

Refer here for more information.

 *Dictation is for US English only, for other languages, please use Speech Recognition.

Speech Recognition

1. Click the Start Menu button 

1. Type in "Speech Recognition"

2. Click Windows "Speed Recognition."

2. Click Start Speech Recognition to open the Setup Wizard.

3. Follow prompts to complete set up.

1. Once set up is complete, you will see a box with a microphone button in the top middle of the screen.

2. Click the microphone button to begin.

3. Say "Stop Listening" to end.

Refer here for more information.

For Windows - 8

1. To open Speech Recognition click on Start.

2. Enter Speech Recognition into the box.

3. Click Windows Speech Recognition.

4. You should then see a microphone with a box appear at the top middle of your screen.

5. Say "Start Listening" or click the Microphone button to enable.

You can use this to open programs on the computer in addition to dictating text.

6. Click in the text field and begin saying what you want it to type.

Refer here for further information.

For Windows - 7

1. Open Speech Recognition by clicking the Start button

2. Click on All Programs

1. Click on Accessories

2. Click on Ease of Access 

3. Finally click on Windows Speech Recognition.

4. Say "Start Listening" or click the Microphone button to enable.

You can use this to open programs on the computer in addition to dictating text.

5. Click in the text field and begin saying what you want it to type.

Refer here for further information.

Tips

• To add punctuation say, "comma," "period," "question mark," or the name of the punctuation. 

Example text: How did the big, "brown cow" jump the fence?

Say: How did the big comma open quote brown cow close quote jump the fence question mark

• If you want to go to the next line, say "Tap Enter".

Example text: How did the big, brown cow jump the fence?

He found a hole in the fence.

Say: How did the big comma brown cow jump the fence question mark tap enter he found a hole in the fence period

• Make sure to enunciate