Windows 11 voice typing is a valuable feature for many, especially those with disabilities. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work as it should. You might run into issues like voice typing failing to respond, typing words incorrectly, or not recognizing your microphone.
This guide looks at what to do when Windows 11 voice typing is not working.
Fix 1. Enable Your Microphone
This is the first fix to try, as it’s quick and solves one of the most common reasons behind voice typing in Windows 11 not working: your mic isn’t properly configured and enabled.
Step 1. Open the Settings menu. You can press “Windows” and “I” together to get there. Or use the Start menu shortcut.
Step 2. Go to “Privacy & security.” Then scroll down and select “Microphone.”
Step 3. Make sure “Microphone access” is toggled on. Additionally, toggle mic access on for the apps you want to use it in, as well.
Fix 2. Select the Right Typing Language
Maybe your mic is working fine, but when you try to speak, Windows doesn’t understand what you are saying and mixes up words. That might be because your language isn’t properly set.
Step 1. Head to the Settings menu.
Step 2. Go to “Time & language.” Then select “Speech.”
Step 3. Use the drop-down menu under “Speech language” to select the language you wish to use. Then press “Get started” under the “Microphone” header. Follow the on-screen prompts to configure your mic.
Fix 3. Update the Mic Driver
Not having the latest drivers installed could also prevent your mic from working properly. Updating drivers may solve the issue.
Step 1. Open the Device Manager. You can access it by typing “Device manager” into the search bar and clicking the “Best Match.”
Step 2. Find your microphone in the list of devices. It should appear under the Audio inputs and outputs category.
Step 3. Right-click on the microphone and select “Update driver.” Then click “Search automatically for drivers” to let Windows try and find the latest driver. Or click “Browse my computer for drivers” and choose the new driver file if you’ve already downloaded one. You can usually find the latest drivers on the manufacturer’s website.
Fix 4. Update Windows
Many Windows issues get resolved in the regular updates rolled out to the platform each month. If you’re experiencing issues with a feature like voice typing, it’s always worth checking to see if any updates are available.
Step 1. Go to the Settings menu.
Step 2. Click on “Windows Update,” and then “Check for updates.” If any appear, you can download and install them. You may have to restart your machine to check if updating Windows fixed your voice typing issue.
Fix 5. Run the Troubleshooter
Lastly, another option to fix problems with Windows voice typing not working is by running the built-in troubleshooter, designed specifically to spot and fix issues with your audio recording. Here’s how to access it:
Step 1. Press “Windows” and “I” together to enter Settings.
Step 2. Go to “System,” then scroll down and click on “Troubleshoot.”
Step 3. Select “Other trouble-shooters.”
Step 4. Find the “Recording audio” troubleshooter and click the “Run” button to launch it.
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