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How to Control Your Windows 10 PC with Your Voice
4 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Well, aren’t the input methods nowadays changing or what? A decade ago, most users would find mouse and keyboard the peak performance of input devices, but it seems that the next obvious step forward lies in voice recognition.
It’s all about the smart digital assistants and their usability in various devices, like smartphones, cars, and, of course, Windows PCs.
By following the emerging trends, we decided to provide you with a few ways to control your Windows 10 PC with simple voice commands.
No pointing device is needed here, just a microphone and a few tweaks. So, if you’re determined to roam through the user interface and complete various tasks with nothing but a voice, make sure to check the explanation below.
Here’s how to set the voice control on Windows 10
1. Use Speech Recognition
Speech recognition isn’t a Windows 10 exclusive, and it dates back to Windows 7. Nonetheless, this handy feature is more than welcomed on the latest Windows version becauseCortana tends to misbehave. It’s originally introduced as an ease of access feature, to improve overall usability for users with physical issues.
If you’re not sure how to configure Speech Recognition and use it later on, make sure to follow the steps we provided below.
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In the Windows Search bar, typecontroland click on the first result to openControl Panel.
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SelectLarge iconsfrom theViewsection.
3.Scroll down and openSpeech recognition.
4.Click on theStart speech recognitionto start the process.
- Press theNextbutton.
6.Select yourMicrophone setupand clickNext>Next.
7.Read the displayed sentence in order to confirm that your mic is up and running, and then clickNext.
8.The next screen offers you an option to improve the recognition accuracy by enablingDocument review. We advise you to enable it.
9.On the next screen, you can choose one of the two activation modes:
10.Once you’ve decided which mode suits you better, clickNext.
- Now, you can print or just take a glimpse of all available commands in the Speech reference screen. It basically leads tothis webpage.
12.Check theRun speech recognition at startupbox and clickNext.
- Now start the tutorial and that should do it. After that, you should be able to use speech recognition without issues.
This feature is quite often overlooked and we decided to correct the injustice and enlist Speech recognition in this list.
Over time, it found its place in mass use due to experimental and ted futuristic approaches. You know, like smart assistants do now.
As a side note, due to interference between Cortana and Speech recognition, we advise you to use one or another. Below we explained how to configureCortana, so you can try out both and choose the one that suits you better.
2. Microsoft Assistant a.k.a Cortana
In order to meet the expectations and prove itself competitive with the likes of Apple, Google, or Amazon, Microsoft introduced its native smart assistant,Cortana.
In the early stages, Cortana was widely regarded as one of the best artificial assistants out there, but that status dropped after Microsoft Mobile lost the final battle with Android and iOS. Nonetheless, withWindows 10, and we’re referring to the PC version here, Cortana kind of got better and it’s a viable option nowadays.
WithWindows 10as a service, we can expectCortanato improve over time. And if you’re keen to run yourWindows 10PC with nothing but voicecommands, it might come in handy.
Here’s how to enable and configureCortanafor future use onWindows 10:
You can find the list of availablecommandsand tasks Cortana can perform inthis article.
3. A collection of third-party programs
Besides the built-in Speak recognition andCortana, some users might turn to a third-party alternative. Since this is a software category in a state of constant growth, there are various speech recognition solutions in the market compatible withWindows 10. The only question is what are your needs and wants.
Some of them, likeDragon NaturallySpeaking, specialize in fast-paced dictation and voice-to-text in general. Others, like Voice Attack, are there for voice-controlled multitasking and in-game controls (yes, you can reload your weapon in CoD with a voice command). And then there’s VoxCommando that’s mostly used in multimedia programs like Kodi or iTunes, but it can also be used for automated home devices.
So, if Speech recognition orCortanahaven’t met your preferences, you can try them out.Here’s one great articleabout the top 5 speech recognition third-party programs, so make sure to check it out.
With this, we can wrap it up. Don’t forget to share your experience with speech recognition in general, or talk about individual programs you’ve tried, both built-in and third-party. You can do so in the comments section below.
More about the topics:All the Windows 10 tips you need to Know,cortana
Aleksandar Ognjanovic
Aleksandar’s main passion is technology. With a solid writing background, he is determined to bring the bleeding edge to the common user. With a keen eye, he always spots the next big thing surrounding Microsoft and the Windows OS.
Focused on Windows errors and how to solve them, he also writes about the OS’s latest features as well as its interface.
In his free time, he likes to read, listen to music, and enjoy the nature. Hiking is one of his newly found passions.
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