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How to use Windows Speech Recognition for dictation.

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How to Use Windows Speech Recognition for Dictation

Windows Speech Recognition is a built-in feature in Windows that allows users to control their computer using voice commands and dictate text into applications. With this feature, you can improve your productivity by using voice commands instead of typing. In this tutorial, we will guide you on how to use Windows Speech Recognition for dictation.

Prerequisites

  • A computer running Windows 10 or above.
  • A working microphone or headset.

Enabling Windows Speech Recognition

  1. Open the Settings app by either clicking on the Start menu and selecting the Settings icon or pressing the Windows key + I shortcut.
  2. In the Settings window, click on Ease of Access.
  3. On the left sidebar, select Speech.
  4. Under the Speech Recognition section, toggle the switch to turn on Speech recognition.
  5. A dialog box will appear, explaining what Speech Recognition can do. Click on Next to proceed.
  6. Choose between Dictation only or Full speech recognition, depending on your needs. For dictation purposes, select Dictation only.
  7. Click on Next to proceed.
  8. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your microphone or headset.
  9. After the setup process, Windows Speech Recognition will be enabled and ready to use.

Using Windows Speech Recognition for Dictation

  1. Open the application in which you want to dictate text.
  2. Make sure your microphone or headset is properly connected and working.
  3. Activate Windows Speech Recognition by either pressing the Windows logo key + Ctrl + S shortcut or clicking on the microphone icon in the taskbar.
  4. The Windows Speech Recognition window will appear, displaying a list of available commands and options.
  5. Start dictating by saying "Start listening" or clicking on the microphone icon.
  6. Begin speaking clearly and naturally while keeping the following tips in mind:
    • Speak at a moderate pace, neither too fast nor too slow.
    • Use proper punctuation cues like "period," "comma," "question mark," etc.
    • Use clear enunciation and try to minimize background noise.
  7. As you dictate, the text will appear in the application you're currently focused on.
  8. To end dictation, say "Stop listening" or click on the microphone icon in the Windows Speech Recognition window.
  9. Review the dictated text for accuracy and make any necessary edits.

Customizing Windows Speech Recognition

Windows Speech Recognition offers various customization options to enhance your dictation experience. Here's how you can access and customize the settings:

  1. Activate Windows Speech Recognition as explained in the previous section.
  2. In the Windows Speech Recognition window, click on Options.
  3. The Options dialog box will open, allowing you to customize the following settings:
    • General: Adjust general settings like run on startup, show the microphone toolbar, and more.
    • Recognition: Customize advanced speech recognition settings like accuracy and word properties.
    • Language: Change the language for speech recognition.
    • Microphone: Configure microphone settings, including volume and microphone selection.
    • Commands: View and create custom voice commands for controlling your computer.
  4. Make the desired changes and click on OK to save the settings.

Conclusion

By following this tutorial, you have learned how to enable and use Windows Speech Recognition for dictation on your Windows computer. Take advantage of this powerful feature to effortlessly dictate text and increase your productivity. Experiment with different commands and customization options to optimize your dictation experience.