Fact · Dictation on Windows
In microphone off state, Voice access does not listen to any of your speech, and you must click the Microphone button to switch it back on.
Checked against its source on October 16, 2026
In the source's own words
“Microphone off state: Voice access is completely off at this point and does not listen to any of your speech. ... To switch it into listening state, you have to click the Microphone button.”
Get started with voice access, Microsoft, Microsoft Support, 2026, Microphone button and states.
Open the original- What it measures
- The third microphone state, after sleep and listening.
- What it does not show
- The page gives a shortcut for this switch as well; see the Alt+Shift+C fact.