Fact · Dictation on Windows
In sleep state, Voice access ignores everything you say except the command that switches it to listening.
Checked against its source on October 16, 2026
In the source's own words
“Sleep state: Voice access does not react to anything you say, except the command to switch it into listening state.”
Get started with voice access, Microsoft, Microsoft Support, 2026, Microphone button and states.
Open the original- What it measures
- The first of three microphone states on the Voice access bar.
- What it does not show
- The page describes the states, not how long Voice access stays in each one.