Does Windows have built-in dictation?

Yes. Windows 11 includes dictation at no extra cost. Microsoft calls it voice typing, and it writes your speech into any text box ¹. Windows 10 has a dictation feature too, and neither one needs a subscription. The catch is that voice typing needs an internet connection ².

Most people who ask this question mean one of three things: voice typing, Voice Access, or a Microsoft 365 app that has its own dictation button. They differ in what they do, what they need and how much they can control. The sections below take them in turn, and our full guide to Windows voice typing covers the steps for the first.

Voice typing is the free dictation tool for writing

Voice typing is the one to try first. It starts with Windows key + H and writes text only. Windows 11 supports it in 46 languages and regional variants ³, so check that your input language is on the list.

The trade-off is the connection. Voice typing does not work on a plane or anywhere without a signal. Our question on whether voice typing works offline goes into that case.

Voice Access controls the PC and can work offline after setup

Voice Access is Microsoft's newer accessibility tool. It does more than write text: Microsoft says it "offers both commanding and dictation," so it can open apps, click and edit by voice ⁴.

Microsoft describes Voice Access as usable without an internet connection once it is set up ⁵. That makes it the built-in option for dictation when the connection is unreliable, although you still need to get it running first. If you are deciding between the two, remember that Voice Access is for controlling the PC, while voice typing is for writing.

Voice Access also replaced an older tool. Microsoft says Windows Speech Recognition is deprecated and is no longer being developed, and that Voice Access replaces it ⁶. If you find old guides about Windows Speech Recognition, they describe a feature Microsoft has stopped developing.

Windows 10 has dictation, but it is an older feature

Windows 10 also has dictation. You select a text field and press the Windows logo key + H to open the dictation toolbar ⁷. It is the older of the two versions, and its editing commands are more limited, so Windows 11 is the better choice if you can upgrade.

Microsoft 365 apps have a separate Dictate button

Word and Outlook have a Dictate feature, but it is not part of Windows. In Word, Microsoft says the dictation feature is only available to Microsoft 365 subscribers ⁸. Without a subscription, use voice typing in Word instead, which works in any text box.

Which built-in tool to use

If none of these covers your situation, for example because you need consistent accuracy on long documents or fully offline dictation, a dedicated app may fit better. Yap, which we make, is an on-device dictation app for Mac and Windows, and you can download it to test on your own documents. Our comparison of dictation software for Windows lists the other options.

What to do next

Press Windows key + H in a text box to test voice typing first. If it does not start, check the internet connection and the microphone. If you need to control the PC by voice, turn on Voice Access under Settings and follow our Voice Access guide for Windows 11. Our answer on the shortcut lists the exact keys, and our question on Microsoft's dictation software covers the same options from Microsoft's side. The glossary entry for voice typing explains the term, and our Windows dictation overview links every guide on the subject.