Official documentation

Deprecated features in the Windows client

Microsoft, Microsoft Learn, 2026

Read on October 16, 2026

What it is: Microsoft's official list of Windows features that are deprecated and no longer developed, with what replaces each one. It records that Windows Speech Recognition is deprecated and replaced by voice access on Windows 11.
How much weight it carries: Primary source for Windows feature status, maintained by Microsoft. Deprecated does not mean removed: a deprecated feature may still ship for a time.

Facts taken from this source

Microsoft lists five English locales that Voice Access currently supports.
“Currently, voice access supports five English locales: English - US, English - UK, English - India, English - New Zealand, English - Canada, and English - Australia.” (Deprecated features entry)
Microsoft says Voice Access is available for Windows 11, version 22H2 or later.
“Voice access is available for Windows 11, version 22H2, or later devices.” (Deprecated features entry)
Microsoft says Windows speech recognition is no longer being developed and is being replaced by Voice Access.
“Windows speech recognition is deprecated and is no longer being developed. This feature is being replaced with voice access” (Deprecated features entry)
Microsoft lists Windows Speech Recognition as deprecated and no longer developed, and replaced by voice access.
“Windows speech recognition is deprecated and is no longer being developed. This feature is being replaced with voice access” (Deprecated features list, Windows speech recognition row)
Microsoft's list of deprecated Windows features dates the deprecation of Windows Speech Recognition, and its replacement by Voice Access, to December 2023.
“Windows speech recognition is deprecated and is no longer being developed. This feature is being replaced with voice access...For more information, see Setup voice access . December 2023” (Deprecated features table, Windows speech recognition row)