Windows Voice Access
by Microsoft
Contact vendor for pricing
Last verified June 20, 2026 · classified April 26, 2026
What it is
Summary
AI-generated from vendor-published content · April 26, 2026
Windows Voice Access is a built-in speech recognition and voice control feature in Windows 11 (version 22H2 and later) that lets you operate your PC entirely by voice — opening apps, navigating menus, browsing the web, dictating and editing text — without needing an internet connection or third-party software. It's designed for people who have difficulty using a keyboard or mouse due to motor impairments, repetitive strain injuries, or other conditions affecting hand and arm use. This is a free, fully integrated feature of Windows 11, so there's nothing to purchase or install separately — it's already on your PC if you're running the right version of Windows. The main limitation to know upfront is that it only works on Windows 11 (22H2 or later), so anyone on Windows 10 or an older build will need to look at alternatives like Dragon NaturallySpeaking or the older Windows Speech Recognition.
Quick Facts Catalog facts · auto-generated
- AT Act lending
- Out of pocket
- School district
- Vocational rehab
What Setup Looks Like
- Out of the box
- On Windows 11 (22H2+), open Settings → Accessibility → Speech, then toggle on Voice Access.
- Click the microphone button in the Voice Access toolbar or say 'Voice Access wake up' to begin controlling your PC by voice.
- With a guide
- Work through the built-in Voice Access Guide (accessible from the toolbar) to learn core commands for navigation, dictation, and editing — budget 30–60 minutes.
- Review the full Voice Access command list in Microsoft Support to build fluency with app switching, text editing, and web browsing commands.
- Customize microphone settings and voice access preferences under Settings → Accessibility → Speech for your environment. See manufacturer support resources for detailed instructions.
- With professional help
- An occupational therapist (OT) or assistive technology professional (ATP) can assess whether voice control is the best access method and help configure it alongside other AT tools.
- For workplace or school use, a vocational rehab counselor or AT specialist can integrate Voice Access into a broader accommodation plan — typically 1–2 sessions.
Getting it
Try Before You Buy
Devices like this are often available to borrow through your state's AT Act program — typically free or low-cost — so you can try it before buying or pursuing funding.
Where to Get It
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How to Fund This
Equipment like this is often pursued through official state programs. These are common starting points — each program decides its own eligibility and what it covers, so the first step is always a phone call.
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Sources & fine print
Vendor facts (name, price, platforms, vendor link) sourced from Microsoft — view on vendor site; last verified June 20, 2026.
Classification & description AI-generated from vendor-published content on April 26, 2026 · confidence: high. Vendor specs may lag; verify before relying on details in a clinical or funding artifact.