Windows Voice Typing review

Windows Voice Typing is the answer to the most common question in this category: what free speech-to-text tool works on Windows. It ships with Windows 11 and Windows 10, and pressing Windows key + H in any text box starts listening. Microsoft's support page says it uses online speech recognition powered by Azure Speech services, so you need an internet connection and a working microphone. Settings cover automatic punctuation, profanity filtering, the default microphone and how long it waits before acting on a command, and echo cancellation keeps audio from your speakers out of the text. Microsoft lists more than 40 voice typing languages for Windows 11. It is limited compared with paid apps: there is no personal dictionary, no rewriting of filler words and no offline mode. For quick emails, chat and form filling it is the fastest free start on a PC.

Who it is for

Windows users who want free voice typing in any app without installing anything.

Price

Free, built into Windows 11 and Windows 10.

With voice typing, you can enter text on your PC by speaking.
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• Start with Windows key + H in any text box
• Online speech recognition powered by Azure Speech services
• Automatic punctuation setting
• Voice commands such as stop listening
• Dozens of supported voice typing languages

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Free and built into Windows 11 and Windows 10
• Strength: Works in any app with a text box
• Strength: Echo cancellation filters out speaker audio
• Weakness: Needs an internet connection
• Weakness: No custom vocabulary or AI cleanup
• Weakness: Fewer languages than Google Docs voice typing

Key facts

• Price: Free
• Platforms: Windows 11, Windows 10
• Start shortcut: Windows key + H
• Connection: Internet required

Where it ranks

Windows Voice Typing is No. 6 in our Best Dictation Software verdict.