Inking, typing, speaking, and voice recognition Read the sections below for additional information about these features.

Microsoft providing device-based speech recognition and cloud-based (online) voice recognition technology.

Apps can use the cloud-based voice recognition provided by Microsoft. It is possible by turning on the online speech recognition functionality. Dictation is possible inside of Windows 10.  Thanks to the online speech recognition feature.

If you allow speech, you may use voice commands, dictation, and app interactions. It is possible setting up a HoloLens device or installing Windows Mixed Reality. The settings for both device-based and online speech recognition will be active. 

When both options are chosen, the device will always listen for voice input.  Then voice transfer it to Microsoft's cloud-based speech recognition technologies as long as your headset is turned on.

Microsoft gathers and utilizes your voice recordings to offer the service when you use cloud-based speech recognition technologies from Microsoft—whether enabled via the Online speech recognition option or when interacting with HoloLens or voice typing. Without your consent, Microsoft will not save, sample, or listen to your voice recordings. More information may be found at How does Microsoft protect my privacy while improving its speech recognition technology?

Without submitting your voice data to Microsoft, you may utilize device-based speech recognition. However, compared to device-based voice recognition, Microsoft's cloud-based speech recognition capabilities offer a higher level of recognition accuracy. Speech services that don't rely on the cloud and just employ device-based recognition, like the Narrator app or the Windows Speech Recognition app, will continue to function even if the online speech recognition setting is off. Microsoft won't record any voice data in this case.

To learn more about the speech data that is collected when you use Cortana, see Cortana and privacy.

When we collect data, even when it’s to make your device work better for you, we want to make sure you have the information necessary to make choices about how and when that data is used. Here are steps you can follow to manage your settings for speech recognition. 

Dictation has been modernized and rebranded as voice typing in Windows 11. Similar to dictation, voice typing's speech-to-text transcription service is powered by online speech recognition algorithms. To utilize voice typing, you no longer need to enable the Online Speech Recognition feature. To assist voice typing get better, you can also opt to provide voice clips.

You may still utilize voice typing if you don't want to submit voice clips. In the voice typing options, you may alter your preferences at any moment. Without your consent, Microsoft will not retain, sample, or listen to your voice recordings. See Microsoft and your voice data: further information for more.