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Introduction
Both Windows and macOS include built-in speech-to-text capabilities that allow you to speak instead of type when entering text into documents, emails, web forms, search fields, and other editable areas. These tools can improve productivity, reduce typing strain, and provide helpful accessibility support by processing and converting spoken words into text in real time and inserting them wherever your cursor is active.
Important Privacy and Security Considerations:
Speech-to-text tools may process audio either locally on your device or through secure vendor cloud services, depending on your operating system and configuration. When using voice typing or dictation features, avoid speaking personally identifiable information (PII) or other sensitive data such as:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account or credit card numbers
- Passwords or authentication codes
- Health information
- Confidential student or employee records
If you need to enter sensitive or confidential information, it is recommended that you type it manually rather than dictating it.
Windows Speech-to-Text Options
Voice Typing
Windows 10/11 includes a feature called Voice Typing that allows you to dictate text into any active text field.
- Place your cursor in a text box.
- Press Windows key + H to open the Voice Typing toolbar.
- Click the microphone icon (if needed) and begin speaking.
Your speech is transcribed into text as you talk. Basic spoken commands such as punctuation and editing (for example, “period,” “comma,” or “delete that”) are supported.
Speech Recognition / Voice Access
Windows also includes broader voice control features:
- Windows Speech Recognition (legacy feature)
- Voice Access (newer Windows 11 accessibility feature)
These tools allow users not only to dictate text but also to navigate and control the operating system using voice commands.
Instructions/Tutorials:
MacOS Speech-to-Text Options
Dictation
MacOS includes Dictation, which allows you to speak text into documents, messages, and other text fields.
- Enable Dictation in System Settings > Keyboard > Dictation.
- Place your cursor where you want text to appear.
- Press the configured Dictation shortcut (commonly the Fn key twice) and begin speaking.
You can dictate punctuation and certain formatting commands by speaking them aloud (for example, “period,” “new paragraph,” etc.).
Voice Control
MacOS also offers Voice Control, an accessibility feature that allows full voice navigation of the operating system. In addition to dictation, Voice Control supports spoken commands for editing text, clicking interface elements, opening apps, and more.
Voice Control can be enabled in: System Settings > Accessibility > Voice Control
Instructions/Tutorials:
Dictation in Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word (Microsoft 365 subscription required) includes a built-in Dictate button on the Home tab. This feature enables voice typing directly within Word documents on both Windows and Mac.
Instructions/Tutorials: