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You can’t use a documented voice-search feature in the Google app for desktop: Google’s current help explains how to type a search, but does not provide a voice-search button or spoken-query steps for the app. If you want to speak a search on a computer, Chrome’s AI Mode has a separate microphone option for eligible users.

How to search in the Google app for desktop

Google’s desktop app is a Windows app, not the same thing as the Google app on Android or iPhone. Its documented search method is to enter a query in the app’s search box and press Enter. You can then select All to view web results. Google describes the app as available globally for Windows 10 and later; availability and features can change. See Google’s guide to getting started with the Google app for desktop.

  1. Open the Google app from its desktop icon, Windows Search, the notification-tray icon, or by pressing Alt+Space.
  2. Type your query in the search box and press Enter.
  3. Select All to see web results.

Google’s desktop-app help does not document speaking a query into this app. The familiar Google app voice-search instructions are for Android and iOS, so they should not be assumed to work on Windows. “Hey Google” is associated with Google Assistant, not a documented way to start voice search in the desktop app.

How to speak a search in Chrome instead

Chrome’s desktop voice-input option is part of AI Mode, a separate Google Search experience—not the Google app for desktop. Google says the feature is not available to everyone and is gradually rolling out outside the United States. If it appears for you:

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  1. Open a New Tab page in Chrome.
  2. Select AI Mode.
  3. In the question field, select the microphone and speak your question. You can also type it.

See Google’s Chrome instructions for AI Mode for current availability and steps.

If Chrome’s microphone option does not work

Microphone access involves separate browser-site permission, operating-system privacy access, and input-device selection. Check each one:

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  1. Allow microphone access for the site. In Chrome, open Settings → Privacy and security → Site settings → Microphone. Allow the relevant site and check that the intended microphone is selected. A site-specific setting can override the default. See Chrome’s microphone permission help.
  2. Check the computer’s microphone privacy setting. Make sure the operating system allows microphone access for Chrome. Google’s microphone troubleshooting guidance covers this check.
  3. Choose the correct input device. If your computer has more than one microphone, select the one you want Chrome to use in the microphone settings. Google’s Chrome microphone guidance explains how to review the selection.
  4. Check for administrator controls. On a work- or school-managed browser, an administrator may control microphone settings.

You do not need to buy a microphone just to use the Google app’s documented desktop search workflow. If Chrome voice input is available but your computer has no usable built-in microphone—or its existing one is unsuitable—an external USB microphone is an option, not a requirement.

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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
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