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To install speech recognition for a language in Windows 11, open Settings > Time & language > Language & region, add or select the language, then install its Speech recognition optional feature. Keep Language pack selected, too. This does not change the Windows interface language unless you select Set as my Windows display language.
Install speech recognition with a new language
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Connect your PC to the internet. Windows downloads language packs and speech features online.
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Open Start > Settings > Time & language > Language & region.
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Under Preferred languages, select Add a language. Search for or browse to the language, select it, then select Next.
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In Install language features, leave Language pack selected. Under optional features, select Speech recognition.
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Select Set as my Windows display language only if you also want Windows menus and other interface elements to use that language.
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Select Install. Windows shows download progress in the language list; wait for the installation to finish.
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The language pack and Speech recognition are separate selections in the install dialog. Installing the base pack alone does not mean you selected the optional speech feature. Microsoft’s Windows 11 language instructions are at Manage the input and display language settings in Windows.
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You do not need to add the language again if it is already in your preferred-language list. Open that language’s options from Settings > Time & language > Language & region, then look for the Speech feature and its download control. Microsoft explains the available controls in Download and install language packs for Windows.
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Download means the speech feature is available to install.
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A Settings link in that location means speech is already installed.
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If there is no Speech section, that language does not offer those speech features through this documented settings route.
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Check that you are installing the feature you need
Windows has several speech-related features with different purposes and setup paths. Installing Speech recognition in Language & region is not the same as downloading a Voice Access model or setting up voice typing.
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| Feature | What it is for | Where to set it up |
|---|---|---|
| Speech recognition | An optional speech feature associated with a language in Windows settings. | Settings > Time & language > Language & region; select it when adding a language or in that language’s options if offered. |
| Voice Access | Speech-based commands for controlling the PC. | Start Voice Access setup and select a language there. Setup downloads that language’s model, then proceeds to microphone configuration. |
| Voice typing | Dictation into text fields. | Use Windows voice typing. Its language can differ from the Windows display language, and Microsoft says it does not require speech recognition features. |
Voice Access uses a separate download
If your goal is controlling Windows with spoken commands, use Voice Access setup rather than assuming the Language & region speech option completes the job. Select a language in Voice Access; its model download requires an internet connection and may take a few minutes. After the download, setup moves to microphone configuration. Microsoft’s instructions are in Use Voice Access to control your PC and author text with your voice.
Microsoft says Voice Access replaced Windows Speech Recognition (WSR) for Windows 11 version 22H2 and later in September 2024. WSR instructions may still apply to older systems, but they describe the legacy feature, not the current Voice Access setup. See Use voice recognition in Windows.
Voice typing is for dictation
If you only want to dictate text, use voice typing. Its language setting can differ from the Windows display language, and Microsoft says speech recognition features are not required. See Type with your voice instead of a keyboard.
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Troubleshoot a missing or unavailable Speech option
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Speech is absent from the language options: Microsoft indicates that the language does not offer those speech features through that settings route. The documented availability varies by language.
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You see Settings rather than Download: Speech is already installed for that language.
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The download does not start or finish: Check the internet connection, since Windows downloads language packs and speech features online.
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You cannot find a Voice Access model here: Start Voice Access setup. Its language model is downloaded through that separate flow, not by relying on the Language & region selection alone.
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A Microsoft configuration update dated February 29, 2024 covers first-launch Voice Access model download and language selection for Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 23H2. It is version-specific guidance, not a current, comprehensive list of languages supported by every speech feature: Configure Voice Access.
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