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In Windows 11, manage speech recognition through Voice access: download or switch its language files, then optionally set up or remove a separate Voice Isolation voice signature. These are distinct downloads, not one general-purpose “advanced model” setting. Voice access replaces Windows Speech Recognition on Windows 11 version 22H2 and later; Microsoft says the transition began in September 2024.
What “speech models” means in Windows 11
Voice access uses downloadable language files for on-device speech recognition. Separately, Voice Isolation can download a model and create a local voice signature to help distinguish your speech from other speakers. The language files and the voice signature serve different purposes and are managed through different parts of Voice access.
Microsoft’s instructions describe controls for downloading languages and recording again or deleting the Voice Isolation signature. They do not describe a general file browser for manually managing speech-model files.
On Windows 11 version 22H2 and later, Voice access is the current feature to use; Windows Speech Recognition remains available on older Windows versions, according to Microsoft’s Voice access and Windows Speech Recognition guidance.
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Turn on Voice access and download a language
- Open Settings > Accessibility > Speech and turn on Voice access. You can also search for Voice access from Start.
- During first-time setup, select a supported language and continue. Windows downloads the required language files; an internet connection is needed for this initial setup.
- After the download, configure the microphone when prompted.
Once setup is complete, Voice access can work without an internet connection. Microsoft’s Voice access setup instructions list the setup requirements and supported languages.
Download or switch Voice access languages
Open Voice access settings and select Languages. The interface separates languages that are ready to use from those available to download. Download the speech files for a language marked for download before selecting it for use. The supported language and dialect list can change, so check Microsoft’s current setup page rather than relying on an older list.
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Microsoft’s Get started with Voice access guide explains the ready-to-use and downloadable language distinction in the interface.
Set up or manage a Voice Isolation signature
Voice Isolation is optional. It is intended to help Voice access recognize you when other people are speaking nearby. Its initial setup downloads a separate model, then asks you to record a short sample using a selected microphone. Microsoft says the model runs locally, the resulting signature is stored on the device, and raw voice recordings for this setup are not saved or uploaded.
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- Open the Voice access bar and select Settings > Improve speech recognition > Voice Isolation.
- Follow the prompts to download the model and record a short voice sample with the microphone you want to use.
- To change the signature later, return to Improve speech recognition and choose Manage Voice Isolation.
- Choose to record again or delete the voice signature. If you delete it, complete the recording setup again before using Voice Isolation.
These controls and the privacy details are documented in Microsoft’s Improve speech recognition with Voice access guide. The microphone you already use can be selected during setup; Microsoft’s instructions do not require buying a new one.
Choose the right speech filter
| Option | Best fit | Setup and limits |
|---|---|---|
| Voice Isolation | Other people are speaking nearby or moderate background noise is present. | Requires the model download and a voice sample. It may still make recognition errors with overlapping speech, similar-sounding voices, or very noisy surroundings. |
| Remove background noise only | You want to reduce non-speech sounds such as keyboard typing or a door closing. | Does not require the Voice Isolation voice-sample setup. |
| No filtering | You want to use the default microphone input without filtering. | No filtering is applied. |
Select the option under Improve speech recognition in the Voice access bar. Microsoft describes the choices and limitations in its Voice Isolation and speech-filtering instructions.
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When to change the microphone or filter
- If Voice access is not recognizing your speech well, verify that the intended microphone is selected and that it is usable for your setup.
- If other voices interfere, try Voice Isolation and complete its voice-sample setup.
- If the main problem is non-speech noise, try Remove background noise only instead.
- If you are in a very noisy environment or people speak over one another, expect that recognition can still be unreliable even with Voice Isolation.
For further steps using the feature, see Microsoft’s guide to controlling a PC and authoring text with Voice access.
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