How to disable speech to text in Windows 11

Windows 11 Speech to Text: Disable it forever!

Windows 11 introduces many new features and improvements, one of which is a handy speech-to-text feature. This allows users to dictate text instead of typing, creating a different way to use their devices. However, there are times when you might want to disable this feature. Whether it's for privacy or simply because you like typing more, here's a simple guide on how to turn off speech-to-text in Windows 11.

Reasons to disable speech to text conversion

Before you go through the steps, it's helpful to know why you might want to turn off speech-to-text. Here are a few reasons:

Privacy issue: The voice recognition feature records your voice, which may be uncomfortable for some users.

System Resources: Disabling Speech to Text can help your computer perform better by freeing up resources.

personal preference: Some people find that writing is easier and quicker than speaking their mind.

Method 1: Using Settings

The Settings app is the easiest way to turn off speech to text.

1. Open Settings: Click the Start menu, then click the gear icon to access the Settings app.

2. Go to Accessibility: In the Settings menu, click “Accessibility” on the left.

3. Click on Speech: Find and select “Voice” under the Accessibility section.

4. Disable voice recognition: Disable the “Windows Speech Recognition” setting.

Method 2: Using Privacy and Security Settings

You can also disable speech-to-text through your Privacy & Security settings.

1. Open Settings: Click on the Start menu and select the gear icon again.

2. Go to Privacy and Security: Click on “Privacy & Security” on the left sidebar.

3. Click on Speech: Find “Voice” in the Privacy & Security menu.

4. Disable online voice recognition: Disable the “Online speech recognition” setting.

Method 3: Using the Control Panel

If you prefer to use the old Control Panel, here's how to turn off speech-to-text:

1. Open Control Panel: Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box, type control and press Enter.

2. Look for voice recognition: Click on “Ease of Access” and then on “Speech Recognition.”

3. Select Advanced Voice Options: Click on “Advanced Voice Options” on the left.

4. Disable startup voice recognition: Uncheck the box that says “Run speech recognition at startup.”

Method 4: Using Group Policy Editor (for professional users)

For those who want more advanced options, the Group Policy Editor can help:

1. Open the Group Policy Editor: Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc and press Enter.

2. Go to Regional and Language Options: Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Control Panel > Regional and Language Options.

3. Disable online voice recognition: Double-click “Allow users to enable online speech recognition services,” choose “Disabled,” and press OK.

Method 5: Using Registry Editor (for home users)

If you are comfortable editing the Windows Registry:

1. Open Registry Editor: Press Windows + R, type regedit and press Enter.

2. Find voice privacy online: Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Speech_OneCore\Settings\OnlineSpeechPrivacy.

3. Create a new DWORD value: Right-click on an empty space on the right, select “New” and then “DWORD (32-bit) Value”.

4. Name and set the value: Name the new value HasAccepted, double-click to open it, set the value data to 0, and click OK.

5. Restart your PC: Close Registry Editor and restart your computer.

Disabling speech-to-text in Windows 11 is pretty easy and can be done in a number of ways, depending on what you prefer and your version of Windows. Whether you choose the Settings app, Control Panel, Group Policy Editor, or Registry Editor, you can quickly disable this feature for a more personalized experience.

Each method has its pros and cons. Most users will find the Settings app and Control Panel to be the simplest options, while advanced users may enjoy the detailed control provided by the Group Policy Editor and Registry Editor. By following these steps, you should be able to configure your system just the way you want it.