How to use live captions to translate audio in Copilot?
Live Captions is an accessibility feature in Windows 11 that transcribes audio in real time to text, and on Copilot+ PCs it allows you to translate audio into English from over 44 languages.
While it doesn't integrate directly with Copilot as an assistant, it works in conjunction with apps like Teams or Zoom for video calls, and is activated with shortcuts like WIN + CTRL + L. In 2025, this tool is essential for international meetings, with local processing on the NPU for privacy. How to use the Image Builder and redesign photos in Copilot
Requirements for live captions with translation
- System: Windows 11 version 22H2 or higher (24H2+ for translation on Copilot+ PCs).
- Hardware: Copilot+ PC with NPU >40 TOPS (Snapdragon X Elite, Intel Core Ultra, AMD Ryzen AI) for real-time translation.
- Language: Set the device to English (US) for English translation from 44 languages; Simplified Chinese from 27 languages.
- Microphone and speakers: Integrated or external compatible.
- Internet: Not required for basic transcription, but for advanced translation in some cases.
Check NPU in Task Manager > Performance; if it doesn't appear, live translation isn't available.
| Requirement | Details | Verification |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | 11 22H2+ (24H2 for translation) | Settings> System> About |
| NPU | >40 TOPS | Task Manager |
| Language | English (US) for translation | Settings > Time and language |
| Audio | Microphone/speakers | Settings > Sound |
Steps to activate and use live captions
1. Activate live subtitles
- Press WIN + CTRL + L to open live subtitles directly.
- Or go to Configuration > Accessibility > Subtitles and turn on the “Live Captions” switch.
- In the subtitle window, select the output language: English (US) for translation from 44 languages.
2. Configure translation
- In live captions, click the gear icon > Preferences.
- Select “Include microphone audio” to capture live voice.
- For translation, choose English as the output; it automatically translates audio from 44 languages (including Spanish).
- On Copilot+ PCs, it works in any app (Teams, Zoom, local videos) without internet.
3. Use in video or audio calls
- Start a call in Teams or Zoom; subtitles appear on the screen.
- For live or recorded audio, play the content with closed captions turned on.
- Adjust opacity or position in Preferences for better visibility.
ExampleIn a Teams meeting with a Japanese speaker, subtitles translate to English in real time.
4. Real-time translation
- Set the output language to English (US) or Simplified Chinese.
- Audio is automatically translated from 44 languages into English (or 27 into Chinese).
- For microphone: Enable “Include microphone audio” in Preferences.
Nota: The translation is in preview for Insiders in the Dev Channel (build 26120.2705+).
Integration with Copilot and apps
While live captioning isn't directly integrated with Copilot as an assistant, it's used in apps like Teams or Zoom with Copilot enabled. On Copilot+ PCs, the NPU processes translation locally for privacy.
- teams: Subtitles inherit effects from Copilot for translation in meetings.
- Zoom: : Enable subtitles in Windows for translation in video calls.
Example: In Teams, combine subtitles with Copilot to summarize translated transcripts.
Benefits and limitations
Benefits :
- Accessibility: Transcribe and translate for deaf or noisy environments.
- Local Processing: Privacy on Copilot+ PCs.
- Multilingual: 44 languages to English.
Limitations:
- Hardware: Requires Copilot+ PC for translation.
- Language: Output limited to English or Chinese.
- Preview: On rollout for Insiders.
Problem solving
| Problem | Cause | A satisfactory solution |
|---|---|---|
| Does not translate | PC in Copilot+ | Check NPU; update to 24H2+ |
| Audio not captured | microphone off | Activate “Include microphone audio” |
| Slow subtitles | Incomplete indexing | Wait or restart PC |
| Language not available | Wrong configuration | Choose English (US) as output |
Example: If it doesn't translate Japanese, confirm Copilot+ PC and set English as output.
Tips for 2025
- Update Windows: Ensures 24H2+ for complete translation.
- Use in Teams: Combines with Teams translation for meetings.
- Test on Insiders: Join the Dev Channel for early access.
- Configure microphone: Enables inclusion of audio for live voice.
- Privacy : Disable if you don't need translation; local processing protects data.
Example: In a virtual classroom with a Japanese speaker, turn on subtitles for real-time English translation.
Conclusion
Live Captions on Windows 11 translate audio from 44 languages into English in real time, using NPU on Copilot+ PCs for privacy. Activate with WIN + CTRL + L, set output language to English, and use in apps like Teams or Zoom. In 2025, it's essential for global accessibility, with local processing and content filters. Check your hardware and join Insiders for early access.
FAQs
- Do live captions translate into Spanish?
Not directly; output limited to English or Simplified Chinese. - Does it require internet?
Not for basic transcription; translation uses local NPU. - Does it work on Windows 10?
Limited; Full on Windows 11 24H2+. - How do I include microphone audio?
In Preferences > “Include Microphone Audio”.
