Windows 7 includes a speech recognition feature you can use to control your computer and even dictate entire documents. This feature is found in the Ease of Access Center of the Control Panel.

To set up Speech RecognitiChon in Windows 7:

  1. Choose Start, Control Panel.
  2. In the Control Panel, choose Ease of Access.

    Control Panel window with Ease of Access highlighted

  3. In the Ease of Access Center, choose Set up microphone under Speech Recognition.

    Ease of Access Center with Set up your microphone link highlighted.

  4. Select the type of microphone you plan to use with Speech Recognition, then choose Next.

    Microphone settings wizard asking for microphone selection.

  5. Choose Next again. You should see a screen where you can check the microphoneʼs input level by reading some text. When youʼre done checking the levels, choose Next, then Finish.

    Microphone settings wizard, volume calibration screen.

  6. Choose Speech Recognition, then “Train your computer to better understand you.”

    Configure Your Speech Recognition Experience screen with Train your computer to better understand you option highlighted.

  7. You will read a series of screens to train the Speech Recognition feature. This process should take about 5-10 minutes.

    Speech recognition training screen with text you read aloud.

  8. When youʼre finished, choose Next, then Donʼt Send.

Taking the time to train the Speech Recognition feature will improve how well this feature will work with your voice and is highly recommended.

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