How to Change Voice Access Filtering Options in Windows 11
Voice Access filtering options in Windows 11 let you control how your microphone hears your voice when background noise is present. Voice Access is a built-in feature that lets you control your PC and type using only your voice.
You can pick from 3 sound filtering levels in your settings to match your workspace: Voice Isolation, Remove background noise, or No filtering. These settings help your computer ignore background chatter and focus entirely on your speech.
Access Voice Access settings by clicking the gear icon on its toolbar. Then, select “Improve speech recognition” and choose your desired filtering option: Voice Isolation, Remove background noise only, or No filtering. These adjustments improve how Voice Access hears you.
How to Change Voice Access Sound Settings
Method 1Using Settings
- Turn on Voice Access.
- Look for the Voice Access toolbar at the top of your screen. Click the Settings (gear) icon.
- In the menu that appears, click on Improve speech recognition.
- Now, choose the option you want: Voice Isolation, Remove background noise only, or No filtering.
Voice Access filtering options can be adjusted directly through the Windows Settings app to control how your microphone handles background noise. Open the Voice Access toolbar at the top of your screen, click the Settings gear icon, and select Improve speech recognition. From there, you can pick Voice Isolation, remove background noise only, or turn off filtering completely based on your current workspace needs.
Method 2Using the Registry Editor (Advanced)
Voice Access filtering adjustments can also be made using Registry Editor (a database storing Windows configuration settings) for advanced users who prefer manual system tweaks. This method requires administrator rights and careful steps to modify the correct audio keys. Backing up your system first is a smart precaution before changing these values in the registry.
- Press the Win+R to open the Run box.
- Type
regeditand press Enter. Click Yes if prompted by User Account Control. - Navigate to the following key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Speech_OneCore\AudioProcessing\AcousticEchoCancellation - In the right-hand pane, find the value named
NoiseFilteringMode. - Double-click on
NoiseFilteringMode. - To use “Remove background noise only,” change the “Value data” to
1. - To use “No filtering” (the default), change the “Value data” to
0. - Click OK.
- Close the Registry Editor. You may need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Reference:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-insider/release-notes/beta/preview-build-26220-8491
Summary
The Settings app is the recommended path for most users. These changes help Voice Access understand your voice better by reducing background noise or isolating your voice.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.
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