How to Change Voice Access Filtering Options in Windows 11

You change Voice Access filtering options in Windows 11 by adjusting settings for background noise and voice isolation to improve speech recognition.

Voice Access is a Windows feature that allows you to control your PC and dictate text using only your voice, offering powerful hands-free computer interaction. Windows 11, particularly in recent builds, includes Voice Isolation, a technology designed to help Voice Access pinpoint your voice even in noisy environments.

You can select one of three filtering levels: Voice Isolation to block all other sounds, Remove background noise only for specific distractions, or No filtering to use your microphone without any processing.

Voice Access has three settings for how it listens:

• Voice Isolation: This blocks out other voices and background noise. You need to set it up once.
• Remove background noise only: This blocks sounds like typing or doors closing. No extra setup is needed.
• No filtering: This uses your microphone as is, with no extra sound cleaning.

How to Change Voice Access Sound Settings

Method 1: Using Settings

1. Turn on Voice Access.
2. Look for the Voice Access toolbar at the top of your screen. Click the Settings (gear) icon.
3. In the menu that appears, click on Improve speech recognition.
4. Now, choose the option you want: Voice Isolation, Remove background noise only, or No filtering.

Note: The Voice Isolation setting might not be fully functional yet.

Method 2: Using the Registry Editor (Advanced)

Warning: If you make mistakes while editing the registry (a core part of Windows that stores settings), you could encounter problems with your computer. It’s best to use Method 1 if possible.

You will need administrator rights to change these settings.

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run box.
2. Type regedit and press Enter. Click Yes if prompted by User Account Control.
3. Navigate to the following key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Speech_OneCore\AudioProcessing\AcousticEchoCancellation
4. In the right-hand pane, find the value named NoiseFilteringMode.
5. Double-click on NoiseFilteringMode.
6. To use “Remove background noise only,” change the “Value data” to 1.
7. To use “No filtering” (the default), change the “Value data” to 0.
8. Click OK.
9. 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

You can change how Voice Access filters sound in Windows 11 through the Settings app or by editing the registry. 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.