Enable or Disable Online Speech Recognition in Windows 11

This post shows students and new users steps to turn On or Off Online speech recognition in Windows 11.

Online speech recognition in Windows is a cloud-based feature that allows users to use their voice for commands, dictation, and app interactions. Microsoft’s cloud-based speech recognition technologies provide more accurate recognition than device-based speech recognition.

When the online speed recognition setting is disabled, Windows will still use its essential device-based recognition – like the Narrator app.

Enabling or disabling online speech recognition in Windows 11 can significantly impact how you interact with your device. If you prefer using voice commands to interact with your computer, enabling online speech recognition can give you access to more accurate recognition technology, which can make the experience more seamless and efficient.

On the other hand, if you are concerned about privacy or prefer using only device-based recognition, disabling online speech recognition can help you achieve that. Ultimately, enabling or disabling online speech recognition in Windows 11 depends on your preferences and needs.

How to turn Off or On online speech recognition in Windows 11

As mentioned, users can enable or disable the online speech recognition feature in Windows 11.

Here’s how to do it.

First, open the Windows Settings app.

Then, expand it by selecting Privacy & security on the left and the Speech tile on the right.

On the “Privacy & security > Speech” settings pane, toggle the switch button to the On position to enable it.

To disable it, toggle the button to the Off position.

Exit the Settings app when you’re done.

Enable or disable online speech recognition using group policy

Another way to disable or enable the online speech recognition feature is to use the Local Group Policy Editor.

First, open the Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc). (Search for “Edit group policy”) on the Start menu.

Then, navigate the folders below:

Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Control Panel > Regional and Language Options​

In the Group Policy details pane on the right, locate and double-click the “Allow users to enable online speech recognition services” settings.

On the “Allow users to enable online speech recognition services” window, set the option to Not Configure, Enabled, or Disabled.

• Not Configured (default) – Same as Enabled.
• Enabled  – If enabled, control is deferred to users, and users may choose whether to allow speech services via settings.
• Disabled – If disabled, speech services will be disabled, and users cannot enable speech services via settings.

Click OK to save your changes. You may have to reboot your device for the settings to apply.

Turn on or off online speech recognition using the Windows Registry Editor

Yet another way to enable or disable the online speech recognition feature is to use the Windows Registry editor.

First, open the Windows Registry and navigate to the folder key path below.

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\InputPersonalization

Next, double-click the AllowInputPersonalization (REG_DWORD) name on the System key’s right pane to open it.

Then, enter a value 0 to disable online speech recognition.

If you do not see the “AllowInputPersonalization” item, right-click a blank area and create a new DWORD (32-bit) registry item.

Then, enter the name “AllowInputPersonalization” and enter a value 0 to disable it.

To restore the default behavior and allow online speech recognition, delete the “AllowInputPersonalization” name created above.

Save your changes and restart your computer.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

• Online speech recognition in Windows 11 can be enabled or disabled through different methods, depending on user preferences and needs.
• Enabling online speech recognition provides access to more accurate cloud-based recognition technology, enhancing the user experience with seamless voice commands and interactions.
• Disabling online speech recognition can benefit users concerned about privacy or those who prefer device-based recognition only.
• Users can toggle the online speech recognition setting in Windows 11 through the Windows Settings app or utilize the Local Group Policy Editor and Windows Registry Editor for more granular control. These methods offer flexibility and customization based on individual requirements.