How to Enable Voice Access on Windows 11 Sign-In

This article explains how to turn “Start voice access before you sign in to your PC” on or off in Windows 11.

Voice access is a new way to control your PC and send text messages using only your voice.

Voice access uses speech recognition built into your computer. It understands what you say and follows your voice commands. Right now, it only works with English (U.S.).

Starting with Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 23516, Microsoft added voice access to the sign-in screen. This means you can use your voice to log in to your PC before you even reach the desktop. You can access other areas on the Lock screen using voice commands too.

You can turn Voice Access on or off from the lock screen using the accessibility menu on the Lock screen. Or you can have it start automatically every time by checking the setting “Start voice access before you sign in to your PC” in Settings > Accessibility > Speech.

Why Use Voice Access?

Voice Access is helpful for people with disabilities or mobility issues. It lets them log in and control their PC using only their voice. If you don’t want to use voice commands, you can turn off this feature so it doesn’t accidentally activate.

What Happens When You Enable Voice Access?

When you turn on Voice Access before sign-in, your PC will listen for voice commands right when it starts. You can speak commands to open apps, type messages, and control your PC without touching the keyboard or mouse.

How to Turn On or Off Start Voice Access Before You Sign In

You have two ways to do this. The first way is easiest. The second way uses the Registry Editor for advanced users.

Method 1: Using Settings (Easiest)

1. Open the Settings app. Click the Start menu and select Settings. Or press Windows key + I on your keyboard.
2. When Settings opens, click Accessibility on the left side.
3. 
5. On the right side, click the Speech tile to expand it.
6. 
8. Look for the section called Voice access. Find the setting that says “Start voice access before you sign in to your PC.”
9. Check the box next to it to turn it on. Uncheck the box to turn it off.
10. 
12. Close the Settings app when you are done. Your changes save automatically.

Method 2: Using Registry Editor (Advanced Users)

⚠️ Admin privileges required for this method.

The Registry Editor is a tool for advanced users. One wrong change can cause problems. Only use this method if you are comfortable editing the registry.

1. Open the Registry Editor Windows Registry editor. Press Windows key + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to this folder in the registry:
   

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Accessibility

   
   

   If you don’t see the Accessibility folder, right-click on CurrentVersion, then select New > Key. Name it Accessibility.

   
   

   

   
   
3. Right-click in the empty space on the right side of the Accessibility folder. Select New > String Value.
4. Type the name Configuration for this new item.
5. Double-click the Configuration item you just created.
6. To turn voice access on before sign-in, type this in the Value data field:
   

   voiceaccess

   
   

   To turn voice access off, leave the Value data field empty or delete the voiceaccess text.
   

7. 
9. Click OK when done.
10. Close the Registry Editor.
11. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Summary

Windows 11’s Voice Access feature lets you control your PC and send messages using your voice. This is especially helpful for people with disabilities or mobility challenges. You can turn Voice Access on or off in two ways: through Settings (the easy way) or through the Registry Editor (for advanced users). Once enabled, your PC will listen for voice commands right from the sign-in screen. The Settings method is recommended for most users because it’s simple and safe. After making changes, restart your computer for them to take effect.

Reference:

Microsoft Blog

Frequently Asked Questions