How to Use Live Captions with Microphone Audio in Windows 11
Live Captions in Windows 11 turns spoken words into text on your screen in real time and lets you include microphone audio on devices running version 23H2 or newer. This built-in accessibility tool displays what you say or hear in a floating box so you can follow meetings, phone calls, and voice chats easily.
You can turn on microphone captions with a few quick clicks in your system settings. Once active, the captions update instantly as you speak into your headset or microphone.
Enable Live Captions by pressing Win+Ctrl+L, then click the gear icon in the Live Captions bar. Go to Preferences and turn on “Include microphone audio” to transcribe your microphone input.
What Are Live Captions?
Live Captions turn spoken words into text that appears on your screen in real-time. They work with most audio from your device, like videos, calls, or apps. Microsoft added this feature in Windows 11 build 22557.
How to Turn On Live Captions
Live captions windows 11 features can be turned on instantly by pressing the Win+Ctrl+L on your keyboard. Alternatively, open the Quick Settings menu at the bottom-right of your screen and select the Accessibility options to start reading real-time text for any audio playing on your computer.
Windows key + Ctrl + LAlternatively, access the tool through Windows Quick Settings. Follow these steps:
- Click the Quick Settings area at the bottom-right of your screen (near the clock).
- Click the Accessibility button. It looks like a person inside a circle.
- Find and turn on Live Captions.
How to Include Microphone Audio with Live Captions
Microphone audio can be included in live captions windows 11 by changing a single setting in the caption preferences menu. Turn on the feature, click the gear icon on the caption bar, select Preferences, and check the box to include microphone input so your own voice appears as text on screen.
- Turn on Live Captions by pressing
Windows key + Ctrl + L. - In the Live Captions bar that appears on your screen, click the Settings button. It looks like a gear icon.
- Choose Preferences.
- Find the option called Include microphone audio and turn it on.
Here's an example of what the settings look like:
Windows 11 Live Captions displays text for sounds your microphone picks up, alongside all other audio playing on the computer. The Live Captions feature began with Windows 11, version 22000, and provides real-time transcription.
Extra Tips
Live captions windows 11 includes several handy features to make reading text easier while using your computer. You can drag the caption bar anywhere on your screen, change the caption language to translate speech on the fly, or quickly close the tool when you no longer need it.- You can move the Live Captions bar anywhere on your screen by dragging it.
- Change the caption language if you want to see captions in a different language.
- Turn off Live Captions anytime by pressing
Windows key + Ctrl + Lagain. - For more info about Live Captions and how to customize them, check out this Microsoft Support page.
Summary
Live captions windows 11 turns any spoken audio into readable text on your screen right as it happens. This tool helps you follow along with videos, meetings, and your own voice by combining keyboard shortcuts, Quick Settings, and microphone support into one simple accessibility feature.- Live Captions help you see spoken words as text on your screen in real time.
- You can include your microphone's audio. This captions sounds around you or your voice.
- It's easy to turn on and off. Use a keyboard shortcut or Quick Settings.
- You can customize captions to fit your needs. This includes moving the caption bar and changing languages.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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