Voice access and AI agents: what it does and what it doesn't
SpeakApp reads your AI agents' replies aloud, one after another. You say “ok”, answer, say “enter”, and your message goes into the right session, with no window to hunt down. Microsoft's voice access does something else: it lets you control your PC and write text with your voice. They don't replace each other. Pick by task: commanding the interface, or following your AI conversations by voice.
What does Windows Voice Access do?
According to Microsoft, voice access lets you “control your PC and author text using only your voice”: open and switch apps, browse the web, read and write email. It requires Windows 11, version 22H2 or later.
- To turn it on: open Settings, then Accessibility, then Speech, and switch “Voice access” on.
- Internet: the first setup needs a connection to download the language. After that, Microsoft says it works without one.
- Languages: several, including English, French, Spanish and German. The current list is in Microsoft's help.
What does SpeakApp add?
SpeakApp starts from listening. Your agents finish their replies while you work elsewhere. The replies are read aloud one after another. The toast, a card at the top right of your screen, shows the conversation that is waiting, with read, skip, later, reply and open. The widget's circle counts what is still waiting.
You say “ok” to answer the conversation in the toast, dictate your answer, then say “enter”: the message is pasted and sent into the right session. “ok” and “enter” are words you say, not keys.
Dictation belongs to the same set: it writes your words wherever your cursor is, in Windows apps. It is a separate function from listening, handy for an email, a note or a message to a client.
Voice Access or SpeakApp: which one for which task?
| What you want to do | Microsoft voice access | SpeakApp |
|---|---|---|
| Open an app, browse, click by voice | Yes, that is its job | No, that is not its job |
| Write text by voice | Yes | Yes, dictation at the cursor |
| Hear several AI agents' replies, one at a time | Not described in Microsoft's help | Yes, the listening loop |
| Answer the conversation that just spoke | You pick the window and the field yourself | You say “ok”: the answer goes into the right session |
The table compares tasks, not speech-recognition quality. Each answers a different need, and both can live on the same PC.
What about Windows voice typing (Windows + H)?
It is a third Windows feature, separate from voice access, and it only dictates text. Per Microsoft, you put your cursor in a text box, press Windows + H, wait for “Listening…”, then speak. It needs an internet connection and a microphone. SpeakApp also dictates at the cursor, with its own shortcut.
Keep reading
- How the listening loop works
- Hey Speak, SpeakApp's voice agent
- Dictating in Word and in every other app
SpeakApp is available on Windows, coming soon to Mac. A free plan exists, with the features and volume limits: see pricing.
Frequently asked questions
How do I use voice typing in Windows 11?
Put your cursor in a text box, press Windows + H, wait for “Listening…” and speak. Microsoft says it needs an internet connection and a microphone. SpeakApp also dictates at the cursor, with its own shortcut.
What is voice access?
A Windows 11 feature that lets you control your PC and write text with your voice. You turn it on in Settings, under Accessibility, then Speech.
Is there any voice assistant for PC?
Hey Speak, SpeakApp's voice agent: you say “Hey Speak”, ask your question and it answers aloud. See the voice agent page for details.
Does voice access read my AI agents' replies?
Microsoft's help doesn't describe that. It is what SpeakApp does: replies are read one after another, then your answer goes to the session that spoke.
Does SpeakApp replace voice access?
No. Voice access commands the Windows interface; SpeakApp handles your conversations with AI and dictation.
Try SpeakApp
SpeakApp is available on Windows, coming soon to Mac. Download SpeakApp or join the Mac waiting list. To see the whole product first: What is SpeakApp?