Windows 7: Use speech recognition - how it works

Everyone can operate Windows 7 with a keyboard and mouse. But did you know that Windows also offers extensive speech recognition? We'll show you how to activate them.

Step 1: set the microphone as the default

To be able to use voice control, you obviously need a microphone. If your computer has not yet integrated one (via a webcam), you can switch to a headset, for example. Here we have listed some good devices for you.

1. First connect your headset to the computer. Most devices come with detailed instructions.
2. Now right-click on the loudspeaker symbol in the task bar.
3. Select the "Recording devices" item in the context menu.
4. Now mark your newly connected microphone in the list. Then click on the "As standard" button. Confirm the changes with "Ok".

Step 2: set up Windows speech recognition

Now it's time to start speech recognition. You should bring some time here. You have to read some texts to Windows.

1. To do this, enter the search term "Windows voice control" in the start menu. Select the program of the same name from the list.
2. The setup wizard opens. Windows automatically uses the standard microphone (step 1). In the following you have to read different texts. Windows 7 gets used to your voice.
3. At the end you will be offered a language learning program. You should definitely notice this. Here you learn all the important commands and get step by step explained the functions of the voice control. For the impatient, we have summarized the most important functions in the next step.

Step 3: the main commands of speech recognition

If voice recognition is set up, the keyboard and mouse can collect dust in the corner. With these commands you only control Windows with your voice:

• "Start listening": As the command already suggests, you activate the voice control. To deactivate it again, simply say the command "Stop listening".
• "What can I say?": That is probably the most important command at the beginning. This opens a help window in which you can find all possible commands listed.
• "Click on ...": Replace the dots with the name of an icon or button to simulate a click on the element.
• "Spell": To dictate a text to Windows, you just have to start talking. If the voice control does not recognize a word, this command will help you. You can use this to spell unknown terms.
• "Show numbers": If you want to operate your computer completely with your voice, you won't be able to avoid this command. Windows thus gives every button in the current program a number. Say this number to simulate a click on the respective entry.
• "Open ...": With this command installed programs can be opened at any time. Of course you can address them again at any time with the commands "Close ...", "Minimize ...", "Maximize ...".
• You can find other important commands on the Microsoft homepage.

Tip: Don't despair if Windows doesn't always understand you at the beginning. Over time, the system "gets used" to your pronunciation. You should definitely have a little patience. Meanwhile, this practical tip explains how to set up voice control on your iPhone.