Making strides in accessibility has been a cornerstone of Microsoft’s mission, particularly with the rollout of Windows 11. Among its various features, voice access stands out as a notable tool designed to enhance user experience, especially for those with physical disabilities or chronic conditions. However, until recently, this feature was curiously absent from the Quick Actions panel, which is intended for easy access to frequently used settings.
With the latest preview builds, Microsoft has rectified this oversight by introducing a toggle for voice access directly within the Quick Actions panel. This addition allows users to enable the feature straight from the taskbar, streamlining the process significantly. Previously, users had to navigate through Settings > Accessibility > Speech or search for “voice access” in the Start menu, which could be cumbersome.
You can now toggle voice access right from your taskbar
Voice access is a built-in feature of Windows 11 that empowers users to control their PCs using voice commands. This functionality is available on devices running Windows 11 version 22H2 or later. The recent updates, specifically builds 26120.3872 and 26200.5562, now include this highly anticipated toggle under the Accessibility menu in the system tray, making it more accessible than ever.
In addition to this enhancement, the new builds also introduce the ability to add custom words to the voice access dictionary. This feature supports multiple languages, including English, French, German, Spanish, and Chinese, which can significantly improve dictation accuracy for users who often work with specialized terminology or unique names.
While these updates may not be groundbreaking, they reflect Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to refining user experience through thoughtful design and accessibility improvements. The inclusion of voice access in Quick Actions, though delayed, is a welcome change that underscores the importance of making technology accessible to all.
