In a notable shift responding to user feedback, Microsoft is introducing a toggle feature that allows Windows 11 users to disable the profanity filter in voice typing. This enhancement comes as part of the latest Insider Preview Build, specifically build 26120.3941, now available in the Beta Channel.
Embracing Authentic Expression
For some time, Windows 11 has offered voice typing as a convenient tool for users. However, it had a rather conservative approach to language, replacing expletives with asterisks. With this new update, users can now express themselves more freely, ensuring that their true sentiments are captured without censorship. Whether it’s an exclamation of frustration after an accidental spill or a candid remark, the operating system will reflect the unfiltered emotions of its users—provided the profanity filter is disabled.
Microsoft expressed enthusiasm about this development, stating, “We’re excited to address the top customer feedback for voice typing by starting to roll out a new setting that lets you control the profanity filter.”
Jen Gentleman, a Principal Technical Program Manager at Microsoft, shared insights about the update on Bluesky. She reminisced about her previous experience testing profanity filtering on Windows Phone, highlighting the evolution of user preferences over time.
While her current focus may be on sharing keyboard shortcuts, one can only imagine the amusing scenarios that prompted the need for this toggle:
- “Where are all the apps in the app store?”
- “, this phone is a piece of .”
- “Steve Jobs is a *.”
The decision to reintegrate colorful language into text may resonate with many users, though it remains to be seen how this feature will be received in practice, especially given the mixed results of recent updates and patches from Microsoft.
In addition to the profanity filter toggle, the update includes several enhancements focused on Copilot+ PCs. Users will find improvements to the Click to Do preview, allowing for customizable shortcut buttons on supported pens. Microsoft has also resolved an issue that previously caused images associated with Click to Do actions to remain trapped in the PC’s temporary folder.
Moreover, the “Improved Windows Search” feature has been refined to display keyword matches solely within the text of cloud files for users logged into OneDrive with a work or school account, streamlining the search experience.
For those eager to explore these new features, ensuring the toggle is activated in Windows Update will be essential. However, as is customary with beta channels, there is no certainty that these features will transition to the production environment. In the case of the profanity filter toggle, its absence would undoubtedly be a missed opportunity for many users.
