How to enable speech-to-text
Enabling speech-to-text (dictation) allows you to speak into your microphone to enter text on both Mac and Windows. Below are the steps for each, followed by a website that explains each in detail.
How to Enable Speech-to-Text on Mac
This is highly dependent upon your version of Mac OS, so please search or use AI to get help for your specific Mac.
- Open System Settings: Click the Apple menu, select System Settings.
- Find Keyboard Settings: Click Keyboard in the sidebar (you may need to scroll down).
- Enable Dictation: Go to the "Dictation" section and toggle the switch to On.
- Select Microphone: Choose the microphone you want to use from the "Microphone source" menu.
- Use It: Place your cursor in a text field (e.g., Pages, Mail) and press the Dictation keyboard shortcut (default is pressing the Microphone key or pressing Fn/Ctrl twice).
For more detailed instructions:
Apple Support - Dictate messages and documents on Mac.
How to Enable Speech-to-Text on Windows (10/11)
This is highly dependent upon your version of Mac OS, so please search or use AI to get help for your specific Window computer.
- Open a Text Field: Open any app where you can type (e.g., Notepad, Word).
- Use Shortcut: Press the Windows Logo Key + H to open the dictation toolbar.
- Enable Online Recognition: If prompted, ensure "Online speech recognition" is enabled in your settings (Windows 10 requires this step, whereas Windows 11 may just enable it automatically).
- Start Speaking: Click the microphone icon to begin speaking.
For more detailed instructions:
PCMage - Speak Up: How to Use Speech Recognition and Dictate Text in Windows.