Windows Insiders have a new build of Windows 11 to install, and it comes with some exciting improvements for accessibility. The biggest change is to Voice Access, which can now isolate your voice to better control your PC while in a crowded room.
Voice Access allows you to control your PC with only your voice. Once you launch the feature, a dock appears and stays along the top of your screen. That bar shows commands as you enter them, which helps confirm what you’ve said to your computer.
At the moment, using Voice Access in a room with background noise can be tricky. But that will change with the update to Windows 11 that’s now in testing. That upgrade is just the latest in a long string of accessibility improvements from Microsoft.
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Microsoft has prioritized accessibility for a long time. It’s genuinely one of the most endearing aspects of the company. Here are just a few of the Windows features and pieces of hardware we’ve covered over the past few years that are part of Microsoft’s push to make technology more accessible.
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Our Mauro Huculak has an excellent piece on 7 accessibility features in Windows 11 that make life easier for everyone.
Windows 11, and earlier versions of Windows, have a massive library of features that make computing more accessible.
Microsoft has an extensive support document about all the accessibility features in Windows.
Accessibility is about everyone. When Microsoft develops a feature or accessory with one type of user in mind, there’s often a knock-on effect. For example, Read Aloud in Microsoft Edge makes PDFs more accessible, but it also improves reading comprehension and lets you multitask while hearing what’s on your screen.
I use Read Aloud every day to proof read my articles. I find that listening as I read improves comprehension and helps me spot typos or other mistakes.
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New and improved accessibility in Windows 11
The latest Windows Insider build includes several improvements to accessibility features. Voice Access now supports Voice Isolation, which filters out other speakers and background noise.
It’s a small change that makes it possible to use Voice Access in a broader range of work environments. If you rely on Voice Access, a shared office can cause frustration.
Hybrid and in-office work often places colleagues too close to each other to use Voice Access. Voice Isolation allows someone who needs the feature to control a PC to work in the same space as their coworkers.
The same Insider build brings support for displays that use the HID (Human Interface Device) standard to Narrator. That standard enabled plug and play support for braille displays and is backed by Microsoft, Apple, and other tech giants.
Here’s the change log for Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 29634.1000 that relates to accessibility.
Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 29634.1000
Voice Isolation in Voice Access
- We’re introducing Voice Isolation, a new option in Voice Access that helps it focus on your voice, even when others are speaking nearby. Whether you’re in a shared office, an open floor plan, or at home with family around, Voice Isolation filters out other voices and background noise so Voice Access can better understand you. All processing happens privately on your device.
- Getting started
Voice Access now offers three speech recognition modes under Voice Access settings > Improve speech recognition:- Voice Isolation — Filters out other speakers and background noise (one-time voice setup required).
- Remove background noise only — Filters out non-speech sounds like typing or door slams. No additional setup needed.
- No filtering — Default microphone input with no additional processing.
- To set up Voice Isolation, select it from the menu and follow the short, guided setup where you’ll read a brief paragraph aloud so Voice Access can learn your voice. It only takes a minute, and your voice data never leaves your device
Narrator
Braille displays now connect instantly with Narrator
- We’re making refreshable braille displays easier to use in Windows. Narrator now supports displays that use the HID standard — an open industry standard for braille displays. If your display supports HID, simply connect it via USB and start reading — true plug-and-play with no additional setup required. For Bluetooth, pair your HID braille display in Settings > Bluetooth & devices just like any other accessory, and you can work wirelessly without being tethered to your PC.
- Compatible HID displays include models like the Orbit Reader 20, Orbit Slate 340, Freedom Scientific Focus 40, and APH Mantis Q40.
- HID braille displays now work during the initial Windows setup experience (OOBE) over USB — meaning users who are deaf-blind can set up their PC independently, right from the first screen. You can customize braille input and output options anytime in Settings > Accessibility > Narrator > Braille.
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