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Windows 11 dictation feature (Win + H) fails to consistently recognise "comma" command.

Anonymous
2024-06-21T03:43:19+00:00

I have used Windows 11's included dictation feature (Win + H) for several months now in order to complete my work as a medical transcriptionist more efficiently. To be clear, I don't mean the dictation tool included with Microsoft Word; I mean the Microsoft Voice Typing tool specifically designed for and included with Windows 11, as per this article.

The program is usually great, recognising obscure and complicated medical terminology fairly well, with only a few words requiring input manually. Combined with Microsoft Word's autocorrect feature, I rarely have to make edits to what I have dictated before sending it off for review.

The one thing I do regularly have to edit is punctuation - specifically, commas. Commas have been giving me grief for over a month now, and I have had to resort to using an AutoHotkey shortcut to pause dictation, insert a comma, and then reopen dictation for me when I press RightCtrl on my keyboard in order to minimise the impact on my workflow. However, as dictation tends to "buffer" (slightly greyed out text that is erased if you type anything before it has finished processing) for a second or two after you have stopped talking, this still means a two second break in my dictation flow every single time that I need to insert a comma in my work.

"Period" works fine. "New line" moves the cursor to a new line. Even "semicolon" or "open brackets" work like a charm. However, comma fails to work more than 25% of the time.

I have tried speaking clearly and enunciating to the finest degree. I have tried pausing for a second, saying "comma" loud and clear, then continuing. I have tried yelling as loudly as possible. Nothing prompts the program to recognise a comma. Most infuriating of all, sometimes I'll say "comma", and wait... and as expected, nothing happens. Realising that the program has not registered a comma, I will say "comma" again, and only then will the program whir to life... and insert ",,". TWO COMMAS.

For such a sophisticated, advanced, and presumably machine-learning-driven program, Windows dictation is laughably hopeless at inserting perhaps the second most common punctuation mark in existence. How this has not been noticed and patched by now is completely beyond me, as it grinds workflow to a halt in what should otherwise be a smooth and simple process.

Any advice related to this issue, or words of comfort from anyone who has experienced the same, would be greatly appreciated.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Settings

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-06-25T02:58:48+00:00

    I am not happy with the service that I'm getting from y'all I cannot use Microsoft dictation because I'm getting an error message stating that I am not connected to the Internet when that message is in fact incorrect. I am connected to the Internet.

    It doesn’t look like you’re connected to the Internet. Check your connection and try again. 0x800704cf Send feedback c3fod891-c66d-0003-77b1-ffc36dc6da01 Tue, 25 Jun 2024 02:00:20 GMT

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-10-12T08:47:56+00:00

    I am facing same issue its not working when I press WIN + H

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-06-22T05:55:56+00:00

    Hi Welcome to Microsoft community. I understand the trouble you're experiencing with the Windows 11 dictation feature. It must be incredibly frustrating, especially since the tool is so essential for your work. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue: Improve Microphone SettingsEnsure your microphone is set up correctly and optimally for dictation.

    1. Adjust Microphone Settings:
      • Right-click the Sound icon in the taskbar and select Sound settings.
      • Under Input, select your microphone and click Device properties.
      • Adjust the Volume and make sure the Input sensitivity is appropriate.
    2. Use Microphone Setup Wizard:
      • Go to Settings > System > Sound.
      • Under Input, select Manage sound devices, then select your microphone and click Configure.
      • Follow the steps to calibrate your microphone.

    Train Speech RecognitionThe Voice Typing tool can benefit from training to better understand your voice and pronunciation.

    1. Open Speech Recognition:
      • Press Win + R, type control, and press Enter to open the Control Panel.
      • Go to Ease of Access > Speech Recognition.
    2. Train Your Computer:
      • Click Train your computer to better understand you and follow the prompts.

    Use Alternative PhrasesSometimes, using alternative phrases can help with recognition.

    1. Try saying "insert comma" or "add comma" instead of just "comma".

    Check for Background NoiseEnsure there is minimal background noise, as this can interfere with voice recognition accuracy.

    1. Reduce Background Noise:
      • Use a noise-canceling microphone if possible.
      • Ensure you're in a quiet environment when dictating.

    Provide Feedback to MicrosoftIf the issue persists, providing feedback to Microsoft can help them improve the feature.

    1. Send Feedback:
      • Press Win + F to open the Feedback Hub.
      • Describe your issue in detail and submit it. Microsoft uses this feedback to improve their products.
      • Microsoft attaches great importance to user experience, you can submit your ideas and suggestions through the Feedback Hub, and the development team will regularly review submissions for ideas or fixes.  Please share the feedback link here after submitting as it will allow others on the forum to vote for your submission, including me. More votes will lead to more visibility and higher priority to the development team.

    It's understandable that such a crucial tool not working correctly can be very frustrating, especially when it disrupts your workflow. You're not alone in facing these issues, and many users have shared similar experiences. Remember, providing feedback to Microsoft can help improve the tool for everyone. In the meantime, trying these steps might alleviate some of the difficulties you're encountering. Hang in there, and hopefully, a more permanent solution will be found soon.Let me know if you need further assistance.Best regardsDerrick Qian | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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