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Voice commands in HoloLens provide an intuitive way to interact with mixed reality experiences. When these commands stop working on Windows 11, it can interrupt your workflow and reduce productivity. Thankfully, there are simple and effective ways to troubleshoot this issue.

This guide will walk you through detailed, easy-to-follow steps to fix HoloLens voice commands not working on Windows 11. Each step is explained in a clear, basic manner, so even beginners can follow along without confusion.

By the end of this article, you should be able to identify common problems and apply straightforward fixes to restore voice command functionality. Let’s get started with some quick notes before diving into the troubleshooting.

Remember, voice command issues often relate to permissions, settings, or connectivity, so checking these early can save you time.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

• Check Microphone Access: Ensure your HoloLens microphone is not blocked or muted. Voice commands rely on clear audio input.
• Verify Internet Connection: Some voice features require internet access to work properly.
• Confirm Speech Services Enabled: Windows 11 needs speech recognition services enabled for voice commands.
• Restart HoloLens: A simple reboot can often resolve temporary glitches.
• Update Windows and HoloLens Firmware: Keeping software up to date avoids compatibility issues.

Step 1: Check Microphone Permissions in Windows 11

The microphone must have permission to be used by the HoloLens voice command system. Without this, commands won’t register.

1. Click on the Start menu and open Settings.
2. Navigate to Privacy & security > Microphone.
3. Make sure the toggle for Microphone access is turned On.
4. Scroll down and verify that Allow apps to access your microphone is also enabled.
5. Look specifically for HoloLens applications or related services and confirm they have permission.

Why this matters: Without microphone permission, Windows 11 blocks audio input, preventing voice commands from being recognized.

Step 2: Enable Speech Recognition

Voice commands use Windows Speech Recognition technology. If this feature is off, commands won’t work.

1. Open Settings from the Start menu.
2. Go to Time & language > Speech.
3. Under Speech language, select the language you use for voice commands (e.g., English US).
4. Scroll down to Speech recognition and toggle Online speech recognition to On.
5. Optionally, you can also turn on Speech services and typing suggestions for improved accuracy.

Why this matters: Speech recognition allows Windows to understand and process your spoken commands in real time.

Step 3: Restart Windows Speech Recognition Service

Sometimes the speech service can hang or stop working properly. Restarting it can fix related issues.

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type services.msc and press Enter to open the Services window.
3. Scroll down to find Windows Speech Recognition or Speech Runtime Executable.
4. Right-click the service and select Restart. If it’s not running, click Start.

Why this matters: Restarting the service refreshes its state and resolves minor bugs or crashes.

Step 4: Check HoloLens Voice Command Settings

Within the HoloLens device settings, voice command features must be enabled.

1. On your HoloLens, open the Settings app.
2. Select System > Voice.
3. Make sure Enable voice commands is toggled on.
4. Review any specific voice command options or profiles and confirm they are active.

Why this matters: Even if Windows settings are correct, voice commands won’t work if disabled on the HoloLens itself.

Step 5: Calibrate Your Microphone and Speech Recognition

Calibration helps Windows better understand your voice and environment for accurate command detection.

1. Open Control Panel (search for it in the Start menu).
2. Go to Ease of Access > Speech Recognition.
3. Click on Set up microphone and follow the on-screen instructions to calibrate your mic.
4. After calibration, click on Train your computer to better understand you and complete the voice training.

Why this matters: Proper microphone setup improves voice command accuracy, especially in noisy environments.

Step 6: Update Windows 11 and HoloLens Firmware

Outdated software can cause compatibility issues affecting voice commands.

1. Open Settings > Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates and install any available updates.
3. For HoloLens, connect to Wi-Fi, open Settings > Update & Security > Check for updates, and install firmware updates.

Why this matters: Updates often include bug fixes and improvements to voice recognition systems.

Step 7: Use Windows Troubleshooter for Speech Problems

Windows 11 includes troubleshooting tools that can automatically detect and fix issues.

1. Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
2. Find Speech troubleshooter and click Run.
3. Follow the prompts to detect and fix any speech-related problems.

Why this matters: This tool simplifies diagnosis and applies fixes without requiring manual intervention.

Alternative Methods and Advanced Options

• Reset Voice Command Profile: If the voice profile is corrupted, resetting it can help. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Speech and reset the speech data.
• Check for Conflicting Apps: Some third-party apps may interfere with microphone or voice services. Try disabling recently installed apps.
• Use PowerShell Commands: Advanced users can reinstall speech components using PowerShell commands, but this requires technical knowledge.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why are my HoloLens voice commands not responding at all?

Common reasons include microphone permissions being off, speech recognition services disabled, or hardware issues with the microphone. Follow the steps above to verify and fix these causes.

Can voice commands work offline on HoloLens with Windows 11?

Some basic voice commands can work offline, but many require online speech recognition services. Ensure your device has internet access for full functionality.

How do I know if my microphone is working properly?

You can test your microphone in Windows 11 by going to Settings > System > Sound and checking the input device levels while speaking.

Will restarting my HoloLens fix voice command issues?

Restarting often resolves temporary glitches. It’s recommended as a first step before trying more complex troubleshooting.

What should I do if voice commands suddenly stopped working after a Windows update?

Check for any subsequent updates or patches, run the speech troubleshooter, and verify settings as updates may reset configurations.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and voice commands on your HoloLens still do not work, consider the following final options:

• Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official HoloLens support page for help.
• Factory Reset HoloLens: As a last resort, you can reset your device to factory settings. This will erase data, so back up important files first.
• Check Hardware: If possible, have the microphone hardware inspected or repaired by a professional.

Conclusion

Fixing HoloLens voice commands not working on Windows 11 involves a series of logical checks and simple adjustments. Starting with microphone permissions and speech recognition settings often resolves most issues. Restarting services and updating software further improve reliability.

By following the detailed steps outlined above, you can restore voice command functionality and enjoy seamless mixed reality interactions. Remember to keep your device updated and calibrated for the best experience.

With patience and methodical troubleshooting, your HoloLens voice commands will be up and running smoothly again.