How to use Live captions in Windows 11

This section takes you step-by-step through enabling and using Live captions in Windows 11, complete with pictures of the screen to help.

1. Open the Settings and click Accessibility on the left-hand side or press the Windows key + U to open the Accessibility settings. Click on Captions under Hearing.

2. Click on the toggle switch for Live captions to turn it on.

3. By default, the Live captions panel opens at the top of the screen, automatically transcribing any speech it detects in audio or video. To change where the panel appears, click on the Settings icon in the top-right corner.

4. Click Position followed by Above screen, Below screen or Overlaid on screen.

5. If you pick Overlaid on screen, the captions will appear in a mobile and resizable box that floats on top of your window. You can drag this into place then pull the corners out to resize it. Click the X button in the top-right corner of the box to stop Live captions. 

Note: If this does not work it could be because your computer settings are managed by someone else (an IT department or administrator for example). If so, you will need to contact them to access these settings or for help.