Dictation software for Windows: Win+H, when it is enough, and what replaces it

What does Windows voice typing (Win+H) do?

Put your cursor in a text box, press the Windows key and H together, wait for "Listening..." and speak. Microsoft says it uses online speech recognition powered by Azure Speech services, so it needs an internet connection and a working microphone. In its settings you can turn on automatic punctuation, filter profanity and pick the microphone. On Windows 11 you stop it by saying "Stop listening" or pressing the microphone button. Details: Microsoft's voice typing guide.

When is Win+H enough?

For short messages and notes, free voice typing is often all you need. It costs nothing and is already installed. Try it first.

Does Windows 11 clean up what I say?

On Copilot+ PCs, yes. Microsoft's "fluid dictation" corrects grammar, punctuation and filler words as you speak, using on-device models, in English locales. If you say "Revert" or "Undo that", or press Ctrl+Z, it restores what you said. On a PC that is not a Copilot+ PC, Win+H types what it hears. Zefmi's clean-up does not depend on your hardware: the clean-up runs on our provider's servers, so any Windows PC with an internet connection gets it.

Where does Win+H fall short?

• The key: Win+H toggles listening on and off; you do not hold it. If you prefer hold-to-talk, that is a different tool.
• Languages: Microsoft lists Chinese (Traditional, Hong Kong SAR), Chinese (Traditional, Taiwan) and Chinese (Simplified, China). It does not say Cantonese or Mandarin, and we have not tested it.
• Clean-up: automatic removal of filler words is only on Copilot+ PCs, so on other PCs it types what it hears.
• Online only: like Zefmi, it needs internet.

What does Zefmi add on Windows?

• Hold to talk: hold Alt+Space (changeable), speak, let go. Or press Ctrl+Win+Space for hands-free, and press it again to finish.
• AI clean-up: removes filler words, repeats and false starts, keeps your corrections and adds punctuation. See examples.
• Word for word mode when you want exactly what you said.
• Languages: Zefmi types English, Cantonese and Mandarin on its one plan, US$5 a month.
• Any app: it types at the cursor by pasting, so it works in any app that accepts a paste. See which apps.

We have not measured how much memory or processor time Zefmi uses and make no claim about it.

How do I set up Zefmi on Windows?

1. Download Zefmi and install it. Windows may show a SmartScreen warning, because the installer is not yet code-signed.
2. Sign in with your email.
3. Click where the text should go, hold Alt+Space, speak and let go.

What does Zefmi cost, and is there a trial?

Zefmi is one plan, US$5 a month (40,000 words a month, 3 devices, every language). The 14-day free trial (10,000 words, 1,500 a day, 1 device) starts with your first dictation. See pricing. It does not work offline. Mac, iPhone and Android are coming; there is a Mac waitlist.

Microsoft facts checked against Microsoft's voice typing page on 31 Oct 2026.