This video walks you through everything you need to get up and running with Speech Recognition Cloud in just a few minutes.

What you will learn

  • How to download and install Speech Recognition Cloud on Windows 10 or 11
  • How to select and configure your microphone for the best dictation accuracy
  • How to start your first dictation session and see text appear at your cursor

Before you start

You will need a Windows 10 or 11 computer and a microphone. Your built-in laptop microphone or webcam mic will work, but for the best accuracy we recommend a quality USB headset or desktop microphone. If you are looking for a recommended USB microphone for dictation, Voice Recognition Australia stocks a range of tested options.

Step 1: Download and install

Head to speechrecognition.cloud and click the “Download free” button. The installer is a small Windows executable that takes about two minutes to install. No account is needed for the free tier.

Step 2: Choose your microphone

Once installed, open Speech Recognition Cloud and go to the microphone settings. Select the microphone you want to use from the dropdown. If you are using a USB headset, make sure it is plugged in before launching the application.

A few tips for best results:

  • Position your microphone about two finger-widths from your mouth
  • Use a headset or directional microphone in noisy environments
  • Avoid using Bluetooth microphones if possible — USB connections are more reliable for dictation
  • Test with a short phrase first to confirm the correct microphone is selected

Step 3: Start dictating

Place your cursor where you want text to appear — in Word, Outlook, an EMR, a web form, or any Windows application. Press your hotkey to start recording, speak naturally, and when you stop the text appears at the cursor fully punctuated.

You do not need to say “comma” or “full stop” — the AI handles punctuation automatically. Just speak naturally in full sentences and paragraphs.

What next?

Once you are comfortable with basic dictation, explore these features:

  • Custom vocabulary — add specialised terms, names, and jargon in Settings
  • Text replacements — set up shortcuts that expand into longer phrases
  • AI Modes — use voice commands to rewrite, summarise, or format your text (Professional and Medical tiers)
  • Templates — auto-insert text blocks with a single voice command

For more detail, see the full getting started guide in our support section.