Windows and MacBooks both have a feature called Live Captions built in. Live Captions automatically transcribes spoken content from videos, calls, and anything picked up on your devices microphone, and displays it as text on screen, in real time!

Why Use Live Captions

• Quiet Environments – for example, taking a call in a library but you’ve forgotten your headphones (or forgot to charge them)
• Noisy Environments – for example, working in a shared space where even with headphones, it can be difficult to hear what is being said
• Language Support – captions can help those who speak languages other than what is being spoken follow along more easily, and even improve comprehension
• Accessibility – not just for individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, but some individuals find it easier to process written information rather than auditory information
• Focus & Comprehension – captions can reinforce spoken content, helping with focus, memory and understanding (especially during fast paced conversations or lectures)
• Clarity in Calls – Live Captions work during video calls (such as Teams), helping you catch every word even if the audio quality isn’t perfect.

Live Captions on Windows Devices

To turn Live Captions on for a Windows Device:

1. Click Start
2. Then Settings
3. Then Accessibility
4. In the “hearing” section, select Captions.
5. Toggle Live Captions to On.

You can also select Windows Key + CTRL + L (all at the same time) to toggle Live Captions on and off

Live Captions on MacBook

1. Select your Apple Menu
2. Go to System Settings
3. Then Accessibility
4. Click Live Captions
5. Toggle it On.

AI Usage Acknowledgement

This post was jointly written by Copilot and a human.