How to Use Google Voice Search on Desktop (Chrome Guide 2026)

Google voice search on desktop lets you search by speaking instead of typing. It works on desktop and laptop browsers: just click the microphone in the Google search box and say your query. When we first wrote about this in 2013, a Chrome extension even let you say “OK Google” hands-free. That hotword feature is long gone, but voice search on desktop is still easy and accurate. Here’s how to use Google voice search on your desktop in 2026, and how to fix it when the microphone doesn’t work.

Quick answer: Go to Google.com in Chrome, click the microphone icon in the search box, allow microphone access when asked, and speak. Google shows results as soon as you stop talking.

How to use Google voice search on desktop

1. Open Google Chrome (voice search works best in Chrome) and go to Google.com.
2. Click the microphone icon on the right of the search box.
3. The first time, your browser asks for permission to use the microphone. Click Allow.
4. When you see “Listening…”, say your search clearly, for example “weather in Delhi tomorrow” or “how many ounces in a cup”.
5. Google converts your speech to text and shows the results. Click the mic again to search again.

Speaking slowly and clearly in a quiet room gives the best results. Google recognises Indian English and many languages, including Hindi. Change the language in Settings → Languages on Google Search if needed.

What happened to “OK Google” on desktop?

In 2013 Google released the Google Voice Search Hotword extension for Chrome. With it, the Google homepage kept the microphone listening, and you could say “OK Google” to start a search without clicking anything, much like “OK Glass” on Google Glass. Google later built it into Chrome and then removed it from desktop in 2015, as few people used it. Today, hands-free “Hey Google” works on phones, smart speakers and displays, not in desktop browsers.

Google voice search not working? Try these fixes

• Allow microphone access: click the lock or settings icon left of the address bar, then set Microphone to Allow. In Chrome you can also check Settings → Privacy and security → Site settings → Microphone.
• Choose the right microphone: in the same Chrome setting, pick your headset or laptop mic from the drop-down.
• Check Windows or Mac permissions: on Windows 11, go to Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone and allow desktop apps. On a Mac, go to System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone and enable your browser.
• Use a supported browser: if you don’t see the mic icon, try Chrome or update your browser.
• Test your mic in another app, and make sure it isn’t muted.

Other ways to search by voice on a computer

• Windows voice typing: press Windows key + H in any text box, including the Google search box, and dictate.
• Mac dictation: press the microphone key or the Fn key twice to dictate into any search box.
• Gemini: Google Gemini on the web lets you speak your questions and get conversational answers.
• Google app on your phone: for hands-free voice search, use the Google app or say “Hey Google” on Android and iPhone.

Frequently asked questions

Can I say “OK Google” on my laptop?

Not in a desktop browser. The hotword was removed from Chrome on desktop. Click the microphone on Google.com instead, or use voice search on your phone.

Does Google voice search work in Edge or Firefox?

The mic icon works best in Chrome. In other browsers you may not see it, but Windows voice typing (Win + H) works in any browser.

Is Google voice search free?

Yes. Voice search is free on Google.com and in the Google app.