Windows 11 Voice Access Toolbar Opens but Mic Button Does Nothing

Hi everyone,

The Problem:

Voice typing stopped working on my Win11 laptop (shows "disconnected" error). Friend has exact same model and Win11 version and theirs works perfectly.

What I've Tried:

• Win+H opens the old toolbar, clicking mic does nothing.
• Switched to Voice Access (Win+U → Speech → On). Toolbar appears [attached screenshot].
• Clicking the central mic button does nothing—no listening mode, no response.
• Checked Settings → System → Sound → Input: [Does the input bar move when you speak? Y/N – fill this in]
• Privacy → Microphone: Access ON, apps allowed ON.
• Privacy → Speech: Online recognition ON.
• Gear icon in Voice Access shows [what mic is selected? – fill this in].
• Restarted PC, updated Windows—no change.