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Dictation doesn't record in OneNote

If you select the Dictate button and no text displays on the screen when you speak and a red circle doesn’t appear on top of the Dictate button, try the following solutions:

Solution 1: Go to a quiet room

  1. Find a quiet place with little background noise.

  2. Return to OneNote, and select Immersive Reader.

  3. Select Dictate and speak loudly and clearly.

If Dictate still won't record, try the next solution.

Solution 2: Use a microphone or headset

  1. Plug in your microphone or headset.

  2. Return to OneNote, and select Immersive Reader.

  3. Select Dictate.

If Dictate still won't record, try the next solution.

Solution 3: Check your Windows microphone settings

  1. To open your Sound Control panel, right-click the icon of a speaker in the tray area in your taskbar, and select Recording devices.

  2. Look for a green checkmark to make sure you have at least one microphone enabled.

  3. To activate a microphone device, right-click on the device and select Enable.

  4. While speaking loudly, look for green bars appearing next to your active device.

  5. If multiple devices pick up your voice, right-click on any recording device you don't want to use and select Disable.

  6. Return to OneNote and select Dictate.

If Dictate still won't record, try the next solution.

Solution 4: Check your Internet connection

A fast internet connection is required for Dictate to work. Check your network connection if you've received a warning about connectivity issues.

If using a Windows device:

  1. Select the Start button, then Settings > Network & Internet .

  2. You should see a list of connections. If your network doesn't say Connected, select Connect.

  3. Return to OneNote and select Dictate.

If Dictate still won't record, try the next solution.

Solution 5: Check your firewall

  1. Try going to these websites:

  2. If any of these are blocked by your network, ask your IT administrator to update the firewall permissions to unblock them. Dictate requires access to these addresses to work.

  3. Return to OneNote and select Dictate.

If Dictate still won't record, try the next solution.

Solution 6: Restart OneNote

Close OneNote and reopen, then select Dictate.

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