Be sure you're signed in to your Microsoft 365 account. If dictation isn't working, the problem is likely with your microphone. Here are some things to try.
Microphone isn't working
If your microphone isn’t working, or you see the message, "There is a problem with your microphone" or, "We can’t detect your microphone," try these:
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Make sure the microphone is plugged in.
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Test the microphone to make sure it's working.
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Check your Microphone settings in Control Panel.
Dictation can't hear you
If you get the message, "Dictation can't hear you," or if nothing happens as you dictate, try these:
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Make sure your microphone is not muted.
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Move to a quieter location.
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Adjust the input level of you microphone.
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If you're using a microphone built in to your computer, try switching to an external microphone that you plug in to your computer.
Can't find Dictate button
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An Microsoft 365 subscription is required to use this feature. Please verify you're signed in with an active subscription.
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Only versions of Windows 10 and above support usage of this feature. The feature isn't available if you're running an older version of Windows.
Microphone settings
Windows 10: See how to set up and test microphones
Surface running Windows 10: Adjust microphone settings
Microphone doesn't have access
If you see the message, "We don’t have access to your microphone," try these suggestions:
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Make sure no other application is using the microphone, and try Dictate again.
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Refresh the webpage, select Dictate again, and give permission for the browser to access the microphone.
Microphone isn't working
If your microphone isn’t working, or you see the message, "There is a problem with your microphone" or, "We can’t detect your microphone," try these:
-
Make sure the microphone is plugged in.
-
Test the microphone to make sure it's working.
-
Check your Microphone settings in System Preferences.
Dictation can't hear you
If you get the message, "Dictation can't hear you," or if nothing happens as you dictate, try these:
-
Make sure your microphone is not muted.
-
Move to a quieter location.
-
Adjust the input level of your microphone.
-
If you're using a microphone built in to your computer, try switching to an external microphone that you plug in to your computer.
Microphone settings
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Go to System Preferences > Sound > Input.
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Be sure your microphone appears as a device for sound input and select it.
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Test the microphone and adjust the input volume on the slider.
Microphone doesn't have access
If you see the message, "We don’t have access to your microphone," try these:
-
Make sure no other application is using the microphone, and try Dictate again.
-
Refresh the webpage, select Dictate again, and give permission for the browser to access the microphone.
Microphone isn't working
If your microphone isn’t working, or you see the message, "There is a problem with your microphone" or, "We can’t detect your microphone," try these:
-
Make sure the microphone is plugged in.
-
Test the microphone to make sure it's working.
-
Check your Microphone settings in Control Panel (Windows).
Dictation can't hear you
If you get the message, "Dictation can't hear you," or if nothing happens as you dictate, try these:
-
Make sure your microphone is not muted.
-
Move to a quieter location.
-
Adjust the input level of your microphone.
-
If you're using a microphone built in to your computer, try switching to a microphone that you plug in to your computer.
Can't find Dictate button
-
An Microsoft 365 subscription is required to use this feature. Please verify you're signed in with an active subscription.
-
If you're using a Windows device, please note that only versions of Windows 10 and above support usage of this feature. The feature isn't available if you're running an older version of Windows.
Microphone settings
Windows 10: See how to set up and test microphones
Surface running Windows 10: Adjust microphone settings
For macOS: Go to System Preferences > Sound > Input.
