Applies To

Note: The voice features referenced in this article are being released gradually and may not yet be available to all users. General availability to all users will be released soon.

Microsoft 365 Copilot offers a suite of voice features designed to make your work more accessible, productive, and hands-free. Whether you want to dictate text, listen to responses, or have a voice conversation with Copilot, these tools help you interact naturally and efficiently. This article explores the three main Copilot voice features: dictation, read aloud, and voice chat.

Note: Voice features in Microsoft 365 Copilot are currently only available in select languages. For a complete list, see Supported languages for Microsoft 365 Copilot.

Benefits of voice features in Microsoft 365 Copilot

Dictation

  • Hands-free productivity: Compose messages, documents, or notes using your voice, reducing the need for typing.

  • Quick idea capture: Dictate thoughts in real time, ideal for meetings or brainstorming sessions.

  • Accessibility: Supports inclusive work environments by enabling voice-based input for users with different needs.

Read aloud

  • Natural engagement: Hear responses in real time, making interactions more conversational.

  • Enhanced accessibility: Ideal for users with visual impairments or reading difficulties.

  • Multitasking: Listen to Copilot responses while working on other tasks or on the go.

Voice chat

  • Convenient interaction: Speak directly with Copilot for a natural, interactive experience.

  • Audio-first productivity: Practice presentations, brainstorm, or get coaching hands-free.

  • Multitasking: Ask questions and receive information through voice chat while working on other tasks, making your workflow more dynamic and accessible.

How to use voice features in Microsoft 365 Copilot

Note: The first time you access any of Copilot voice features, you may be prompted to grant Copilot access to your microphone. You can manage this setting in your browser or device settings. Minimize background noise for accuracy.

Dictation

  1. Go to Microsoft 365 Copilot or open the Microsoft 365 Copilot app on your desktop, then sign in with your work or school account.

  2. In the chat prompt box, select  Teams microphone icon Start dictation to start dictating.

  3. Speak clearly and naturally, and Copilot will transcribe your speech into text in real time.

  4. To stop dictation, select  Microphone to stop dictation Stop dictation. At that point, Copilot stops listening.

    1. Always review transcribed or generated content for accuracy as AI may occasionally misinterpret speech or produce errors.

Tip: Use punctuation commands like “period,” “comma,” or “new line” for better formatting.

Read aloud

  1. Go to Microsoft 365 Copilot or open the Microsoft 365 Copilot app on your desktop, then sign in with your work or school account.

  2. Ask a question or prompt Copilot as usual.

  3. In the response menu below Copilot's response, select Select the More Options icon More options and then select  teams speaker iconRead aloud.

  4. Use the on-screen controls to pause, resume, or stop the audio.

    1. Always review transcribed or generated content for accuracy as AI may occasionally misinterpret speech or produce errors.

Note: If you don’t see the speaker icon, ensure your app is updated and that microphone and audio permissions are enabled on your device.

Voice chat

  1. Go to Microsoft 365 Copilot or open the Microsoft 365 Copilot app on your desktop, then sign in with your work or school account.

  2. Select  Five parallel bars to start voice chat Start a new voice chat in the prompt box to start a voice conversation.

    1. If you have the Microsoft 365 Copilot app installed on your Windows desktop, you can also start a voice chat on quick view by pressing Win+C or the Copilot key keyboard shortcuts.  

  3. Speak with Copilot, interrupt, redirect, or ask follow-up questions at any time.

  4. To mute or end the conversation, select  Teams microphone iconMute/pause or X icon to close voice chat End voice chat as needed. At that point, Copilot stops listening.

    1. Always review transcribed or generated content for accuracy as AI may occasionally misinterpret speech or produce errors.

Note: Voice conversations may be time limited and will disconnect automatically after a set period.

Data usage and privacy

  • Dictation: Your speech is sent to Microsoft only to provide text results. Audio and transcribed text are not stored.

  • Read aloud: Uses client-side text-to-speech (TTS) to generate audio. No audio is recorded or stored.

  • Voice chat: No user audio or Copilot audio is stored.

For more details, see Privacy for Microsoft 365 for enterprise.

How to provide feedback

Microsoft 365 Copilot voice features are continuously evolving. Your feedback helps improve the experience:

  • Use the thumbs-up or thumbs-down icons next to responses to share feedback.

  • Access the Help menu in your Copilot interface to provide more detailed suggestions or report issues.

Related topics

Frequently asked questions about voice features in Microsoft 365 Copilot

Get started with Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat

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