Fact · Dictation in your apps
Microsoft's troubleshooting for Dictate in Word says that if Dictation cannot hear you, or nothing appears as you dictate, you should make sure your microphone is not muted and adjust its input level.
Checked against its source on October 17, 2026
In the source's own words
“Make sure your microphone is not muted Adjust the input level of your microphone”
Dictate your documents in Word, Microsoft, 2026, Troubleshooting, Dictation can't hear you.
Open the original- What it measures
- The same section adds that you should move to a quieter location and, if you use a built-in microphone, try a headset or an external microphone.
- What it does not show
- Microsoft gives these checks without a version number for the microphone settings, so the menu names may differ on your system.