Why is Dictate not working in Word?

Microsoft's troubleshooting for Dictate in Word sorts these failures into groups. Dictate needs a microphone and a reliable internet connection ¹. So when Dictate turns on but types nothing or the wrong words, the causes are the microphone and the connection. The account matters only when the button is missing. The checks below go in the order that is quickest to test.

Check the microphone before anything else

If you see "Dictation can't hear you", or nothing appears as you speak, Microsoft says to make sure your microphone is not muted, and to adjust its input level ².

If the message says the microphone cannot be detected, Microsoft says to make sure the microphone is plugged in, then test it to make sure it works ³. Test the microphone in your system's sound settings before you try Dictate again, because Word cannot fix a microphone the system does not see.

Another app using the microphone blocks Dictate

If you see "We don't have access to your microphone", Microsoft says to make sure no other application or webpage is using the microphone, and then try again ⁴. A video call, a meeting app or a browser tab that is listening can hold the microphone. Close those, then click Dictate again.

A weak connection produces missing or wrong words

If many words are wrong or missing, Microsoft's accuracy checklist says to make sure you are on a fast and reliable internet connection ⁵. The same checklist says to reduce background noise, speak more deliberately, and check whether the microphone needs an upgrade.

A connection that drops mid-sentence can leave gaps, so if the text stops and starts, switch to a more stable network before you look at anything else.

Check the account if the button is missing

If you cannot see the Dictate button at all, Microsoft says to check that you are signed in with an active Microsoft 365 subscription ⁶. A missing button is not a microphone fault, so do not spend time on the microphone settings until the button appears.

Try the fixes in this order

1. Unmute the microphone, select the right device, raise the input level if it is low, and test it.
2. Close any video call, meeting app or browser tab that might be using the microphone, then click Dictate again.
3. Move somewhere quieter and check your connection.
4. Confirm the Microsoft 365 sign-in if the button is missing.
5. If the button is there but greyed out, follow why Dictate is greyed out in Word.

When Word's Dictate cannot be fixed

If you cannot get Word's Dictate working, a system tool may help. Windows voice typing also needs an internet connection, a working microphone and the cursor in a text box before it will type what you say ⁷, so a connection problem affects it too. For a comparison of the two Windows options, see Word Dictate or Windows voice typing.

Yap, which we make, is an on-device dictation app for Mac and Windows. If Word's Dictate will not work for you, it is one of the options to compare. The download page lists the current versions, and how to dictate into any app explains how the options differ.

If Dictate still fails after these checks, the symptom may belong to a different question. For the microphone on a Windows PC, see allowing microphone access on Windows. For the greyed-out button, see why Dictate is greyed out in Word. For the full settings and each platform's steps, read our guide to Dictate in Word, which is part of the overview of dictation in your apps.