Official documentation

Use a screen reader to dictate a document in Word

Microsoft Support, 2026

Read on October 16, 2026

What it is: Microsoft's keyboard-only instructions for starting and controlling dictation in Word, written for screen reader users, including the Windows keyboard shortcuts.
How much weight it carries: Primary documentation from Microsoft for Word for Microsoft 365 on Windows.

Facts taken from this source

Microsoft says that to dictate a document in Word you need a headset and a reliable internet connection.
“All you need is a headset and reliable internet connection.” (Introduction of the support article)
Microsoft says the dictation feature in Word is only available to Microsoft 365 subscribers.
“The dictation feature is only available to Microsoft 365 subscribers.” (Introduction of the support article)
Microsoft says it has tested Word's dictation with Narrator, JAWS and NVDA, and that it might work with other screen readers that follow common accessibility standards.
“We have tested it with Narrator, JAWS, and NVDA, but it might work with other screen readers as long as they follow common accessibility standards and techniques.” (Introduction of the support article)
In Word for Windows, you start dictation from the keyboard by pressing Alt+H, D or Alt + the backquote key (`).
“While editing a document in Word, press Alt+H, D or Alt+Back quote (`).” (Dictate a document)