Official documentation
Transcribe your recordings (Word for Microsoft 365)
Microsoft Support, n.d.
Read the originalRead on October 16, 2026
- What it is
- Microsoft's support article for the Transcribe feature in Word for Microsoft 365. It explains how to record in Word or upload an audio file, the supported file formats, the monthly minute limits by license, and where the audio is stored.
- How much weight it carries
- Official Microsoft documentation, and the source for the feature's limits. The article does not give a date, and the limits and availability can change, so check it again before relying on a number.
Facts taken from this source
- Microsoft's Transcribe article lists the new Microsoft Edge or Chrome and an internet connection under system requirements, without saying which app each one applies to.
“Transcribe only works on the new Microsoft Edge and Chrome. Transcribe requires an Internet connection.” (System requirements)
- Microsoft says Transcribe for OneNote is not available for GCC, GCC-H and DoD customers.
“Transcribe for OneNote is not available for GCC/GCC-H/DoD customers.” (Note in the OneNote part of the article)
- Microsoft says the Transcribe feature is currently available only on the Windows platform in OneNote for Microsoft 365.
“This feature is currently available only on the Windows platform in OneNote for Microsoft 365.” (Note in the OneNote part of the article)
- Microsoft says a Microsoft 365 subscriber can transcribe a maximum of 300 minutes of uploaded audio per month in Word.
“Users with a Microsoft 365 subscription can transcribe a maximum of 300 minutes of uploaded audio per month.” (Applies To note)
- Microsoft says the audio file, whether recorded in Transcribe or uploaded, is saved to the Transcribed Files folder in OneDrive.
“The audio file, whether recorded or uploaded, is saved to the Transcribed Files folder in OneDrive.” (Transcribe section, after the recording steps)
- Microsoft says a user with a Microsoft Copilot license can transcribe a maximum of 30,000 minutes of uploaded audio per month in Word.
“Users with a Microsoft Copilot license can transcribe a maximum of 30,000 minutes of uploaded audio per month.” (Applies To note)
- Microsoft says Transcribe in Word, unlike Dictate, does not automatically add the audio to the document. You add the transcript from the Transcribe pane.
“Unlike Dictate, Transcribe doesn't automatically add the audio to the document. Instead, from the” (Transcribe section, after the upload steps)
- Microsoft says Transcribe is available to Government tenants only for Word for the web.
“Transcription for Government tenants is only available for Word for the web.” (Applies To note)
- Microsoft says transcription for Government tenants is available only in Word for the web.
“Transcription for Government tenants is only available for Word for the web.” (Applies To note)
- Microsoft says that in Word you start a recording for transcription from Home, then Dictate, then Transcribe.
“Go to Home > Dictate > Transcribe” (Record in Word)
- Microsoft says to open the Transcribe feature in Word by going to Home, then the Dictate dropdown, then Transcribe.
“Go to Home > Dictate dropdown > Transcribe” (Upload an audio file)
- Microsoft says the Transcribe feature in Word converts speech to a text transcript with each speaker individually separated.
“The transcribe feature converts speech to a text transcript with each speaker individually separated.” (Transcribe your recordings)
- Microsoft says an uploaded file is transcribed in a time that depends on your internet speed, and can take up to about the length of the audio file, so a long recording may take as long as the recording itself.
“Transcription may take a while depending on your internet speed, up to about the length of the audio file.” (Upload an audio file section)
- In Word's Transcribe pane, you select Upload audio to choose an audio file from the file picker.
“In the Transcribe pane, select Upload audio.” (Upload an audio file)
- Microsoft says the Transcribe feature in Word currently supports .wav, .mp4, .m4a and .mp3 audio files for upload.
“Transcribe currently supports .wav, .mp4, .m4a, .mp3 formats.” (Upload an audio file)
- Microsoft says Transcribe in the browser needs you to be signed into Microsoft 365 and to use the new Microsoft Edge or Chrome.
“Make sure you're signed into Microsoft 365, using the new Microsoft Edge or Chrome.” (Upload an audio file, web section)
- Microsoft says the Transcribe feature is currently available only in Word for Microsoft 365 on Windows in Commercial Tenants.
“This feature is currently only available in Word for Microsoft 365 on Windows in Commercial Tenants.” (Applies To note)
Pages that rest on this source
- Can OneNote transcribe audio?Question
- How do you transcribe an audio file on Windows?Question
- How do you dictate in OneNote?Question
- Dictate in Word: Voice Typing on Web, Windows and MacGuide
- Dictate in PowerPoint, OneNote and ExcelGuide
- Copilot Voice and Dictation on WindowsGuide
- Can Copilot transcribe audio to text?Question
- Can Google Docs transcribe an audio file?Question
- Can Microsoft Word transcribe an audio file?Question
- Can Microsoft Word transcribe audio files?Question
- Does Word Dictate work offline?Question
- What is the difference between Dictate and Transcribe in Word?Question
- Transcribe (Microsoft 365)Glossary
- Voice Memo to Text: Built-In and Free OptionsGuide
- Can you transcribe audio from a link or URL?Question
- How do you transcribe a QuickTime audio or screen recording?Question