Word Will Not Transcribe Uploaded Audio

Question

I have a Microsoft 365 subscription. I have installed Office 365 on my computer and have also used the Online Version of 365.
I have used word to transcribe uploaded audio files and recently, I started getting an error message saying :

"We can't generate a transcript for your recording right now. This recording has been saved, or will be saved to your OneDrive the next time you open this pane. Wait a few minutes and try again."

I have waited and rebooted. I have tried to reinstall Office 365. I have tried the online version of Office 365. Getting the same error message.

I have tried changing the selected language. I have used another computer. I have also asked another user to try with their account. Getting the same error.

This appears to be a Microsoft issue.

System Info: Lenovo Thinkpad running Windows 11 Pro 64GB.

Answer 1

Report from Microsoft: "We have a tracking bug opened, and the offending change has been rolled back by the team."

Answer 2

I am also having this issue. I am using the transcribe feature in Onenote, but have also tried this in word both desktop and web version with the same error message. Is the transcription limit new, and how does one check that, or increase that?

Answer 3

Hello Trevor,

Thank you for reaching out and providing a detailed overview of the issue.

The error message you’re encountering—“We can't generate a transcript for your recording right now…”—typically indicates a problem with how Word is accessing or processing the uploaded audio file via OneDrive. Since you’ve already tested across devices, accounts, and both desktop and web versions, it’s likely a service-side issue or a problem with OneDrive integration.

Here are a few steps that may help resolve the issue:

1. Check OneDrive Sync
   Ensure OneDrive is signed in and syncing correctly. The transcription feature relies on saving the audio file to your OneDrive under the “Transcribed Files” folder.
2. Use a Supported Browser
   For Word on the web, use the latest version of Microsoft Edge, as other browsers may not fully support the transcription feature.
3. Verify File Format and Size
   Confirm that your audio file is in a supported format (.mp3, .mp4, .m4a, or .wav) and under the 200MB limit. Also, check that you haven’t exceeded the 5-hour monthly transcription quota.
4. Try a Clean Upload
   Open Word online via https://www.office.com, go to Home > Dictate > Transcribe, and upload the file again. Keep the pane open while the file processes.

Best Regards,

Adaeze // Community Support Moderator