how do I dictate in Words?

Question

I would like to be able to dictate a document in words but I do not have any key with the dictation symbol. I have done a search and I cannot find it

Answer 1

The Dictate function is only available in the Microsoft 365 subscription versions of Office and also the free online version in a web browser, it is not available in the one-time payment versions of the Office licence.

Open Word, then go to File - Account, what version of Office is installed on your PC.

Answer 2

In Word for Windows, dictation is available only for Microsoft 365 subscribers and appears as a Dictate button on the Home tab.

To use dictation on Windows:

1. Open Word and sign in with a Microsoft 365 account.
2. Open a new or existing document.
3. On the ribbon, go to Home > Dictate.
4. Wait for the Dictate button to turn on and start listening, then start speaking to see text appear.

If the Dictate button is missing:

• The feature is only available to Microsoft 365 subscribers; older perpetual versions (for example, some non‑subscription Word editions) do not include it.
• Ensure Word is updated and that the account in use has an active Microsoft 365 subscription.

For keyboard-only use with a screen reader on Windows:

1. While editing a document, press Alt+H, D or Alt+` (backquote) to start dictation.
2. To change dictation language, press F6 until “Dictation toolbar” is announced, then use Tab to “Dictation settings,” Enter, and follow the spoken prompts to select a language.
3. To stop dictating, press F6 until “Dictation toolbar” is announced, Tab to “Stop dictation,” then Enter.

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References:

• Use a screen reader to dictate a document in Word
• Dictate your documents in Word