how to add dictate to word

Sign in to Word with the account that has your active Microsoft 365 subscription, then open a document and select Home → Dictate; the button is unavailable without the required subscription or on Windows versions older than Windows 10.^1^

Restore the Dictate button

1. In Word, select File → Account.
2. Under User Information, verify that Word is signed in with the Microsoft account or work/school account that owns the active Microsoft 365 subscription.
3. Close and reopen Word.
4. Open an editable document and check Home → Dictate.
5. If the button appears but is disabled, make sure the document is not Read-Only.^2^

Dictation requires a microphone and a reliable internet connection. Once activated, wait until Word starts listening, then speak and the text should appear in the document.^2^

If it is still missing

• Check the Office edition: The built-in Dictate feature requires Microsoft 365. It is not available in standalone Office 2016 or Office 2019 for Windows without Microsoft 365.^2^
• Check Windows: Press Windows key + R, enter winver, and press Enter. Office Dictate requires Windows 10 or later.^1^
• For a managed work or school computer: Ask the Microsoft 365 administrator whether connected experiences are restricted. Dictation is classified as an Office connected experience that analyzes content.^3^

Alternative without the Word button

On Windows 10 or 11, click inside the Word document and press Windows key + H. Select the microphone and begin speaking. Windows Voice Typing uses online speech recognition and works independently of Word’s Microsoft 365 Dictate button.^4^

References

1. [Web](https://support.microsoft.com/office/if-dictation-in-office-isn-t-working)
2. [Mac](https://support.microsoft.com/word/dictate-your-documents-in-word#troubleshooting)
3. Connected experiences in Office
4. Essential services and connected experiences for Windows