Issue with Transcribe dialogue box on One Note

Test Upload audio with a different, locally saved .mp3, .wav, .m4a, or .mp4 file; if the file picker still does not open or accept the file, check OneDrive storage and then repair the Microsoft 365 installation.

1. Isolate the upload failure

1. Open a notebook that you own and can edit.
2. Select Home → Transcribe → Transcribe → Upload audio.
3. Choose a small audio file stored locally in Documents or Downloads, using one of the supported formats:
   • .wav
   • .mp4
   • .m4a
   • .mp3
4. Keep the Transcribe pane open while the upload and transcription run.

OneNote requires an active Microsoft 365 sign-in and the latest OneNote version for this operation. Uploaded recordings are saved in the Transcribed Files folder in OneDrive.^1^

The result identifies the affected layer:

• Another file works: the original file is the likely problem. Re-export it as a new MP3 or WAV and retry.
• The file picker never opens: proceed to the client repair section.
• The file is selected but upload does not start or fails: check OneDrive and account conditions next.
• It fails only in one notebook: verify that the signed-in account has edit permission. If OneNote displays Switch account to transcribe on this notebook, select the profile at the upper right and switch to the account that can edit that page.^1^

An audio recording made directly inside a OneNote page may be an attachment rather than a normal local file shown by the upload picker. Save or export the recording to a local supported audio file before selecting Upload audio.^2^

2. Check the OneDrive destination

Open OneDrive on the web using the same Microsoft account as OneNote, then:

1. Confirm that files can be uploaded normally.
2. Look for the Transcribed Files folder.
3. Check whether the account is over its storage quota.
4. If it is full, delete unnecessary files and empty the OneDrive Recycle Bin, or increase the storage allowance.

When OneDrive is over quota, it cannot upload, edit, or sync new files, and existing files become read-only.^3^ Because OneNote stores uploaded transcription audio in OneDrive, this can block Upload audio while Start recording still appears functional.

Also check the monthly uploaded-audio allowance: Microsoft 365 subscribers can upload up to 300 minutes per month; Microsoft Copilot license holders can upload up to 30,000 minutes per month.^1^

3. Repair OneNote only if the picker remains unresponsive

If supported files cannot even be selected and OneDrive accepts normal uploads, repair the Windows Microsoft 365 installation:

1. Close all Office applications.
2. In Windows 11, right-click Start → Installed apps.
   In Windows 10, right-click Start → Apps and Features.
3. Find Microsoft 365 or Office.
4. Select … → Modify.
5. Run Quick Repair first.
6. If that does not restore the button, return to the same location and run Online Repair → Repair.

Online Repair is more comprehensive and repairs the whole Office suite, not only OneNote; a restart may be required.^4^

There is no published Microsoft known-issue entry confirming this exact condition—Upload audio failing while Start recording continues to work. If the problem remains after a valid-file test, successful OneDrive upload, and Online Repair, contact Microsoft Support and include:

• OneNote version and build from File → Account → About OneNote
• Windows version
• Whether clicking Upload audio does nothing or opens a picker
• File format and approximate size
• Whether the same account can upload files to OneDrive
• Any displayed error text

References

1. OneNote
2. one note transcribe feature - Microsoft Q&A
3. My OneDrive says it's full
4. Repair an Office application | Microsoft Support