I can't copy the subtitles of a meeting

The fact that they claim to remove it in order to protect data while trying to implement different AI tools, clearly shows that this is not the main reason.

This feature was really important, since it provided a reliable base for the minutes of the meetings that I'm legitimally invited.

I really hope that Microsoft rethinks its decision, as it is a pity to have to abandon this platform which was fulfilling my expectations so far.

I don't understand this change. When I attend a meeting, I need the transcript to create my notes, but this option can only be activated by the meeting leader. It's very annoying to have to ask them to activate it and pass on the transcript for each meeting, which is why copying the subtitles was a good option.

This change only makes my job more difficult, and I'm starting to think there are better meeting tools out there.

same from my side:

"You can't copy the selected text".
I don’t want to record the meeting. I don’t want to store full transcriptions. I just want to copy the damn text from the live captions like I used to. That’s it.

How is it possible that a company like Microsoft, with billions in resources and thousands of engineers, can’t figure out a basic need like this? Are you seriously telling me that your only solution to “protect data” is to disable text selection altogether?

That’s not security. That’s laziness disguised as policy.

Recording entire meetings or saving full transcripts is exactly what creates new security and privacy risks and unnecessary storage issues. You’re forcing users to create more data just to retrieve less.

It’s absurd. I don’t need AI. I don’t need smart notes. I don’t need summaries. I need to copy five lines of text. If no one at Microsoft can grasp that, maybe it’s not a technical limitation maybe it’s a lack of common sense.

Hello,

Thank you for the reply. I would be willing to try this, but I do not see the option for "Transcription". Only "Record and transcribe automatically". We do not record these daily working sessions, and no desire to waste the storage space recording them. So, that option will not provide the necessary information. Do you have another solution?

If you can provide feedback to Microsoft, please let them know it was very presumptive of them to assume that leaking sensitive information from a valid meeting attendant is the only use of copying the live captioning. Not every meeting needs to be recorded. Not every meeting needs the AI Notes. Just a snippet of the conversation so we can perform our jobs.

Thank you,

Amy

Dear Amy,

Good day! Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Support Community. I understand how important it is for you to capture spoken content during your Teams meetings, especially when your programmers are explaining code. I’m here to help clarify the recent changes and guide you through alternative options that can support your workflow.

Unfortunately, Microsoft recently updated Teams to enhance data protection. As part of this update, the ability to copy text directly from Live Captions during meetings has been removed. This change helps ensure that sensitive information shared in meetings is not unintentionally copied or shared.

Although copying from Live Captions is no longer available, you can still use Transcription to capture spoken content. Transcripts are generated during the meeting and can be accessed afterward. You can copy from the transcript and paste it into Notepad or any other tool you prefer.

How to Enable Transcription

If you are the meeting organizer or co-organizer, here’s how to turn on transcription:

1. Before the Meeting Starts:
   • Open your Teams calendar.
   • Select the meeting.
   • Click Meeting Options.
   • Set Allow transcription to Yes.
   • Save your changes.
2. During the Meeting:
   • Click the More (three dots) menu.
   • Select Start transcription.
3. After the Meeting:
   • Go to the meeting chat or calendar entry.
   • Click on the transcript to view and copy the content.

If you are not the organizer, you can kindly ask them to enable transcription for you.

Moreover, you mentioned that you prefer not to use AI features like Copilot or AI Notes. That’s completely okay. Transcription is a separate feature and does not require AI Notes or Copilot to be enabled.

For more information, you can check through: View, edit, and manage video transcripts and captions - Microsoft Support and Use live captions in Microsoft Teams meetings - Microsoft Support

I understand that this change may affect how you work, and I'm committed to helping you find the best solution. If you need help enabling transcription or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reply to this email. I'm happy to assist you step by step.

Warm regards,

Vy-Ng – MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist