Stop dictate from turning off in Word 365

Anonymous
2020-02-17T22:44:03+00:00

Is there any way that we can prevent dictate to turn off (or at least extend the time that it stays on) in Word 365? I'd really like for it not to stop listening while I'm thinking about what to say.

Thanks!

Microsoft 365 and Office | Subscription, account, billing | For home | Windows

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  1. Anonymous
    2021-05-06T20:42:12+00:00

    Not sure if this will help but I was having the exact same problem as everyone else. I was using the dictate function for Word on my MacBook Air with no issues until one of the latest updates. Now it turns off within seconds. What I did was I went into System Preferences and instead of going to "keyboard" where I already had the dictation turned on, I discovered there were voice control settings under "accessibility." 

    Under "accessibility" there is a  heading called "motor" and under this there is  "Voice control".  There is a checkbox called "enable voice control". When I checked this the microphone icon came up and I have been able to dictate with this ever since without it shutting off.

    I haven't gone in and out of word or shut my computer off so I'm not sure if this will continue to work; However for now it seems to have overcome the problem..

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  2. Anonymous
    2021-05-07T06:53:51+00:00

    I am aware of this, it is for MacBooks.  I do not see where this is for pc's.  I end up using my MacBook in the way you have suggested because the microphone does not turn off.  I do not see how to set this up on a PC.  I tried your suggestion but did not see the pathway you suggested.  Please clarify.  Thanks.

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  3. Anonymous
    2021-05-07T12:24:49+00:00

    Hey - sorry, I do not have a PC, so do not know if this would be available there. I only found this for Mac. Sorry I can't help with that.

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  4. Anonymous
    2021-05-07T12:26:26+00:00

    Thanks for the reply.  I tried what appears to be the equivalent setting on my PC ("Speech" in Settings), which enables a speech shortcut (Windows key + H).  Although speech recognition seems to work in a different way when using this option, it still cuts off after a short while.

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  5. Anonymous
    2021-05-08T03:04:38+00:00

    yea, I now use my Mac for dictation when I can, just for that reason.  It works ok on the Mac.  

    The keystroke option for the PC does work.  Also, lately what I find is that when I click on the microphone on the menu bar, another microphone appears that is lower on the screen, and just a bit easier to click.  I find I am waiting for the irritating sound of the microphone signalling it is turning itself off, so I just turn the volume to 0, yet it still picks up my voice.  So at least I am spared hearing the alert.  Would of course be MUCH better if it simply turned off after a much longer time, ie 30 seconds would make a huge difference.

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