Forum Discussion
Brycennin
Jun 01, 2026Brass Contributor
How to convert or turn speech to text on my computer?
A tech newbie. I have some voice recordings, online meeting audio, and a few speeches that I would like to turn into readable text, but I am not sure what tool or method works best on Windows 11. I ...
BreckenFoster
Jun 01, 2026Steel Contributor
Microsoft Word Dictation is a practical built-in function for speech to text, which performs well for long-duration voice input and advanced text formatting.
How to Convert Speech to Text
Step 1: Open Microsoft Word.
Step 2: Locate the Voice Typing button on the right side of the Home tab and click it.
Step 3: Select your preferred language.
Step 4: Click the microphone icon and start speaking.
Finally, click the microphone icon again to stop voice typing.
Pros
- Optimized for extended voice dictation sessions with stable performance.
- Offers a comprehensive range of text formatting options.
- Easy to access and use within Word.
- Available for free with a Microsoft 365 subscription or the online version of Office.
Cons
- The desktop version requires a valid Microsoft 365 subscription.
- In some cases, functionality may be limited without an internet connection.
- Transcription accuracy can be affected by loud background noise.
It is ideal for extended dictation tasks and supports a wide range of formatting options, making it extremely convenient for creating documents via voice input.