Windows Microphone Permission

AI Dictation needs access to your Windows microphone so it can hear you. If the overlay appears when you press the shortcut but nothing is recorded, Windows may be blocking microphone access.

Enable Microphone Access

1. Open Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone.
2. Turn Microphone access to On.
3. Turn Let apps access your microphone to On.
4. Turn Let desktop apps access your microphone to On. AI Dictation is a desktop app, so this toggle is the one that matters.

After changing any of these settings, quit AI Dictation completely and reopen it.

For the official guide, see Microsoft's Turn on app permissions for your microphone in Windows.

Verify Your Microphone Is Working

1. Open Settings > System > Sound > Input.
2. Select the correct microphone if you have more than one.
3. Speak and confirm the level meter moves.

If the meter does not move, the microphone hardware or driver may need attention before AI Dictation can use it.

Transcript Not Appearing in the App

If dictation completes successfully but text does not land in the target field, click the field and press Ctrl+V. The transcript is copied to your clipboard automatically.