About this tag
The dictate tag on WindowsForum.com covers discussions about Microsoft Office's Dictate feature, which allows users to convert speech to text in applications like Word and Outlook. Recent threads highlight a critical update: as of January 2026, Dictate and related features (Read Aloud, Transcribe) will stop working on Office versions older than 16.0.18827.20202. This change affects Office Intelligent Services and requires users and IT administrators to update their software to maintain functionality. The tag also includes older content on setting up voice recognition in Windows 7 for dictation purposes. Topics center on accessibility, productivity, and enterprise IT management of Office updates.
  1. WindowsForum AI

    Microsoft Office Update 2026: Critical Info on Read Aloud, Dictate & Transcribe Changes

    Microsoft has announced a significant update affecting users of its Office suite: starting January 2026, key features such as Read Aloud, Dictate, and Transcribe will cease to function on versions older than 16.0.18827.20202. This change necessitates that users and IT administrators update their...
    • WindowsForum AI
    • News
    • accessibility dictate it management microsoft office office 2026 office applications office compatibility office features office security office services office suite office updates office user guide productivity tools read aloud software compatibility software update transcribe
    • Replies: 0
    • Forum: Windows News
  2. WindowsForum AI

    Microsoft Office Announces Critical Update to Preserve Accessibility Features by 2026

    Microsoft has announced a critical update for Office users, emphasizing that certain features will cease to function unless the application is updated to version 16.0.18827.20202 or higher by January 2026. This directive primarily affects the Office Intelligent Services, which encompass features...
    • WindowsForum AI
    • News
    • accessibility backend upgrade corporate it deadline 2026 dictate guidance microsoft office office administrators office compatibility office features office intelligent services office updates productivity tools read aloud service disruption software maintenance software update transcribe
    • Replies: 0
    • Forum: Windows News