Currently available for Office Insiders on the Beta Channel, the new feature is part of OneNote Windows and Web version 2207 (Build 15427.10001). As you would expect, the voice dictation tool allows users to use their voice to input notes into OneNote. Microsoft says the tool is “AI-backed” and currently supports over 50 languages. Some of the languages are in preview, so the accuracy of voice recognition may be lower than non-preview languages. The AI already knows loads of commands, allowing users to control the app without using a mouse, keyboard, or touchscreen. For example, users can add notes, format them, edit them, and Microsoft says more commands will arrive in the future.
Using the dictation tool in Microsoft OneNote is easy. Microsoft has put a DICTATE button into the Home tab on the Ribbon. Here you can also access settings for the feature, such as change language, allow auto-punctuation, filter sensitive phrases/words, and add devices.
Details
Microsoft says that (obviously) you will need a microphone to use the feature. Furthermore, a good internet connection is needed. Voice dictation is coming to Microsoft OneNote on Windows and the web in waves. That means it may take some time before you see it, or you could be lucky and have it right away. You will need the latest Beta Channel update to have the tool. Tip of the day: With many reachable wireless access points popping up and disappearing again, the available networks list can become quite annoying. If needed you can use the allowed and blocked filter list of Windows to block certain WiFi networks or all unknown WiFi networks.