01 · Compose
Open a new email or reply
Put the cursor in the message body, where the dictated text should appear.
Outlook dictation guide
How to dictate emails in Outlook
For simple speech-to-text in an Outlook email, start with Outlook's built-in Dictate feature: open a new message or reply, place the cursor in the message body, choose Message > Dictate, and wait until it is listening before you speak. Microsoft provides separate guidance for Outlook variants, so the exact control and availability can differ by version and account.
Need the current product-specific steps? Open Microsoft's Outlook Dictate guide.
Start with Outlook's built-in Dictate
Outlook's own control is the shortest route when you only need spoken text in the email body. The key is to focus the message body before you begin, then review what appears in the draft.
02 · Dictate
Choose Message > Dictate
Use the Dictate control shown by your Outlook version, then wait for its listening state.
03 · Review
Speak, then check the draft
Read the inserted text, edit any wording you want to change, and decide yourself whether to send.
Choose the simplest option for the job
All three paths below begin with an editable email body. Use the built-in tool when it answers the whole need; choose a broader desktop workflow only when that is what you are actually looking for.
Built in
Outlook Dictate
Use it for straightforward speech-to-text in the message body when the Dictate control is available in your Outlook version.
Windows
Windows Voice Typing
Focus the message body, then press Windows + H for Microsoft's system-level voice typing option.
Desktop workflow
Cue
Use Cue when you want a configured desktop voice workflow that is available beyond a single product's Dictate button.
On Windows, Voice Typing is another option
With the Outlook message body focused, press Windows + H to start Windows Voice Typing. Microsoft says the tool needs an internet connection, a working microphone, and a cursor in a text field.
If Outlook Dictate is missing or cannot hear you
First, confirm that the cursor is in the message body instead of the subject line or another control. Then check microphone access and your connection. Microsoft notes that Dictate availability can vary by Outlook version, account, and subscription, so use its current guide to confirm the path for your setup.
Do not assume every Outlook interface exposes the same button in the same place. New Outlook, classic Outlook, Outlook for Mac, and Outlook on the web can present different controls.
When a desktop voice workflow fits better
Cue is a desktop voice AI for Mac & Windows: press a hotkey, speak, and it transcribes, sees your screen, and finishes the task in the app you're using. It is free to start. Choose the platform guide that matches the computer where you work.
Outlook Dictate FAQ
Does Outlook have built-in dictation?
Microsoft documents Dictate for the Outlook apps and versions listed in its current support guide; availability may vary.
Where is Dictate in Outlook?
In Microsoft's documented flow, select the message body, then use Message > Dictate. The interface can differ between Outlook versions.
Can I use Windows Voice Typing in Outlook?
With an editable Outlook message body focused, press Windows + H. Microsoft says Voice Typing needs internet, a working microphone, and a cursor in a text field.
Does Outlook Dictate work on a Mac?
Microsoft publishes separate Outlook for Mac instructions; check its current guide for the applicable account and version.
Why can't Outlook Dictate hear me?
Check that the message body is selected, the microphone works, and the device is online; then verify feature availability in Microsoft's current guidance.