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Microsoft: Legacy Office Apps to Lose Voice Feature Access in January

Is Your Office Dictation About to Stop Working? Important Changes for Legacy Users

Voice commands and dictation have transformed how many of us interact with productivity software, turning spoken words into text and commands seamlessly. For users of Microsoft Office, these features have become indispensable for drafting documents, composing emails, and improving accessibility.

However, a significant change is on the horizon for users of older, non-subscription versions of Microsoft Office. If you rely on built-in voice features in Office 2016 or Office 2019, you need to be aware of an upcoming update that will impact your workflow.

Key Voice Features Being Discontinued for Older Office Versions

Microsoft has announced that it is retiring access to its cloud-based voice services for perpetual license versions of its Office suite.

Beginning in late January, users of certain Office versions will lose access to the following integrated features:

  • Dictation: The popular feature that transcribes speech to text directly within applications like Word and Outlook.
  • Voice Commands: The ability to control software functions, such as formatting or navigation, using your voice.
  • Voice Transcription: The service that converts audio recordings into a written transcript.

This change will directly impact Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote for users on the affected platforms.

The Reason Behind the Change: A Shift to the Cloud

This move is part of a broader industry trend away from single-purchase software and toward integrated, cloud-powered services. These advanced voice features are not processed on your local computer; they rely on Microsoft’s online services to function.

These “connected experiences” are central to the Microsoft 365 subscription model, which is designed for continuous updates and cloud integration. Perpetual license products, like Office 2019, are designed with a fixed feature set and do not receive the ongoing service updates required to support these evolving cloud-based tools.

Am I Affected? Check Your Office Version

This change is specific to users who own a one-time purchase (perpetual license) of Office. You can check your version by opening an app like Word and going to File > Account.

The following versions will be impacted:

  • Microsoft Office 2019
  • Microsoft Office 2016

Crucially, Microsoft 365 subscribers are not affected by this change. If you have an active Microsoft 365 subscription, your voice features will continue to work without interruption as they are a core part of the service.

Your Next Steps: How to Keep Using Voice Features

If your version of Office is on the list, you have two primary options to continue using voice-to-text functionality.

1. The Free Workaround: Use Windows Voice Typing

The best immediate alternative is the voice typing feature built directly into Windows 10 and Windows 11. It’s a powerful and free tool that works in almost any application, including your older version of Office.

  • To activate it, simply place your cursor in any text field and press the keyboard shortcut: Windows Key + H.
  • A small microphone bar will appear, and you can begin speaking. Windows will handle the transcription for you. While it’s not integrated directly into the Office ribbon, it’s a highly effective replacement.

2. The Official Solution: Upgrade to Microsoft 365

For the most seamless and feature-rich experience, the recommended path is to upgrade to a Microsoft 365 subscription. This not only restores the integrated voice features but also provides a host of other benefits:

  • Continuous Updates: You always have the latest features, security patches, and performance improvements.
  • Enhanced Tools: Access to advanced AI-powered tools like the Editor, premium creative content, and expanded cloud storage.
  • Multi-Device Access: Use your Office apps across your PC, Mac, tablet, and phone.

Preparing for the Future of Productivity

This change underscores the fundamental shift in how software is delivered and maintained. The era of buying a software box with a fixed set of features is giving way to the dynamic, service-oriented subscription model.

For users of legacy Office suites, this news means facing a choice: adapt by using built-in operating system workarounds or upgrade to the modern subscription service for the full, integrated experience. By understanding your options now, you can ensure a smooth transition and keep your productivity flowing without interruption.

Source: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/microsoft-outdated-office-apps-lose-access-to-voice-features-in-january/

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