Windows 10: ERROR: Your microphone is being used by another app and can't be used by Dictation.

I have read other closed threads that address this problem, but searching for and closing other applications that are "using" the microphone didn't work there weren't any, even after a system restart.I was able to get Dictation to work in another browser Edge, but it stopped working almost immediately.The only commonality was that I went into the settings for Dictation and checked the "auto punctuate" setting. As soon as I did that, Edge stopped working, Chrome won't work again but I am able to get Dictation to work in Firefox, where I haven't checked the auto punctuate button.Therefore,

:)

 

Dictation not working.

Hello Lina,

Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.

Please provide some additional information, so that we can assist you better.

1. Are you using dictation in Windows or Office application?
   
2. Since when are you facing this issue?
   
3. Did you make any changes to the computer before this issue started?
   

I suggest you to follow the below mentioned steps:

Step 1: To dictate text:

1. Open Speech Recognition by clicking the Start button, clicking All Programs, clicking Accessories, clicking Ease of Access, and then clicking Windows Speech Recognition.

2. Say "start listening" or click the Microphone button to start the listening mode.

3. Open the program you want to use or select the text box you want to dictate text into.

4. Say the text that you want dictate.

Step 2: You may refer Microsoft article related to Dictating text:

Use voice typing to talk instead of type on your PC - Microsoft Support

Dictate text using Speech Recognition - Microsoft Support

Hope it helps.

Let us know if you got the help you needed by clicking "Yes or No.

Harish

Microsoft Community – Moderator

 

Unable to use Microphone

Hi,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



I understand that you want to use the Microphone of the Headset to talk to people. It would be great if you can help us with the details requested below:

• What happens when you try to use the Microphone?
  
• What is the make and model of the headphone?
  
• What is the make and model of the computer?
  
• Which build version of Windows 10 is installed on the computer? To check type:
  winver in the search bar on the Taskbar and hit
  Enter.
  

However, let me help you with the steps to setup the Microphone. I would suggest you to refer the steps mentioned in the article

How to set up and test microphones in Windows 10.



You can also try making the Microphone as the default device. Refer the steps mentioned below:

1. Press Windows key + R, to open
   Run dialog box.
   
2. Type mmsys.cpl and click on
   OK.
   
3. Now, click on Recordings tab.
   
4. Now, right click on the Microphone and select
   Set as Default device. Do the same in Playback and
   Recording tab.
   
5. Click on OK, and check if the Microphone is working.
   

For additional information, see
Fix microphone problems.



Let us know how it goes.



Regards,

Nikhar Khare

Microsoft Community - Moderator

 

Unable to use Microphone on the computer

Hi,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



I understand that you are unable to use Microphone on your computer. I’ll certainly assist you with this issue.



However, please let us know:

• Were you able to use Microphone on your computer earlier?
  
• What is the make and model of the Microphone that you are using?
  

Ideally, if we add a new Microphone to the computer, we will need to go through the setup process to use it, let me help you with the steps. I would suggest you to refer the article on
How to set up and test microphones in Windows 10 and setup
the Microphone. Once the Microphone is setup, you can start using it.



If you still face issues, I would suggest you to refer the article on
Fix microphone problems and see if that helps.



Let us know the results, we will be glad to help you further.



Regards,

Nikhar Khare

Microsoft Community - Moderator