Can Windows dictation dictate a video playing on my computer?

By default, no—Windows Dictation (Windows Key + H) is designed to listen to your microphone, not the audio playing from your computer (system audio).

However, you can achieve this using a specific workaround or by using alternative tools that are likely better for your goal.

Option 1: The "Stereo Mix" Trick (To use Windows Dictation)

To force Windows Dictation to listen to a video playing on your screen, you must change your computer's sound settings to route the speaker output back into the "microphone" input.

1. Enable Stereo Mix:

   • Right-click the Sound icon in your taskbar and select Sound settings.

   • Scroll down and click More sound settings (or look for "Sound Control Panel").

   • Go to the Recording tab.

   • Right-click on Stereo Mix and select Enable. (If you don't see it, right-click blank space and check "Show Disabled Devices").

   • Set as Default: Right-click Stereo Mix again and select Set as Default Device.

2. Dictate:

   • Open your text document (Notepad, Word, etc.).

   • Play your video.

   • Press Windows Key + H to start dictation. It will now "hear" the video audio and type it out.

   • Note: Remember to switch your default recording device back to your actual microphone when you are done!

Option 2: Windows Live Captions (Easier for just reading)

If you just want to see what is being said and don't necessarily need it typed into a document immediately, Windows 11 has a built-in feature for this.

• Press Windows Key + Ctrl + L.

• This opens a caption bar at the top or bottom of your screen that automatically transcribes any audio playing on your computer in real-time.

Option 3: The NotebookLM Solution (Best for Summaries/Notes)

Since you are currently using NotebookLM, you might have a much easier path if your goal is to get notes or a transcript from that video.

• If the video is on YouTube: Copy the URL and click the [+] Add sources button in NotebookLM, then choose "YouTube". It will instantly import the full transcript.

• If the video is a file: You can upload the audio file (MP3/WAV) directly to NotebookLM as a source.

Would you like me to explain how to add that video as a source to your current notebook instead?