Start with the right field
Click into the destination before recording. This can be a document, email draft, chat composer, or another compatible text input. Keep that field focused until processing finishes. Windows permission boundaries and protected or elevated apps can prevent typing; do not assume every field accepts automated input.
Record, finish, and review
Ctrl + Space is the default dictation shortcut. With Hold to Record enabled, tap to start and tap again to stop. With it disabled, hold the shortcut while speaking and release to finish.
- Focus your destination field.
- Start dictation and speak at a comfortable pace.
- Finish recording without switching to another field.
- Wait for processing, then review names, numbers, punctuation, and intended meaning before sending.
What cleanup does
Oneslice removes fillers, accidental repetition, and spoken self-corrections where appropriate. It keeps your intended message rather than treating your speech as permission to invent facts. Explicit formatting instructions can create line and paragraph breaks. Your dictionary and tone choices can influence the result.
Recover or reuse an output
If a result went into the wrong field, check the interaction in Home. Repaste can enter the latest relevant output into a newly focused field. Review the original destination first to avoid duplicating text. Dictation prepares text; it does not automatically click Send in another app.
Dictation versus Assistant
Use dictation when you already know the wording you want to say. Use Assistant to ask a question, request a draft, or create a supported reminder, timer, note, dictionary entry, or stopwatch. A question dictated into an email is still dictated text, not an Assistant request.