OneDrive File Issues

Fix Transcribed Audio Not Saving in Word and OneDrive

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to save a large transcribed audio recording to OneDrive or a local computer in Microsoft Word, suspects a 1,000 MB file limit, and is experiencing transcription freezes.

Product: Microsoft Word, OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to transcribe and save large audio files in Word for the web or desktop application.
Observed behavior: The audio recording fails to save to the designated location, and the transcription process often freezes at 94 percent.

Before you start

Ensure you have a stable internet connection and verify that your Microsoft 365 account has not exceeded the monthly 300-minute limit for uploaded audio transcription.

Solution 1Recommended

Proper Steps to Transcribe and Save Audio in Word

Follow the correct procedure in Word for the web to ensure your audio files are successfully processed and saved to OneDrive without interruption.

Audio files processed through Word's transcribe feature are automatically saved to a specific folder in your connected OneDrive. While there is no documented 1,000 MB file size limit, Microsoft actively enforces a 300-minute monthly limit for uploaded audio files.

Access the Transcribe tool

Open Microsoft Word for the web and navigate to the 'Home' tab on the top ribbon.

Launch Dictate and Transcribe

Click the dropdown arrow next to the 'Dictate' button and select 'Transcribe' from the menu.

Start or Upload Recording

Choose to either start a new audio recording or upload an existing large audio file from your device.

Process the file

Select 'Save and transcribe now'. It is crucial that you keep the Transcribe pane open in your browser until the processing completely finishes.

Locate saved files

Once the transcription is complete, open your OneDrive and navigate to the 'Transcribed Files' folder to access your saved audio.

Transcription stuck at 94 percent: If your transcription stops at exactly 94 percent, this is a widely reported Microsoft server-side issue affecting both web and desktop applications. It is a service-related bug that requires a fix from Microsoft.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a file size limit for audio transcription in Microsoft Word?

Microsoft does not explicitly state a 1,000 MB file size limit for audio transcription. However, there is a strict limit of 300 minutes per month for uploaded audio files.

Why does my Word transcription stop at 94 percent?

The transcription stopping at 94 percent is a known Microsoft service issue affecting both the web and desktop applications. It is a server-side bug that requires Microsoft to implement a fix.

Where do transcribed audio files save in OneDrive?

Completed audio recordings transcribed in Microsoft Word are automatically saved in a dedicated folder named 'Transcribed Files' located within your OneDrive storage.

Document & File Issues