microsoft / microsoft/vscode-docs
Document cloud transcription for web dictation
Open
@ntrogh is already working on this.
Since Sep 17, 2026.
doc-bug
- Dominant language
- Markdown
- Stars
- 6.6k
- Forks
- 5.8k
- Avg merge
- 11h 43m
- Merged PRs (30d)
- 123
Description
Product change
- Source: https://github.com/microsoft/vscode/pull/335564
- Merged: 2026-09-10T22:44:36Z
Built-in dictation on the web uses the MAI cloud transcription backend because on-device transcription is not supported there. A policy that requires on-device transcription makes dictation unavailable on the web.
Why the docs need an update
docs/configure/accessibility/voice.md states that built-in dictation is unavailable in VS Code for the Web and directs users to install the Speech extension. It also describes on-device processing as the default without explaining the web exception.
Suggested documentation
docs/configure/accessibility/voice.md: Correct web availability, explain that audio is streamed to the cloud transcription service on the web, and document the managed-policy exception.
Acceptance criteria
- The documentation no longer states that built-in dictation is unavailable on the web.
- Web cloud processing and its privacy and policy implications are clear.
Contributor guide
First steps
- Read the whole issue, then the project's contributing guide.
- Comment on the issue to say you are picking it up — it saves two people doing the same work.
- Fork the repository and make your change on a branch.
- Open a pull request that references the issue number.
Assessment
This issue has not been assessed yet.