Summary of how to transcribe on Windows [11 recommended software and apps]
Dec. 5, 2023
Voice input on smartphones has become easier, and opportunities to record conferences and web meetings are increasing day by day.
Your boss may often give you audio or video data and ask you to compile the meeting minutes, but manual transcription takes more time and effort than you think.
Even though you are busy with your daily work, you don't have much time to do so.
So this time, I've put together various methods and recommended tools for efficiently transcribing text on your Windows computer .
- Looking for transcription software/app that can be used on Windows
- I want to automate the creation of meeting minutes.
- I want to transcribe not only my own voice but also the other party's voice in a web meeting.
- I want to create sentences using voice input.
- I would also like to know how to transcribe as accurately as possible, preferably for free.
This content is useful for the following people.
After reading this article, you'll be able to focus on important work instead of wasting time on simple tasks.
Please watch till the end.
10 recommended transcription apps and software for Windows
Transcription can be very time-consuming if you ``hand-type'' each letter using a memo app or Word.
By using transcription apps and software that can be used on Windows, you can easily perform high-quality transcriptions.
We'll show you exactly what kind of apps and software we have!
1. Mr. Transcription
"Mr. Transcription" is an almighty AI transcription service.
It is a transcription service that can be used from a browser, and its versatility is important because it can meet all your transcription needs , and it can be used for free.
In addition to audio and video, it also supports transcription from images and PDF files.
Furthermore, “Mr. Transcription” can use two types of transcription AI engines ,
- Perfect Voice: No transcription time limit, 100 languages supported
- AmiVoice: Speaker separation function (transcribes each speaker)
It has the following characteristics.
The good news is that it supports a large number of languages, and its speaker separation feature makes it suitable for transcribing meetings.
Of course, since it is a transcription service using the latest AI, the accuracy and speed are outstanding !
If you are looking for a transcription service/app to use on a Windows computer, we recommend "Mr. Transcription" first.
To use it, just open the top page.
You don't need to register and can use it for free for up to 1 minute, so why not try out the performance of AI transcription first?
2.User local audio minutes system
The User Local Audio Transcription System is a transcription service that is used from a browser.
As the name suggests, this service is perfect for recording meeting minutes, and just by sharing the URL, it will summarize the minutes for each speaker with timestamps.
In addition to automatically transcribing participants' comments, you can also edit your own comments.
It also has unique functions such as analyzing the ``positive/negative'' and ``5 emotions (joy, love, sadness, fear, anger)'' of each user's utterances, and extracting specific words.
This service is recommended for those looking for a transcription service for meeting minutes .
User local audio minutes system
3.Google Docs
Google Docs is an easy method for people who use it regularly.
The basic function is a voice input function that transcribes what you say into the microphone .
In this way, when you click on the microphone, transcription will start.
It is also possible to transcribe audio files if you use it wisely.
When converting an audio file to text, you need to set up a function called a "stereo mixer".
Settings: Sound → Recording → Right-click “Stereo Mixer” → Set as default device: ON
This is a setting that allows the sound being played within the PC to be recognized.
By playing in this state, the audio file will be transcribed.
Although it is more convenient to use an AI service dedicated to transcription such as Mr. Transcription, it is an easy method for those who usually use Google Docs.
4.Okoshiyasu2
Okoshiyasu2 is a transcription player for Windows.
It has long been a standard Windows app for transcribing using the keyboard while listening to audio , and allows you to perform operations such as play, pause, rewind, and fast forward without taking your hands off the keyboard.
Since it is a historical software that was last updated in 2009, the supported audio files are limited to WAVE, MP3, WMA, and Ogg.
Its weakness is that audio recorded with a smartphone needs to be converted beforehand, but its strength is that it is very simple to operate and can be used right away without any confusion.
5.Express Scribe
Express Scribe is also a transcription player that can be used on Windows PCs.
There are free plans and paid plans.
Like the Okoshiyasu2 introduced above, it not only allows smooth playback, pausing, rewinding, and fast forwarding, but also supports operation with a foot pedal (pedal operated with the foot), assuming professional use. That's the point.
Using a foot pedal frees up both hands, allowing you to transcribe using the keyboard more smoothly.
Although it requires some skill to use, it is an app that will become a reliable companion when manually transcribing text using a keyboard.
6.Voice Rep Pro 3
Voice Rep Pro 3 is a transcription app that can be installed and used on a Windows PC.
It is a set that includes an automatic transcription service that performs speech recognition via the Internet and a transcription editor, allowing for smooth transcription.
Voice recognition uses Google's engine.
The transcription editor also includes proofing tools, perfect for combining automatic transcription with keyboard transcription .
It is sold with a license that allows you to use it on only one computer with a single purchase.
7.Voice Rep Meeting Pro
Voice Rep Meeting Pro is a transcription tool specialized in creating meeting minutes, provided by the same vendor as Voice Rep Pro 3.
You can connect up to 30 people at the same time and transcribe the meeting content in real time.
In addition to the "conference mode", there is also a "personal mode", so you can use it for regular transcription like Voice Rep Pro 3.
8.Voice Code
Voice Code is a transcription tool provided by SourceNext.
This app is installed on your Windows PC and automatically transcribes your voice when you speak it into your microphone.
Basically, it is a tool that assumes that you speak from a microphone in real time , so in order to transcribe recorded audio, you need to devise ways to re-speak while listening to the played audio.
Like Voice Rep Pro 3, it uses Google's speech recognition engine for automatic transcription.
It is a tool that specializes in Japanese transcription, and also has a function that automatically inserts punctuation marks throughout the transcription after it is completed.
9. Instant text
Moment Text is an app for transcribing text contained in images.
By performing character recognition (OCR) on the characters written on the image and converting them into text, you will be able to copy them as a text file.
You can select a range and transcribe only that part , so when transcribing a flyer or poster, you can prevent separate sentences lined up horizontally from being mixed up.
Although its uses are limited, it is a very convenient option if you only want to transcribe images.
10.Dragon Speech 11
Dragon Speech 11 is an installable transcription app.
All of the apps we have introduced so far require an internet connection to use the transcription engine, but this one can also be used completely offline.
Although it is an older generation app and has inferior performance compared to the latest AI transcription services, it used to have the No. 1 global market share , and has high performance among apps at the time.
Official sales have already ended, but some shops still sell it, so if you need an app that can transcribe completely offline, we recommend looking for it in stock.
11.AmiVoice SP2
AmiVoice SP2 is also an installation-type transcription app that was once a standard.
It can also be used completely offline.
Also, this item has already officially been discontinued, but it seems that it is still being sold at some shops.
If you want software that can be used completely offline, look for a store that sells it.
If you want to use the latest AmiVoice, we recommend “Mr. Transcription”
The voice recognition engine called "AmiVoice" is not a standalone app, but is still being developed as an API (an engine that can be read and used by other apps).
Moreover, the latest AI version AmiVoice engine has top-class performance among AI transcriptions.
The AI transcription version of AmiVoice can be used with the transcription web service ``Mr. Transcription'' , so if you are interested, why not try Mr. Transcription?
5 ways to transcribe on Windows (with recommended apps)
So far, we have explained the following methods for efficiently transcribing text on a Windows computer.
- Use automatic transcription tools available in your browser
- Use Windows standard voice input function
- Manually transcribe using a dedicated player
- Use installed automatic transcription software (online)
- Use installed automatic transcription software (offline)
Each method is useful in slightly different situations.
Let's explain the specific features in more detail.
Use automatic transcription tools available in your browser
This method is currently the most recommended!
Transcription using AI has been gaining momentum recently, and various tools have been released.
The key point is that you can use it from multiple computers or on the go, as all you need is a browser and an internet connection.
As introduced in this article
is a tool used in the browser.
The biggest feature of transcription tools used in browsers is the high performance unique to AI.
For example, many automatic transcription tools used in browsers use AI to transcribe text, as ``Mr. Transcription'' allows you to use two types of the latest AI transcription engines.
Transcription is an area where AI excels, and the technology is rapidly progressing, so it is much faster and more accurate than other methods.
If you are unsure about transcription, we recommend using a service that uses AI.
Manually transcribe using a dedicated player
If you want to transcribe manually , we recommend using specialized software to play the audio instead of using a standard media player.
Among the things introduced in this article,
is a transcription player.
"Tape Transcription Player" provided by Asuka 21 Co., Ltd. used to be a standard software, but unfortunately it is no longer available for download.
By using a dedicated transcription player, you can easily perform voice control using shortcut keys, and you can also use useful functions such as noise removal, making your work much more efficient.
Even now that AI has been introduced, it may be useful for final checking and finishing of files that have been transcribed by AI.
Use installed automatic transcription software (online)
Another transcription method that can be used on Windows is automatic transcription software that can be installed on your computer .
These four types were introduced in this article.
Although these are installation-based, the voice recognition itself is performed in the cloud (online), so please note that you cannot use it in places without an internet environment.
Use installed automatic transcription software (offline)
There is also offline automatic transcription software that can be installed on your computer.
In the past, when it came to voice recognition (automatic transcription) software, the following two were said to be the two best.
Unfortunately, both have already been officially discontinued, but they are the only decent software that can be used completely offline (apart from standard Windows functions).
It looks like it's still on sale at some shops, so if you're interested, get it as soon as possible while it's still in stock.
The advantage of completely offline automatic transcription software is that it can be used even when there is no internet or the connection speed is slow.
The disadvantage is that the training data for the speech recognition engine is limited to what is installed on the computer, so performance is limited.
And the speed of transcription depends on the specs of your computer.
This is an option when you really need to transcribe in an offline environment.
How to transcribe using Windows standard voice input function
In such cases, you may want to try using Windows' standard voice input function .
Windows has a function that converts audio into text in real time, so there is no need to install additional software or register for a service, and it can be used even in environments without internet.
However, the disadvantage is that the accuracy is not very high.
From here, I will briefly explain the flow of transcribing using the standard Windows voice input function.
*Here we will introduce an example for Windows 10.
1. Set up Windows speech recognition
First, select "Windows Speech Recognition" from "Windows Ease of Access" in the Start menu.
When using it for the first time, you need to set up Windows voice recognition.
When Windows Speech Recognition starts, the setup screen will open.
First, select the microphone you want to use.
Then, it will actually read out the displayed text and recognize your voice.
By having the PC memorize characteristics such as the way you speak and the quality of your voice, you will be able to make more accurate transcriptions.
The preparation is now complete.
2. Launch the app for entering text
Start an application (software) for entering text, such as "Notepad" or "Word."
Windows' voice recognition function is just a function to recognize voice.
Use a separate app to actually enter and save text.
3. Perform voice input
After launching the app that you want to enter text into, start Windows Speech Recognition and begin voice input .
For example, when I typed "Hello" , it was entered like this.
4. Save the file
The Windows voice recognition function itself does not have a save function, so save the file with the app you used for input .
Voice input using standard Windows functions is now complete.
Can be used in a variety of ways depending on your ingenuity
The standard Windows voice input function introduced so far can also be used for transcription if you use it in a creative way.
for example
Settings: Sound → Recording → Right-click “Stereo Mixer” → Set as default device: ON
By setting this, you can play the audio file and transcribe it.
In addition, you can transcribe the audio file by playing the recorded audio file on your smartphone and recognizing the audio on your PC.
However, as you can see from the fact that your voice is recognized by the PC in advance, Windows' standard speech recognition function can best transcribe only one person's voice.
There is a limit to performance in places such as conferences where many people are speaking at the same time, or in audio recordings of other people's voices.
Also, compared to AI transcription, which has been making rapid progress in recent years, the standard Windows transcription function is inevitably inferior in terms of performance.
If you are not satisfied with the standard transcription function, we recommend using an AI transcription service like ``Mr. Transcription''!
3 tips to improve transcription accuracy
Be sure to save the audio file (recorded data)
Tools that support real-time voice input can transcribe conversations on the spot without leaving any recorded data, but even when using such tools, it is wise to save individual audio files.
Even when editing the transcribed text later, it will be easier to work while listening to the original audio.
In some cases, you may find yourself at a loss because automatic transcription is not properly performed and there is no recorded data.
These days, you can easily record audio on your smartphone, so be sure to make a backup just in case.
Input the voice as clear as possible
The performance of a transcription tool depends more on the quality of the input audio than the accuracy of the tool's own speech recognition.
- Choose a location where surrounding noise is less likely to enter.
- speak as close to the microphone as possible
- speak slowly and clearly
These are the basics of basics.
When recording with a smartphone or computer, it is also effective to prepare a separate , highly directional external microphone instead of the standard microphone.
If you have the time, it's even better to use a dedicated app (such as Audacity ) to adjust the volume and remove noise from the recorded audio file.
Try multiple transcription tools
Each tool has its strengths and weaknesses, and there are many compatibility with data.
Therefore, if the transcription doesn't work, you can try another tool .
As we introduced this time, there are a large number of transcription apps and services that can be used for free, so be sure to install (bookmark) as many of them as possible in advance and be prepared when you need them.
summary
This time, I explained how to transcribe on Windows.
Finally, let's review the recommended transcription tools introduced in the article.
- Mr. Transcription : Recommended! Many files and languages are supported. Very easy to operate
- User local audio minutes system : A tool specialized for creating minutes
- Google Docs : The easiest way to use real-time voice input
- Okoshiyasu2 : A standard transcription player. *Support has ended
- Express Scribe : Also compatible with foot pedals. Paid version available
- Voice Rep Pro 3 : Installable automatic transcription app
- Voice Rep Meeting Pro : Installable app for meetings. Supports up to 30 simultaneous connections
- Voice Code : A simple installable app for Japanese transcription
- Moment Text : Installable app specializing in image transcription
- Dragon Speech 11 : An app that once had the No. 1 share in the world. ※End of sale
- Amivoice SP2 : Former standard transcription app. ※End of sale
Countless different types of software (free and paid) have been released for Windows since ancient times.
Many people end up using familiar memo apps or Word because it's a hassle to find tools and learn how to use them.
A huge amount of time that cannot be ignored can be wasted by putting off small tasks.
You can use any one of the 11 tools introduced this time, so try it out and experience its convenience.
■ AI transcription service "Mr. Transscription"
"Mr. Transcription" is an online transcription tool that can be used from zero initial cost and 1,000 yen per month (* free version available).
- Supports more than 20 file formats such as audio, video, and images
- Can be used from both PC and smartphone
- Supports technical terms such as medical care, IT, and long-term care
- Supports creation of subtitle files and speaker separation
- Supports transcription in approximately 100 languages including English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, German, French, Italian, etc.
To use it, just upload the audio file from the site. Transcription text is available in seconds to tens of minutes.
You can use it for free if you transcribe it for up to 10 minutes, so please try it once.
Email: mojiokoshi3.com@gmail.com
Transcription for audio / video / image transcription. It is a transcription service that anyone can use for free without installation.
- What is Mr. Transcription?
- Transcript images, sounds, and videos with Mr. Transcription
- Free registration
- Rate plan
- manual