Can I transcribe MS Teams without a bot? Yes, but only if you use the web browser version of Teams. By opening Microsoft Teams in Google Chrome instead of the desktop app, you can use a Chrome extension like Audicap to capture the tab's audio. This allows you to generate private, local transcripts without inviting a bot to the calendar invite.

The Enterprise Bot Problem

Microsoft Teams is the standard for enterprise communication. However, many IT departments have strict security policies that actively block third-party AI meeting bots (like Otter or Fireflies) from joining internal calls. Additionally, they often restrict users from installing unapproved desktop applications.

If you rely on transcripts for action items or accessibility, this leaves you without a good solution.

The Chrome Web App Workaround

The solution is to bypass the desktop environment entirely. Microsoft allows you to join Teams meetings directly from a web browser. By doing this, the meeting audio routes through Chrome, which means you can capture it locally.

  1. Do not open the Teams Desktop App. When you click a meeting link, choose "Continue on this browser" instead.
  2. Join via Google Chrome. Ensure you are using Chrome, as it supports the necessary tabCapture API.
  3. Click the Audicap Extension. Open the Audicap panel from your Chrome toolbar.
  4. Record the Tab. Start the transcription. Audicap will listen to the incoming audio from the Teams tab and convert it to text in real-time.

Because Audicap is a browser extension and does not join the meeting as a participant, it flies under the radar of enterprise bot blockers, allowing you to take private notes seamlessly.

Bot-free Transcription

Get private meeting notes without fighting with IT restrictions. Try Audicap today.

Add Audicap to Chrome