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How to Add or Change Read Aloud Voices in Microsoft 365
Question details
The user wants to add or restore additional Read Aloud voice options in Microsoft 365 and Immersive Reader.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Using the Read Aloud or Immersive Reader features to listen to text within documents.
- Observed behavior
- Older versions of Word and Immersive Reader displayed more Read Aloud voice options than what is currently available in the application.
Ensure your computer is connected to the internet and you have administrative privileges to download and install new system language packages.
Install Windows Speech Language Packages
Microsoft 365 Read Aloud relies on your operating system's speech capabilities. Installing missing speech packages in Windows will automatically make those voices available in Word.
Read Aloud and Immersive Reader use the available speech languages and voices configured directly within your Windows operating system, rather than downloading them through Microsoft Office itself.
Click the Windows Start menu, navigate to Settings, select 'Time & language', and then click on 'Language'.
Select the specific language you want to read your documents in from your preferred languages list, and click on the 'Language options' button.
Look for the speech package section within the language options and click the 'Download' or 'Install' button to add the required voices to your system.
Restart your computer and open Microsoft Word again. The newly installed language voices will now appear in the Read Aloud settings.
Experience Seamless Document Reading with WPS Office
If you are struggling with missing features or complicated settings in Microsoft 365, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative that offers a familiar interface, seamless migration, and excellent built-in reading capabilities.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Install the Application: Run the installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions for a quick, lightweight setup.
- 3. Open Your Documents: Right-click your existing Microsoft Word documents and select 'Open with WPS Office' to enjoy seamless compatibility and fast document loading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are some Read Aloud voices missing in my current version of Word?
Microsoft 365 relies on the speech packages installed on your Windows operating system. If a Windows update removed or reset these packages, or if you switched to a new computer, the voices will no longer appear in Word until they are reinstalled from the Windows 'Time & language' settings.
Can I adjust the reading speed in Microsoft 365 Read Aloud?
Yes. When you activate Read Aloud, a small playback control toolbar appears in the corner of your screen. You can click the gear (Settings) icon on this toolbar to adjust the reading speed slider and switch between your installed voices.
Do I need to pay for additional language voices in Windows?
No, Microsoft provides a variety of speech language packages for free. You can download and install them directly through your Windows Settings menu without any additional cost.
