How to customize Microsoft Edge Read aloud settings

One of the most convenient and versatile features in Microsoft Edge is Read aloud. Listen as Microsoft Edge reads webpage content to you using AI-powered technology to parse the text. Whether listening is preferable to reading or you need to multitask, Microsoft Edge Read aloud frees you to sit back and listen or do other things. With many languages, accents, and natural-sounding voices to choose from, Read aloud can be customized to read your way. Learn how to tailor Read aloud to speak to you in the tone, language, and speed you prefer.

How to access Read aloud in Microsoft Edge

You can access Read aloud from any webpage, no matter how much text there is on the page. There are three ways to access Read aloud.

1. Select the right mouse button and choose Read aloud in the menu.
2. Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + U.
3. Select the Immersive Reader icon in the browser address bar when it appears. The icon will look like an open book.

Read aloud is a feature within Immersive Reader and can be accessed from the Immersive Reader toolbar that will appear at the top of the page. Use Read aloud by selecting the Play button. The screen will dim slightly, and words will be highlighted as they’re read aloud. Select Pause to stop playback and the Forward/Backward buttons to move ahead or back.

How to update Read aloud settings

Read aloud can be used both online and offline. With an active internet connection, Read aloud unlocks dozens of natural-sounding voices that can be customized to match what’s most comfortable for you.

In the Read aloud bar at the top of your browser, select Voice options. You can then choose from a variety of options:

• Reading speed. The default speed will be set at Normal, and you can tweak the slider to speed up or slow down the pace of narration.
• Voices and accents. Dozens of voices from around the world are identified by their names, such as Alonso (a male Spanish speaker) or Yunxia (a female Chinese speaker). With the power of AI technology, Read aloud can immediately bring the text to life with voices ranging from Afrikaans to Welsh and Zulu. Regional and specific accents are also incorporated: For example, if you’re looking for a French voice, not only can you select French, but you can also choose from Canadian French, Belgian French, or Swiss French.
• Language. Download language packs to unlock the ability to immediately translate text to a different language when spoken out loud. These language packs are built directly into Windows 11, so they’ll be compatible across Microsoft 365 and OneNote Learning Tools as well as Microsoft Edge.