How to Use Windows Built-In Read Aloud and Text-to-Speech

Windows includes several free text-to-speech tools that can read websites, documents, and other on-screen text aloud. You do not need to download any additional software to use them — they are already on your computer.

The most useful of these for everyday reading is the Read Aloud feature in Microsoft Edge. When you have Edge open on a website, click the three-dot menu in the top right corner and choose "Read aloud" — or press Ctrl + Shift + U. Edge will begin reading the page from where your cursor is, highlighting each word as it speaks. A small toolbar appears where you can pause, skip back, or adjust the reading speed and voice.

For PDF files, Edge also reads PDFs aloud. Open any PDF in Edge, then use the same Ctrl + Shift + U shortcut or the toolbar that appears when viewing the PDF. This is useful for instruction manuals, articles, or any documents saved as PDFs.

For Microsoft Word documents: click the View menu and select "Immersive Reader." Inside Immersive Reader, click the Read Aloud button (a speaker icon) to have the document read to you with text highlighting.

Windows also includes Narrator, a full screen reader designed primarily for people with visual impairments. Narrator reads everything on the screen — menus, buttons, notifications, and web content. Turn it on with Win + Ctrl + Enter, and turn it off the same way. Narrator is more comprehensive than Read Aloud but takes some time to learn.

To get higher-quality voices, Windows lets you download additional natural-sounding AI voices. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Narrator > Add Natural Microsoft Voices. Voices like Microsoft Aria and Microsoft Guy sound much more human than the default voices. Once downloaded, you can select them in Edge's Read Aloud settings and in Narrator settings.

To highlight and hear specific text outside of a browser, you can also select any text in most Windows apps, right-click it, and look for a "Read Aloud" or "Speak" option in the menu — this appears in some apps but not all.

For a third-party option, NaturalReader offers a free desktop app for Windows with more voice choices, though the Windows built-in tools are sufficient for most reading needs.