Read Aloud lets Word speak your document while highlighting the current word. It is helpful for proofreading because hearing a sentence often exposes mistakes your eyes skipped.
Does this affect you?
Use this for Word for Microsoft 365 and Word for the web on Windows or Mac when you want text-to-speech built into Word without installing an add-in.
Turn on Read Aloud
The playback controls appear inside Word while reading is active.
- Click where reading should begin.
- Open the Review tab.
- Click Read Aloud.
- Use the playback bar to pause, resume, or skip by sentence.
- Click the gear on the playback bar to adjust voice or speed.
- Click X or choose Read Aloud again to stop.
Fix missing or silent Read Aloud
Most issues are ribbon, sound, language, or session problems.
- Make sure the Review tab is visible and not collapsed.
- Check system volume and the selected speaker or headphone output.
- If the voice sounds wrong, select the text and open Review > Language > Set Proofing Language.
- Set the proofing language to match the document text.
- Restart Word if the playback bar opens but does not play audio.
More control
Read Aloud versus Immersive Reader
Read Aloud is quick text-to-speech. Immersive Reader adds reading aids such as line focus, syllable tools, and picture dictionary support.
Change voices
Read Aloud uses voices installed in the operating system. On Windows, manage them under Settings > Time & Language > Speech. On Mac, use System Settings > Accessibility > Spoken Content.
Adjust speed for the job
Use slower playback for dense technical text and faster playback for a second pass over familiar wording.
Sources
- Microsoft Support – Listen to your document with Read Aloud (2025)
- Microsoft Support – Use Immersive Reader (2025)
- Microsoft Support – Change the voice used by text-to-speech (2025)