Imagine having your computer read out documents, emails, or web pages to you while you relax or multitask. That’s exactly what Text-to-Speech (TTS) in Windows 11 can do.
Whether you want accessibility support, hands-free reading, or a productivity boost, Windows 11 offers multiple ways to use text-to-speech. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to use text-to-speech in Windows 11 step by step, with screenshots and pro tips along the way.
Key Takeaways (Quick Summary)
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Windows 11 comes with a built-in text-to-speech (TTS) feature called Narrator, plus third-party voices.
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You can enable text-to-speech from Settings, Narrator, or accessibility shortcuts.
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Microsoft also offers natural-sounding voices (Windows Narrator + Azure voices) for a better reading experience.
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This guide covers step-by-step instructions for setting up and customizing TTS in Windows 11.
What Is Text-to-Speech in Windows 11?
Text-to-Speech (TTS) is a feature that converts written text into spoken words. In Windows 11, this is primarily done via:
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Narrator – the built-in screen reader.
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Windows Speech settings – where you choose voices and languages.
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Third-party apps – offering extra features and natural voices.
Think of TTS as giving your PC a “voice” — turning text into audio whenever you need it.
Why Use Text-to-Speech in Windows 11?
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Accessibility: Helps users with vision impairments.
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Productivity: Listen to notes, documents, or articles while multitasking.
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Learning support: Useful for language learners or students reviewing content.
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Hands-free convenience: Great for when you can’t focus on reading.
Methods to Use Text-to-Speech in Windows 11
Method 1: Enable Narrator (Built-In TTS Tool)
Narrator is Windows 11’s built-in screen reader.
Steps:
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Press Win + Ctrl + Enter to launch Narrator instantly.
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OR: Open Settings > Accessibility > Narrator.
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Toggle Narrator to On.
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Adjust voice, speed, pitch, and verbosity in the Narrator settings.
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Open any app, and Narrator will start reading text aloud.
✅ Quick, built-in, and free.
Method 2: Change Voice Settings in Windows 11
Windows lets you pick different TTS voices.
Steps:
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Press Win + I to open Settings.
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Navigate to:
Time & language > Speech. -
Under Voices, select your preferred voice.
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Adjust voice speed using the slider.
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Test the voice by clicking Preview voice.
💡 Tip: You can also add new voices by clicking Add voices (supports multiple languages).
Method 3: Use Microsoft Edge Read Aloud Feature
If you’re reading online articles or PDFs:
Steps:
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Open a web page or PDF in Microsoft Edge.
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Right-click and choose Read aloud.
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Use the toolbar to pause, skip, or change voices.
Perfect for students, researchers, or casual readers.
Method 4: Convert Text to Speech with Microsoft Word
Word has built-in TTS features too.
Steps:
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Open your document in Word.
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Highlight the text you want read aloud.
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Go to Review > Read Aloud.
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Control playback with the floating toolbar.
Method 5: Use Third-Party Text-to-Speech Apps
If you need more natural voices or export to audio files, try:
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Balabolka (free)
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Natural Reader (free & premium)
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Voice Dream Reader
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Azure Text-to-Speech (Microsoft Cloud)
Comparison Table: Built-in vs. Third-Party TTS
| Method | Difficulty | Voices | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Narrator | Easy | System voices | Accessibility & screen reading |
| Windows Settings | Easy | Built-in voices | Customizing speech experience |
| Edge Read Aloud | Easy | Several | Reading articles/PDFs |
| Word Read Aloud | Easy | System voices | Reviewing documents |
| Third-Party Tools | Medium | Natural AI voices | Exporting audio, long documents |
How to Add More Text-to-Speech Voices in Windows 11
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Open Settings (Win + I).
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Go to Time & language > Speech.
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Under Manage voices, click Add voices.
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Choose a language pack.
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Download and set it as default.
This is especially useful for multilingual users.
Pro Tips for Using Text-to-Speech in Windows 11
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Use Narrator shortcut keys (e.g., Ctrl + Win + Enter) for quick toggling.
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Adjust voice speed — slower for study, faster for productivity.
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Combine with dictation tools for two-way text and speech interaction.
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For audiobooks, try third-party readers with natural AI voices.
Troubleshooting: Text-to-Speech Not Working?
If TTS isn’t working:
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Ensure your audio drivers are updated.
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Check Settings > Time & language > Speech.
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Restart Narrator if it’s stuck.
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Run Windows Troubleshooter (Settings > System > Troubleshoot).
Conclusion
Windows 11 makes text-to-speech simple and versatile.
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Use Narrator for accessibility.
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Adjust voices in Speech settings.
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Read aloud documents in Word or articles in Edge.
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Explore third-party tools for natural-sounding voices and advanced options.
Whether you need help reading, want to multitask, or just enjoy having your PC narrate text, you now know exactly how to use text-to-speech in Windows 11 step by step.
FAQs
1. How do I quickly turn on text-to-speech in Windows 11?
Press Win + Ctrl + Enter to launch Narrator instantly.
2. Can I change the voice used in Narrator?
Yes, go to Settings > Time & language > Speech to pick different voices.
3. Does Windows 11 support natural AI voices?
Yes, through Microsoft Azure and third-party apps like Natural Reader.
4. Can I add more languages to text-to-speech?
Yes, download language packs in Settings > Speech > Add voices.
5. Can I export TTS to audio files in Windows 11?
Not natively, but you can use third-party apps like Balabolka or Natural Reader.