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Read aloud has changed to reading mode, how do I change it back.

Kathleen Owusu 0 Reputation points
2026-05-21T01:12:12.7533333+00:00

Screenshot 2026-05-21 015743.png

Hello, the right side of the search bar on Microsoft Edge used to be zoom, read aloud and star (i use the read aloud option a lot and has been there) it has recently changed to zoom, reading mode, star. I do not know why or how it changed to that so I went to https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5523862/read-aloud-moved-in-right-menu and tried to do (2) but read aloud wasn't an option in the appearance - toolbar. Is there any way it can be changed back

Microsoft Edge | Tabs, address bar, and search | Windows 10
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  1. Clary-N 11,230 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-05-22T07:21:21.4366667+00:00

    Hi Kathleen Owusu,

    Thanks for your question. I can see why that change would feel a bit disruptive, especially if you use Read Aloud often.

    Just to add a bit more beyond what’s already been shared, if you only need to read a specific part of a page, you can highlight the text first, then right‑click > More tools > Read aloud selection (in some builds it may appear directly as Read aloud after highlighting).

    If you prefer having a one‑click button similar to before, another option is to use a browser extension:

    • Click the three dots (…) in the top‑right corner of Edge
    • Select Extensions > Manage extensions
    • Click Get extensions for Microsoft Edge
    • Search for a “Read Aloud” extension and install one you like
    • Then click the pin icon next to it so it stays visible on the toolbar

    And if having the built-in button back in the address bar is important for your workflow, you can share this feedback with the Edge team by pressing Alt + Shift + I in the browser.

    I hope this helps make the experience a bit closer to what you’re used to. If you have any questions or need help setting it up, feel free to let me know.

    If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".  

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  2. AI answer

    2026-05-21T01:12:27.1466667+00:00

    Read Aloud has not been removed; it has just moved from the address bar into the menus and Immersive Reader.

    Use any of these options to get Read Aloud back in daily use:

    1. From the page context menu
      1. Open the web page in Edge.
      2. Right‑click anywhere on the page.
      3. Select Read aloud.
    2. From the main menu
      1. Open the web page.
      2. Select Settings and more (… in the top‑right).
      3. Select Read aloud.
        • If it is not directly visible, select More tools > Read aloud.
    3. Using keyboard shortcuts
      • On Windows: press Ctrl+Shift+U to start or stop Read Aloud.
      • On macOS: press Command+Shift+U to start or stop Read Aloud.
    4. Via Immersive Reader (Reading mode)
      1. With the page open, select Enter Immersive Reader in the address bar (or press F9).
      2. In Immersive Reader, select Read Aloud from the Immersive Reader toolbar.

    Once Read Aloud is started from any of these locations, a ribbon toolbar appears at the top of the page where playback, speed, and voice options can be controlled. The icon’s relocation in the address bar cannot be reverted via the toolbar appearance settings, so using the menu, shortcut, or Immersive Reader is the supported way to access it.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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