Natural voices read out on Microsoft Word

Question

Hello, a wee question, I have signed into my Microsoft Word desktop with my university office 365 email but the Read Aloud feature is still playing the old voices rather than the new natural voice. Is this normal or do I have to change something? Would love to get the natural voices, it makes a huge difference to my workflow - incredible new update!

Answer 1

Hi fabioagc,

Thanks for your valuable feedback, glad to know that my replies helped you. And thanks for sharing updates with us. Comments and feedback from our customers really motivate us to perform better and better and provided as much help as possible.

I appreciate your kind words.

If there is any issue related with the Office applications in the future, please feel free to post back in this community.

We will be here for help.

Have a good day and stay safe 😊

Best Regards,

Waqas Muhammad

Answer 2

Hi fabioagc,

First, my pleasure to assist you.

As per your description, please don’t worry, we can work together to narrow down and resolve the situation.

May I know have you tried to Change Read Aloud Settings Under Voice Selection, select the voice you want. Based on my test result, when I go to setting I can below options(natural voice selection) for Male and Female).

 

For reference: More natural-sounding voices in Read Aloud

In the meantime, to confirm whether this is a bug in a specific version, please provide us the version information. To check version: Open any Office e.g., Word>File>Account>Product Information and capture a full screenshot and share here (Please mask your private message for protecting your private message) and we will be tested on that version and verify the result with you.

I appreciate your understanding and stay safe!!

Best regards

Waqas Muhammad

Answer 3

Hello Waqas,

Thanks for your prompt response. I have tried to change the voice but I have different options: Microsoft Susan, Microsoft Hazel, Microsoft George. I will attach a screen shot of the version information.

Answer 4

Hi fabioagc,

Thanks for sharing updates with us and I really appreciate your effort and your precious time doing those tests. First, please accept my apologize you meet such an issue and I understand it effort on your daily work.

We appreciate your understanding that sometimes the initial suggestions may not resolve the problem very soon. However, we can work together to narrow down and resolve the situation.

I suspect why you are able to see new natural voice selection for Male and Female, because your Office 35 version beyond the updates and its not up-to dates version you are using. Please try to updated Office to the latest version to current latest version 2112(14729.20260) Current Channel, that was released on January 12, 2022 then restart your Word app and check the outcomes.

For reference: Update history for Microsoft 365 Apps

I appreciate your understanding and stay safe!!

Best Regards

Waqas Muhammad

Answer 5

Hi,

Thanks for your help! All working fine now - much appreciated :)