the read aloud voice changed overnight. how do I get the old voice back?

Anonymous
2025-03-08T00:53:31+00:00

The read-aloud voice used to be a very smooth speaking female voice and overnight it changed to a robotic voice. When I go into the settings it says I have to be signed in to change the voice. I am signed in. I tried signing out and resigning in deleting the app and reinstalling but it still says the same thing. I am using an Android with the mobile app. I was originally using just the word doc connected to my OneDrive I've even tried the Microsoft 365 app still same results. How do I get the old voice back?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | Other | Android

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-03-11T06:51:46+00:00

    same happened ty=o me ... i am tired of these apps whether on my desktop or mobile device always changing settings and delivery options ... it is like a virus ...

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-03-11T15:08:22+00:00

    I reported the problem to a Microsoft Support technician in an online chat accessed from the Help menu of Word. I was told this was a recognised problem, with a solution. Namely, to reinstall the latest version of Office (Co pilot?) which will be out soon in an automatic update. I had a choice of doing this myself by following instructions or allow him to take over my PC and install the update for me. I chose the latter. It was quick and efficient, but it didn't really work. The voices are marginally better but still haven't returned to the previous fully-natural ones. But I did try!

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  3. Anonymous
    2025-03-11T21:00:06+00:00

    I am having the exact same problem. Was working up to a few days ago, then not. MS have said this is their problem in the past. I've had to resort to using other tools at my expense in the interim. I get the exact same message when I try the Read Aloud function. I'm told to log in, even though I'm already logged it. I cannot log out, as I like the 'always on' features of being on Cloud. MS just need to sort this issue.

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  4. Charles Kenyon 170.9K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2025-03-11T23:00:29+00:00

    Hi Eoin,

    I am having the exact same problem. Was working up to a few days ago, then not. MS have said this is their problem in the past. I've had to resort to using other tools at my expense in the interim. I get the exact same message when I try the Read Aloud function. I'm told to log in, even though I'm already logged it. I cannot log out, as I like the 'always on' features of being on Cloud. MS just need to sort this issue.

    It is apparently a bug that is for all devices for all Office applications.

    Writing here does not bring it to the attention of anyone who can do anything about it. You are addressing your fellow users here. Microsoft is aware of the problem, though. They are scrambling to fix it.

    I recommend using the Public Feedback Portal. https://feedbackportal.microsoft.com/feedback/forum/fb6d67e3-301c-ec11-b6e7-0022481f8472

    Then, once your feedback is posted, copy the URL and then come back here and post it so that others can comment and vote.

    Be the squeaky wheel.

    You can search for and vote on other feedback already posted. I would suggest a search for "read aloud."

    Here is a list of some feedback links:

    Feel free to vote and vent a little.

    For more on using feedback, see my article: This is a user-to-user support forum. -- You can give feedback TO MICROSOFT designers and decision makers on Microsoft Word or other Microsoft Products using their feedback mechanisms, (not here). (This is a link to directions.)

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  5. Anonymous
    2025-03-11T23:38:41+00:00

    I broke down today and was listening to the robotic voice read to me I placed it on hold for a little bit and when I came back to it the old voice was back. Nice free flowing female voice with emotion. I don't know if it will still be there the next time I go back to listen but I am hoping they resolved this. Fingers crossed

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