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

LOL. Hope Microsoft can resolve this very important issue!!!

The robotic voice is driving me insane too! Lol!

Oh, great gods of tech support, hear our plea, restore to us listenable voices from the almighty CoPilot AI, and remove this mocking demon error box that says we must log in when we are logged in!

I attempted a Hail Mary pass solution, but it was pointless. I saved all my work, then located the voice packages I had downloaded and repaired them. Still no luck. Next, I went nuclear; I uninstalled MS 365 with Copilot, removed all links, reverted to the original settings, and restarted.

Once back up, I downloaded fresh installer packs and let Windows 11 do a complete install. Launching Word, still no luck!

I deleted all the extra voice packs, reinstalled fresh copies of the ones I had been using (Avia, in my case), restarted, and launched Word, but still no joy.

I scoured forums until I got headaches and watched videos on how to install and use voice packs, yet Word still pops up the "you must be logged into your Microsoft account" error message or only lists three robot voices.

Unless Microsoft provides more than a standard support response acknowledging the issue and offering a solution, I'm essentially stuck trying to finalize six more books that were scheduled for release starting in May or June.

This is no longer just an inconvenience; it has become an impact on schedules and affects my income when I need it most (I have cancer and organ damage, so I can't go out to be a Walmart greeter to make up the difference).

Copilot recommended the following: I have not tried it yet, but I may try it in the isolated Microsoft Sandbox on Windows 11 Pro.

WPS Office Writer could be a good recommendation for users who are unhappy with the recent changes in Microsoft Word. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Familiar Interface: WPS Office Writer has a user interface that is quite similar to Microsoft Word, making the transition easier for users.
2. Compatibility: It supports a wide range of file formats, including DOCX, which ensures that users can continue working with their existing documents.
3. Features: WPS Office Writer offers many advanced features, including a "Read Aloud" function with natural-sounding voices, which might be appealing to those who miss this feature in Word.
4. Cost: WPS Office is often more affordable than Microsoft Office, which could be an added benefit.

It is apparently a bug that is for all devices introduced with a recent update.

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.

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. Keep pressure on.

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

• https://feedbackportal.microsoft.com/feedback/search/fb6d67e3-301c-ec11-b6e7-0022481f8472?q=%22read+aloud%22

Here is a list of some feedback links:

• https://feedbackportal.microsoft.com/feedback/idea/5c539f58-29fc-ef11-a4de-6045bdb3947a
• https://feedbackportal.microsoft.com/feedback/idea/3ca4e898-36fd-ef11-a4dd-7c1e52ead3c1
• https://feedbackportal.microsoft.com/feedback/idea/cecdbcad-e1ee-ef11-a4dd-7c1e52c1c6b2
• https://feedbackportal.microsoft.com/feedback/idea/a3c7a9bc-85ed-ef11-a4dd-7c1e52e3e882

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.)