How to use text-to-speech for Windows devices (2024)

Contents
    Contents

      Text-to-speech for PC

      Convert text-to-speech for Windows 7

      If you use text-to-speech for Windows with Excel, you can change two distinctive settings: the voice and the speed rate at which you read.

      You can also use the text-to-speech for Windows feature to make your computer read the text again, which is useful if you want a series of cell values ​​read to you while you visually review them separately.

      Step 1: Go to the Start button> click Control Panel> click Accessibility> click Speech Recognition and then click Start Speech Recognition.

      Step 2: Select the microphone type of preference by running the Speech Recognition Wizard. The mic will read a sample line out loud.

      Step 3: After completing the wizard, proceed with the tutorial. We strongly encourage you to follow it in full. It’s a bit long, but you will learn to use speech recognition as you train your computer. As you speak, it will take you through the commands, basics, dictation, and how to work with Windows.

      Step 4: After the tutorial, at the upper part of your screen, a speech recognition status window will appear. Through your session, useful information is displayed in the speech recognition status window. You can click on the microphone symbol to either enable or disable the speech recognition.

      Convert text-to-speech for Windows 10

      Microsoft Windows 10 has a digital speech recognition assistant in Cortana. These applications and functions allow users to give commands to their PCs, make phone calls, start calendar entries, and perform various other functions.

      How to install the language on Windows 10

      1. Click on the Start button on the lower left, then select the Settings icon that resembles a gear.
      2. In the settings, click on Time and Language.
      3. In the left navigation pane, click Language.
      4. Click Add a Preferred Language, then add the language you prefer. Click on it, then click Next to install it.
      5. After installing, choose it from the language list and click on Options.
      6. On the language information page, click on Download. This will immediately install the language pack that contains the voices for that language.

      How to select a voice for text-to-speech for Windows 10

      After downloading the language, select which voice you want to use for text-to-speech.

      1. Click on Language in the left sidebar.
      2. Ensure that the language you want to use is set under Language.
      3. Under Voices, click on the Pick a Voice drop-down menu and choose the voice you prefer. You can preview-hear the voice and can also vary your speed rate.

      Best text-to-speech downloadable software for PC

      Balabolka

      This converter is among the best options and most helpful text-to-speech apps for Windows users.

      Balabolka offers you options for output to the Microsoft Speech Platform, SAPI 5, which has two different voices, or SAPI 4, which has eight distinctive voices. You can even customise the output language significantly to make it more clear and comfortable. Balabolka in MP3 or WAV format helps you save the converted speech.

      WordTalk

      If you regularly use MS Word, then WordTalk is the application for you. This is an MS Word add-on that enables you to turn written content into speech from within the application.

      Although the GUI isn’t pleasing to the eye, that shouldn’t discourage you as it can save on MS Word user time. Now you no longer need to switch to a different application just to listen to your text. Instead, you can do so within the document you’re working on.

      This user-friendly tool is compatible with SAPI 4 and SAPI 5 and is easily downloadable from its official site.

      Natural Leader

      This app is one of the ideal ways to turn written content into speech in Windows 10. There is a free and a premium version. The premium version offers a great way to turn an image into speech.

      You can use this app through the browser or install it on your PC. For this software, click on the plus symbol, paste one of your files, then click on the play button to listen. It’s possible to change the tempo of the text and make all kinds of meaningful contractions.

      Robo Talk

      Robo Talk is a free-to-use text-to-speech app obtainable from the Microsoft Store. It’s an easy converter that allows you to convert and save the file.

      It uses the traditional method to open a file from your library, and it then narrates the file for you.

      This app enables you to personalise the output to suit your needs, including the vocal speed, tone, voice, etc.

      How to use text-to-speech for Windows devices (2024)

      FAQs

      How to use text-to-speech for Windows devices? ›

      To use text-to-speech on Windows 10 and 11, go to Settings > Ease of access > Narrator (on Windows 10) or Settings > Accessibility > Narrator (on Windows 11) and toggle on Narrator. You can enable or disable different settings to customize the experience to your liking.

      How to do text-to-speech on Windows computer? ›

      Text-to-speech for PC
      1. Step 1: Go to the Start button> click Control Panel> click Accessibility> click Speech Recognition and then click Start Speech Recognition.
      2. Step 2: Select the microphone type of preference by running the Speech Recognition Wizard. ...
      3. Step 3: After completing the wizard, proceed with the tutorial.

      How do I use speech to text in Windows? ›

      How to start voice typing
      1. Press Windows logo key + H on a hardware keyboard.
      2. Press the microphone key next to the Spacebar on the touch keyboard.

      Does Microsoft have a text-to-speech program? ›

      Speak is a built-in feature of Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and OneNote. You can use Speak to have text read aloud in the language of your version of Office. Text-to-speech (TTS) is the ability of your computer to play back written text as spoken words.

      How do I use text-to-speech device? ›

      Text-to-speech output
      1. Open your device Settings .
      2. Select Accessibility. Text-to-speech output.
      3. Choose your preferred engine, language, speech rate, and pitch. The default text-to-speech engine choices vary by device.

      Does Windows 10 have built in text-to-speech? ›

      Does Windows 10 have text-to-speech? Yes. Windows 10 has an integrated free text-to-speech tool called Narrator. Using this screen reader allows the software to read aloud the text files to you, and there are plenty of customization options you can use.

      How do I use text-to-speech on Windows 11? ›

      1. To start Narrator press the Windows key + Ctrl + Enter on your keyboard. Narrator will read aloud items on the screen, including buttons and menus, as you select them or navigate through them using the keyboard. It will also read aloud any text that you select.

      How do I get text-to-speech to work? ›

      How to Use Google Text-to-Speech on Android
      1. Swipe down from the top of the phone, then tap the gear icon to open the Settings app.
      2. Tap Accessibility.
      3. Tap Select to Speak. ...
      4. Tap the Select to Speak toggle switch to turn it on. ...
      5. Tap Allow or OK to confirm the permissions your phone needs to turn on this feature.
      Feb 5, 2024

      How do I get my text to read aloud? ›

      Step 1: Turn on Select-to-speak
      1. At the bottom right, select the time. Or press Alt + Shift + s.
      2. Select Settings. Accessibility.
      3. Under "Text-to-Speech," turn on Select-to-speak.

      What software is used for text-to-speech? ›

      NaturalReader

      If you're looking for a cloud-based speech synthesis application, you should definitely check out NaturalReader. Aimed more at personal use, the solution allows you to convert written text such as Word and PDF documents, ebooks and web pages into human-like speech.

      Can I do speech to text on my computer? ›

      When you speak into the microphone, Windows Speech Recognition converts your spoken words into text that appears on your screen. , clicking All Programs, clicking Accessories, clicking Ease of Access, and then clicking Windows Speech Recognition.

      How do I turn on text to speech? ›

      How to Use Google Text-to-Speech on Android
      1. Swipe down from the top of the phone, then tap the gear icon to open the Settings app.
      2. Tap Accessibility.
      3. Tap Select to Speak. ...
      4. Tap the Select to Speak toggle switch to turn it on. ...
      5. Tap Allow or OK to confirm the permissions your phone needs to turn on this feature.
      Feb 5, 2024

      What is the shortcut for text to speech on a PC? ›

      Press Windows key + Ctrl + Enter, and Narrator starts reading the text on the page to you. Stop Narrator from speaking by pressing the same shortcut. If you run into any difficulties with Narrator, return to the Settings screen to enable or disable specific options so you can better work with the feature.

      What is the Windows shortcut key for speech to text? ›

      The keyboard shortcut for speech-to-text on Windows is Win + H. Pressing these keys will open the speech recognition control at the top of the screen, allowing you to start dictating.

      Top Articles
      Latest Posts
      Article information

      Author: Melvina Ondricka

      Last Updated:

      Views: 6695

      Rating: 4.8 / 5 (68 voted)

      Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

      Author information

      Name: Melvina Ondricka

      Birthday: 2000-12-23

      Address: Suite 382 139 Shaniqua Locks, Paulaborough, UT 90498

      Phone: +636383657021

      Job: Dynamic Government Specialist

      Hobby: Kite flying, Watching movies, Knitting, Model building, Reading, Wood carving, Paintball

      Introduction: My name is Melvina Ondricka, I am a helpful, fancy, friendly, innocent, outstanding, courageous, thoughtful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.