How to Fix Copilot Read Aloud Not Working in Windows 11: Complete Guide

Experiencing issues with Copilot’s Read Aloud feature not working in Windows 11? This common problem affects users across the Copilot desktop app, Microsoft 365 Copilot, and Copilot for Microsoft Edge. Don’t worry—we’ve compiled a detailed troubleshooting guide to help you resolve this frustration quickly.

Why Does Copilot Read Aloud Stop Working?

Read Aloud malfunctions can stem from various factors: outdated software, connectivity issues, audio configuration errors, or conflicts with browser extensions. Below, we break down proven solutions to restore functionality.

1. Check Internet Connectivity

Copilot’s Read Aloud relies on cloud processing. Ensure you have a stable internet connection:

• Test your network speed.
• Restart your router or switch to a different network if unstable.
• Disable VPNs/firewalls temporarily to rule out interference.

2. Verify Audio Settings

Basic audio misconfigurations often cause Read Aloud failures:

• Right-click the speaker icon in the system tray and select “Open Sound settings.”
• Ensure your output device is selected and unmuted.
• Test audio playback with other apps like YouTube.

3. Update Copilot and Windows

Outdated software can trigger compatibility issues:

• Open Microsoft Store > Library > Check for Copilot updates.
• For Windows: Go to Settings > Windows Update > Install pending updates.

4. Adjust Microsoft Edge Flags (For Copilot in Edge)

If the issue occurs in Edge:

1. Type edge://flags in the address bar.
2. Search for “Read Aloud” or “Text-to-Speech.”
3. Enable/disable relevant flags and restart Edge.

5. Clear Browser Cache and Data

Corrupted cache files can disrupt functionality:

• In Edge: Settings > Privacy > Clear browsing data.
• Select “Cached images and files” and click “Clear now.”

6. Disable Conflicting Extensions

Third-party extensions can interfere with Read Aloud:

• Navigate to edge://extensions/.
• Disable extensions one-by-one to identify the culprit.

7. Repair or Reset the Copilot App

For desktop app issues:

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Copilot > Advanced options.
2. Select “Repair” (retains data). If unresolved, try “Reset.”

8. Reinstall Audio Drivers

Outdated drivers may break text-to-speech:

1. Press Win+X > Device Manager.
2. Expand “Sound, video, and game controllers.”
3. Right-click your audio device > Update driver > Search automatically.

9. Configure Windows Text-to-Speech

Ensure system-level TTS settings are correct:

1. Open Settings > Time & Language > Speech.
2. Under “Manage voices,” select a supported voice (e.g., Microsoft David).
3. Click “Preview voice” to test.

10. Reset Microsoft Edge (Edge-Specific Copilot)

If all else fails:

1. Open Edge > Settings > Reset settings.
2. Choose “Restore settings to defaults.” Note: This clears cookies/extensions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why does Copilot Read Aloud fail intermittently?
A: Server-side issues or temporary network glitches often cause this. Wait 10-15 minutes and retry.

Q: Is Read Aloud unavailable for certain languages?
A: Yes. Verify your Copilot language settings under Settings > Language & Region.

Q: Can I troubleshoot without internet access?
A: No. Read Aloud requires an active connection for cloud-based processing.

Final Tips

If problems persist, submit feedback via Copilot’s feedback tool. Microsoft continuously refines these features, so updates frequently address such bugs. For organization-managed Copilot instances, contact your IT admin to review enterprise policies blocking functionality.