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How to Fix Microsoft Edge ‘Read Aloud’ Play Button Not Working (Step-by-Step Guide)

Learn how to fix Microsoft Edge can’t click play reading out loud issue with step-by-step solutions to restore the Read Aloud feature.

You sit down with your cup of fresh coffee next to you and open up Microsoft Edge and eagerly hit the “Read Aloud” button hoping to enjoy the article being read to you and multitask simultaneously. Wait, it does not work. You hit “Play” once more. Nothing happens. Anger takes hold.

I’ve been there and believe meit is frustrating. The better news? A number of solutions exist to correct this problem. If your issue stems from a poor connection you might want to check out these work-from-home internet speed tips to ensure your setup isn’t holding you back. Whether it’s an easy glitch or an underlying system conflictI’ll show you the most efficient solutions in an easy-to-follow format, no technical jargon just practical solutions.

Let’s get started!

Why is the ‘Read Aloud’ Play Button Not Working?

Before we begin to repair it is helpful to know what could be the cause of the problem to begin with. Some typical causes are:

  • Temporary glitches: OccasionallyEdge will just need to be rebooted quickly.
  • Outdated version: Using an outmoded version of Edge can lead to unpredictable bugs.
  • Conflicting extensions: Certain browser extensions will conflict with the “Read Aloud” facility.
  • corrupt cache or cookies: Saved data could be in conflict with one another
  • System configuration conflict: Windows speech settings may be misconfigured.
  • Edge profile problems: Your user profile could be corrupted.

Now that we are aware of the possible offenders let’s resolve the issue! If you’re wondering how to resolve Microsoft Edge can’t click play reading out loud read on for solutions.

Quick Fixes (For Those in a Hurry)

If you’re short on time and need to quickly experiment with the quickest solution begin here:

Reset Microsoft edge – Shutdown and restart the browser.

Updates should be checked – Make sure Edge has the most current version.

Disable Extensions – Certain extensions may interfere with browser functions.

Clearing Cache and Cookies – Stored data could be the problem.

Restart Your PC – A Simple Reboot Often Quells Problems

If these don’t work let’s delve further into how to repair Microsoft Edge can’t click play reading out loud.

Step-by-Step Guide to

1. Restart Microsoft Edge

YesI know it sounds too straightforward. But you’d be surprised how frequently an easy reboot will solve problems.

  • Shut down Edge completely (no background processes should be open).
  • Reopen Edge and try using “Read Aloud” again.

Not working? Don’t worry about it. Let’s go on to more methods to resolve Microsoft Edge can’t click play reading out loud.

2. Update Microsoft Edge

The cause may be using an outdated version of Edge. Here’s how to update:

  1. Open Edge and select the three-dot menu in the top right corner.
  2. Navigate to Help & feedback > About Microsoft Edge.
  3. Edge will update itself automatically. Install if an update is found.
  4. Restart your browser and try “Read Aloud” once more.

3. Disable Incompatible Extensions

Browser extensions could potentially interfere with built-in capabilities in Edge.

  1. Tap on the three-dot menu > Extensions.
  2. Disable all extensions.
  3. Reopen Edge and see if “Read Aloud” is working.
  4. If it does activate one extension at a time to identify the problematic one.

4. Clear Cache and Cookies

Sometimes the stored data triggers random glitches. Clear it this way:

  1. Tap on the three-dot menu > Settings.
  2. Head to Privacysearchand services.
  3. Under Clear browsing data click on Choose what to clear.
  4. Choose Cached images and files and Cookies and site data
  5. Clear Click now
  6. Reopen Edge and try “Read Aloud” once more.

5. Reset Microsoft Edge Settings

If the issue persists, resetting Edge can help.

  1. Open Settings on Edge.
  2. Go to Reset settings.
  3. Select Restore settings to default values.
  4. Confirm by clicking Reset.
  5. Restart Edge and repeat “Read Aloud.”

If you remain stumped about how to repair Microsoft Edge won’t click play read aloud don’t panic, 

more tips follow below.

6. Verify Windows Speech Settings

Edge’s “Read Aloud” uses Windows’s speech settings. They need to be properly configured; otherwise you may encounter problems.

  1. Open Settings on Windows.
  2. Go to Time & Language > Speech.
  3. Make sure the Speech language corresponds to your Edge settings.
  4. Reboot your computer and try out “Read Aloud”.

7. Make a New Edge Profile

If your Edge profile is corrupted it can impact features such as “Read Aloud”.

  1. Tap on your Profile icon within Edge.
  2. Tap Add profile.
  3. Create a fresh user profile and log into it
  4. Test if “Read Aloud” is functional.

If so, your previous profile could be corrupted. Try switching to the new one permanently.

Advanced Solutions (If All Else Fails)

1. Reset Edge through PowerShell

If all else fails, resetting Edge using PowerShell can resolve deep-seated issues.

  1. Press Win + X and Windows Terminal (Admin).
  1. Type the following command and press Enter:

 Get-AppxPackage *MicrosoftEdge* | Remove-AppxPackage

  1. Restart your computer.
  2. Reinstall Edge through the Microsoft website.

 2. Search for Windows Updates 

At timesWindows updates address problems with Edge. 

  1. Open Settings 
  2. Visit Windows Update and download any available updates. 
  3. Update any pending software and reboot your system. 

3. Speak in Another Voice or Language 

A few users state that switching the voice option in “Read Aloud” resolves the problem. 

  1. Open up Edge and begin Read Aloud. 
  2. Tap on Voice options. 
  3. Choose another voice and attempt to play once more. 

Key Takings:

  • Glitches in tech are the absolute worst aren’t they? But hopefully one of these worked to get “Read Aloud” back up and running in Microsoft Edge. If none worked don’t be afraid to try checking out Microsoft’s official support pages or forums.
  • Struggling to resolve Microsoft Edge won’t click on play reading out loud? Leave a comment and we’ll troubleshoot this together! 
  • Happy shopping!

Additional Resources:

  1. Read Aloud not working in Edge [Fixed]: This article from The Windows Club offers comprehensive troubleshooting steps to fix the “Read Aloud” feature in Microsoft Edge. It covers solutions like clearing the browser cache, checking for updates and resetting Edge settings.
  2. Microsoft Edge read aloud function is not working on pdf files: This Microsoft Answers thread discusses issues related to the “Read Aloud” function not working on PDF files in Edge. Users share their experiences and solutions including using alternative PDF viewers or extensions.
  3. How to Enable Read Aloud in Edge [Even When It’s Stubborn]: This Windows Report article provides a guide on enabling and troubleshooting the “Read Aloud” feature in Edge Especially when it doesn’t work as expected. It includes steps like resetting Edge and configuring settings.

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