If you rely on the Read Aloud feature in Classic Outlook to listen to your emails, you may wonder whether the New Outlook for Windows can handle the same task. Classic Outlook uses the Windows built-in text-to-speech engine, while New Outlook is a web-based app that relies on a different system. This article explains exactly how Read Aloud works in each version, whether you can switch without losing functionality, and what to do if you need both features.
Key Takeaways: New Outlook vs Classic Outlook Read Aloud
- Classic Outlook Read Aloud button (Message tab > Read Aloud): Reads selected email text using the Windows Narrator engine with play, pause, and speed controls.
- New Outlook Immersive Reader (View menu > Immersive Reader): Provides a distraction-free reading pane with text-to-speech, but requires a Microsoft 365 subscription for full voice options.
- Keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Alt+Space: Starts or pauses Read Aloud in Classic Outlook; does not work in New Outlook.
How Read Aloud Works in Classic Outlook
Classic Outlook, the desktop application included with Microsoft 365 and Office 2019/2021, includes a dedicated Read Aloud feature on the Message tab. This feature uses the Windows built-in text-to-speech engine, which supports multiple voices and languages depending on your Windows language packs. When you click Read Aloud, Outlook highlights each word as it is spoken, and you can control playback with a small floating toolbar that includes Play, Pause, Previous, Next, and Speed controls. The feature works with any email message in the reading pane or an open message window.
The Read Aloud feature in Classic Outlook does not require an internet connection, because the speech engine runs locally on your Windows device. It reads the body of the email, including inline text, but does not read attached files, images, or linked content. You can change the voice and speed in Windows Settings under Ease of Access > Narrator or Speech settings.
How Read Aloud Works in New Outlook
New Outlook for Windows is a web-based application that mirrors the Outlook web app experience. It does not have a direct Read Aloud button. Instead, it offers the Immersive Reader, which you can access from the View menu or by pressing Ctrl+Shift+R when an email is open. Immersive Reader strips away formatting and shows the email in a clean, full-screen view. At the bottom of the Immersive Reader, a Play button starts text-to-speech. The voice options are limited to the default Windows voice unless you are signed in with a Microsoft 365 subscription, which unlocks additional premium voices.
The New Outlook Immersive Reader requires an internet connection to load the reader interface, but the speech engine itself can work offline if you have installed the appropriate Windows voice packs. However, the premium voices provided by Microsoft 365 require an internet connection because they are cloud-based. The Immersive Reader also includes translation and focus tools, which Classic Outlook does not have.
Can New Outlook Fully Replace Classic Outlook for Read Aloud?
For most users, New Outlook can replace Classic Outlook for reading emails aloud, but with limitations. The Immersive Reader in New Outlook provides a more polished reading experience with fewer distractions and built-in translation. However, if you rely on the one-click Read Aloud button on the ribbon, the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Alt+Space, or the ability to read emails without opening a separate full-screen view, New Outlook will feel less convenient.
Classic Outlook’s Read Aloud works directly in the reading pane or message window without changing the layout. New Outlook requires you to open the email and then activate Immersive Reader, which takes two extra clicks. For users who listen to many emails quickly, this extra step can be a productivity loss.
Additionally, New Outlook does not allow you to change the reading speed or voice from within the app. You must modify the voice settings in Windows Speech settings. Classic Outlook has speed controls built into the floating toolbar. If you frequently adjust reading speed, Classic Outlook is better suited.
Steps to Use Read Aloud in Classic Outlook
- Open an email message
Double-click an email to open it in its own window, or select it in the reading pane. - Click the Read Aloud button
On the Message tab, in the Speech group, click Read Aloud. The floating toolbar appears with Play, Pause, Previous, Next, and Speed controls. - Adjust speed and voice
Use the Speed slider on the toolbar to slow down or speed up reading. To change the voice, go to Windows Settings > Ease of Access > Narrator and select a different voice. - Stop reading
Click the Close button on the floating toolbar or press Escape to stop playback.
Steps to Use Read Aloud in New Outlook
- Open an email message
Double-click an email to open it in a separate window. - Activate Immersive Reader
On the View menu, click Immersive Reader. Alternatively, press Ctrl+Shift+R. - Start playback
At the bottom of the Immersive Reader pane, click the Play button. The email is read aloud starting from the top. - Control playback
Use the Play/Pause button to pause and resume. Use the Previous and Next buttons to jump between paragraphs. Speed and voice settings are not available in the Immersive Reader; change them in Windows Settings. - Exit Immersive Reader
Click the Close button in the top-right corner of the Immersive Reader pane to return to the normal email view.
Common Issues and Workarounds
New Outlook Immersive Reader does not start
If Immersive Reader does not open when you press Ctrl+Shift+R, check that you are using the latest version of New Outlook. Go to Help > Check for Updates. If the issue persists, open the email in a browser by clicking Open in Browser and then use the browser’s built-in Read Aloud feature (available in Microsoft Edge and Chrome).
Classic Outlook Read Aloud button is grayed out
This happens when the email is in plain text format. Read Aloud only works on HTML and rich text emails. Change the message format to HTML by clicking Format Text > HTML before composing or replying. For received emails, forward the message to yourself and compose in HTML.
No sound or incorrect voice
Both versions rely on Windows speech settings. Open Windows Settings > Time & Language > Speech. Ensure the correct voice pack is installed and set as default. If you hear no sound, check that your audio device is working and that Outlook is not muted in the Volume Mixer.
Classic Outlook Read Aloud vs New Outlook Immersive Reader: Key Differences
| Item | Classic Outlook Read Aloud | New Outlook Immersive Reader |
|---|---|---|
| Access method | One click on Message tab ribbon | Two clicks: open email, then View > Immersive Reader |
| Reading location | In reading pane or message window | Full-screen distraction-free view |
| Speed control | Built-in slider on floating toolbar | Not available; use Windows Speech settings |
| Voice selection | Uses Windows Narrator voices | Uses Windows voices; premium voices require Microsoft 365 subscription and internet |
| Internet required | No | Yes, for premium voices and initial load |
| Keyboard shortcut | Ctrl+Alt+Space | Ctrl+Shift+R (opens Immersive Reader) |
| Translation tools | No | Yes, built-in |
New Outlook can replace Classic Outlook for Read Aloud if you are willing to use the Immersive Reader and do not need speed controls or a one-click button. If you frequently adjust reading speed or prefer reading directly in the message pane, stick with Classic Outlook. To get the best of both worlds, you can keep Classic Outlook installed alongside New Outlook and switch between them by toggling the Try the New Outlook switch in the top-right corner of Classic Outlook. The Immersive Reader also includes a text spacing and syllable splitting feature that can help with reading comprehension, which Classic Outlook lacks.