Adobe Reader is a free PDF reader. It has the built-in text-to-speech voice function called Read Out Loud that can read PDF files out so you can free your eyes. If like, you can also record the sound as MP3, WMV audio files in Windows 10. Having problem running the “Read Out Loud” function on Adobe Reader in Windows 10? We have seen many people reported this issue. There are various reasons that could cause Adobe Reader Read Out Loud not work. Try these 3 quick fixes.
Method 1. Use an installed voice in Windows system
On your Windows 10 PC, go to Settings > Ease of Access > Narrator > Voice. Click to expand the voice list below the Choose a voice. Here you can find all installed voices in your Windows system. By default Microsoft Zira Desktop – English and Microsoft Zira Desktop – English TTS voices are available in the US English version of Windows 10. These two pre-installed text-to-speech engines in Windows 10 can be used with both Microsoft apps and desktop apps.
Run Adobe Reader on your Windows 10 PC. Click Edit > Preferences. The Preferences dialogue pops up. You can see the Categories panel at the left hand side. Choose Reading from the categories list. In the Read Out Loud Options section, uncheck the “Use default voice” option, select a voice from the drop-down list that you have verified installed on your computer. If David’s voice does not work, change to Zira, or the other way around. Note that not all voice packs installed in Windows may show up in Adobe Reader settings. Some installed TTS voices can only be used by Windows apps that you download from the official Microsoft apps store. Click OK button. Then try the Read Out Loud to read text in the PDF file again see if any luck.
Method 2. Enable App Container in Adobe Reader
Go to Edit >> Preferences >> Security (enhanced) >> Enable “Run in AppContainer”. Restart Adobe Reader and try read out loud again.
Method 3. Disable Protected Mode in Adobe Reader
Go to Edit menu > Preferences > Security (Enhanced), disable “Enable Protected mode at start up”. Restart Adobe Reader and try Read Out Loud. It is recommended to enable the “Protected mode” when you do not need to use the text to speech function in Adobe Reader as it provides additional security.
Read aloud PDF files in Edge browser for Windows 10
You should be able to use Adobe Acrobat Reader to read out text in PDF files following above troubleshooting tips. If you still have trouble with the Read Out Loud feature in Adobe Acrobat Reader, or if you like to try more installed TTS engines installed on your Windows 10 computer, you can use the Edge web browser to read aloud your PDF files.
Click on an empty area on the PDF file to reveal the quick toolbar, and click on the Read aloud button to start reading the text in the PDF file in Edge. Or you can simply right click on an empty area on the PDF file, and choose Read aloud from the context menu. If like, you can pause the reading from the top toolbar, click the Voice settings button to change a different voice installed on your Windows system for reading the PDF file in Edge.