Outlook Immersive Reader FAQ

What is Immersive Reader in Outlook?

Immersive Reader is a Microsoft accessibility feature built into Outlook that helps improve reading and comprehension. When activated, it:

• Centers email text on the screen with adjustable formatting
• Provides text-to-speech functionality (Read Aloud)
• Offers options to adjust spacing, colors, and font sizes
• Can highlight parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives)
• Allows line-by-line focus to reduce distractions

Note: This feature is available in Outlook desktop versions 2111 or later and Outlook for the web.

How do I know if Immersive Reader is turned on?

You'll notice these signs when Immersive Reader is active:

• Email text appears centered with wider margins
• The Immersive Reader tab appears in the ribbon (with blue text)
• Text formatting may look different than normal
• You may see additional reading tools in the ribbon

How to Turn Off Immersive Reader

Method 1: Using the View Menu (Recommended)

1. Open Outlook
2. Go to the View tab in the ribbon
3. Click Immersive Reader
4. Select Close Immersive Reader

Method 2: Using the Immersive Reader Tab

1. If you see the "Immersive Reader" tab in the ribbon (appears when active)
2. Click the Close button on that tab
3. Or click the Immersive Reader button again to toggle it off

Method 3: Using Keyboard Shortcut

• Press Esc key to exit Immersive Reader
• Press Alt + Tab to switch between views

Method 4: In Outlook Web App

1. Open the email in Outlook for the web
2. Click the back arrow in the top-left corner
3. Or press Esc on your keyboard

Why does Immersive Reader keep turning on automatically?

Several factors can cause Immersive Reader to activate unexpectedly:

Common Causes:

1. Accidental keyboard shortcuts - Pressing Ctrl + Alt + R activates Immersive Reader
2. Accessibility settings - Certain accessibility options may trigger automatic activation
3. Email formatting - Some emails with specific formatting may automatically open in Immersive Reader
4. Clicking the wrong button - The Immersive Reader button is located near other commonly used buttons

Prevention Tips:

• Be careful with keyboard shortcuts, especially near Ctrl + R (Reply)
• Avoid accidentally clicking the Immersive Reader button in the View tab
• Check your accessibility settings if the issue persists

How to Permanently Disable Immersive Reader

Important: Currently, Microsoft does not provide a built-in option to permanently disable Immersive Reader through Outlook settings. However, you can:

Individual User Solutions:

1. Remove the button from ribbon:

   • Right-click on the Outlook ribbon
   • Select "Customize the Ribbon"
   • Find "Immersive Reader" in the command list
   • Remove it from the ribbon to prevent accidental clicks

2. Train users on keyboard shortcuts:

   • Avoid the Ctrl + Alt + R combination
   • Use Esc key to quickly exit if accidentally activated

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem: Immersive Reader won't turn off

Solution:

1. Try pressing Esc key multiple times
2. Close and reopen the email
3. Restart Outlook if the issue persists
4. Check if you're in the correct view tab

Problem: Button missing from ribbon

Solution:

1. Go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon
2. Look for "Immersive Reader" in the "All Commands" list
3. Add it back to your preferred ribbon location

Problem: Settings don't save

Solution:

• Immersive Reader settings are per-session and don't persist
• You'll need to turn it off each time it activates
• This is current expected behavior from Microsoft

Quick Reference Commands

When to Contact IT Support

Contact your IT support team if:

• You cannot find the View tab or Immersive Reader options
• The feature keeps activating despite following these steps
• You need help customizing your Outlook ribbon
• You experience persistent issues after trying all solutions

Additional Resources

• Microsoft Support: Open Immersive Reader for Outlook
• Accessibility Features: File > Options > Ease of Access in Outlook
• Keyboard Shortcuts: File > Options > Quick Access Toolbar for customization

Last Updated: June 2025 This FAQ applies to Microsoft 365 Outlook desktop (version 2111+) and Outlook for the web