Read&Write for Windows

Read&Write software is a literacy support tool that helps with reading and highlighting text, increasing focus while reading, reading text out loud, proofreading spelling, learning new words, and more.

Using Read&Write for Windows

Read&Write software is a literacy support tool that helps with reading and highlighting text, increasing focus while reading, reading text out loud, proofreading spelling, learning new words, and more. Read&Write is available for free to all Mines students, staff, and faculty.

Read&Write has different tools depending on your operating system. If you are using MacOS, please visit the Read&Write for Mac page.

Installing Read&Write

• Read&Write is available for users without admin rights to install on their Mines-managed computers.
  1. To install on a Windows machine, go to the Start menu and open Software Center. 
  2. Under "Applications," click on the TextHelp Read&Write icon. 
  3. Click the "Install" button on the Read&Write page in Software Center.
• If you have admin rights or need to install this software on a non-Mines computer, you can follow the Read&Write download instructions.
• If you need help installing Read&Write, please submit a Software Help Request.

Learning to use Read & Write

The best way to learn to use Read&Write is to explore the documentation and videos provided by Texthelp, the company that makes Read&Write.

• Feature demos (YouTube playlist)
• Quick reference: this guide explains what each icon in the toolbar does
• Training guide: this guide provides in-depth instructions for using the features in Read&Write

If you need training or have questions about how to use Read&Write, please submit a request for a consultation using Report a Digital Accessibility Issue.

Where is Read&Write available?

• Read&Write can be downloaded and installed on your personal computer using your Mines Microsoft credentials (mines.edu email address and password).
• Read&Write is also installed on all lab computers on campus and on the virtual lab desktop.
• Read&Write is available in the Testing Center.

You do not need to sign in to use Read&Write on a lab computer or Testing Center computer.

Features available on Windows

Reading Tools

• Text-to-speech: Reads text aloud and highlights the word being read
• Dictionary: Defines words in text and reads words aloud
• Picture dictionary: Look up symbols to help remember words
• PDF reader: Opens PDFs so you can read them aloud or use other Read&Write tools

Writing Tools

• Check it: Checks for grammar, spelling, and other word errors
• Similar word checker: Checks if homophones have been used correctly
• Prediction: Provides suggested words as you type, and can read suggestions aloud
• Spell check: Checks spelling and reads words and definitions aloud
• Talk & type: Dictation tool turns speech into text (not available on MacOS)

Study Tools

• Voice note: Records a short audio file of your voice for use as a note or comment
• Highlighters: Use highlighters to color-code and collect text from documents
• Vocabulary list: Build a vocabulary list from highlighted and dictionary words
• Research folder: Build a list of information and links from websites

Focus Tools

• Screen masking: Improves focus by tinting or highlighting sections of your screen

Document Conversion Tools

• Screenshot reader: Converts images of text to text that can be copied or read aloud
• Scan: Convert scanned images to documents with text that can be copied or read aloud
• Audio maker: Convert text into an audio mp3 file

Web Tools (requires online access)

• Web Search: Launches a Google search from your default browser
• Translator: Translates words from and to multiple languages