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Guide to Microsoft Narrator

Narrator helps you hear and navigate what is on your screen

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Lani

What is Narrator?

Narrator is a built-in Windows screen reader that reads out what is on your screen. It allows you to navigate your computer, apps, and documents using audio instead of relying on sight.

You can use Narrator with a keyboard, or alongside other input methods, to interact with your device and access digital content more independently.

Who this can help

Narrator can be useful for:

  • Blind or low vision users
    • Provides access to on-screen content through speech
    • Allows navigation on the computer without needing to see the screen
  • People with reading difficulties
    • Reads the text aloud to support you to understand it better
  • Fatigue or eye strain
    • Reduces the need to read large amounts of text
  • Neurodivergent users
    • Supports you to keep focused by combining audio and visual information
  • Anyone who prefers listening to content than reading it on screen

What Narrator can do

  • Read text, buttons, menus, and links aloud
  • Announce actions as you move around your device
  • Help you navigate using keyboard shortcuts
  • Adjust voice speed, pitch, and volume
  • Work across Windows apps and many websites

Tips for getting the best experience

  • Start with simple tasks (like reading a document or webpage)
  • Adjust the speech speed to match your preference
  • Use headphones for clearer audio
  • Combine with other tools, such as:
  • Take time to learn a few key shortcuts – this can make navigation much faster

How to Use Narrator

Turn Narrator on or off

Press Windows key + Ctrl + Enter

This is the quickest way to start or stop Narrator.

Turn Narrator on through settings

  • Open Settings from the Start menu
  • Select Accessibility (or press Windows + U)
  • Choose Narrator
  • Turn Narrator on

Basic navigation

When Narrator is on:

  • Use the Tab key to move between items
  • Use Arrow keys to move through text
  • Press Enter to activate buttons or links

Narrator will read each item as you move.

Adjust Narrator settings

You can customise how Narrator works:

  • Go to Settings then Accessibility then Narrator
  • Adjust options such as:
    • Voice and speed
    • Verbosity (how much detail is read out)
    • Keyboard layout and shortcuts

Personalising these settings can make Narrator easier and more comfortable to use.

Features Available in Narrator

  • Scan Mode: Allows paragraph-by-paragraph navigation using arrow keys
  • Item Navigation: Move through headings, buttons, and landmarks using keyboard commands
  • Input Learning Mode: Learn what keyboard shortcuts do without activating them
  • Voice Customisation: Adjust speed, pitch, and volume. Natural voices are available in Windows 11
  • Braille Support: Compatible with refreshable braille displays
  • Touch Gestures: Narrator can be used with touchscreens for basic navigation

Tips for using Narrator

  • You can use Narrator to log in if other screen readers like JAWS have not loaded yet
  • Avoid running Narrator and another screen reader at the same time to prevent overlapping speech, which might be confusing
  • Narrator works well with most applications, including Edge, Word, and Outlook, but it may be less suitable for casual use as it reads everything on the screen which can be overwhelming to listen to

Last reviewed: July 1, 2026 by Kailani

Next review due: January 1, 2027

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