- Windows 11 integrates a Narrator or screen reader that can read what you see on the monitor
- However, this accessibility feature goes unnoticed by many of its users.
- There are three methods to enable it, so each one can keep the most comfortable
Microsoft’s operating system keeps some secrets that we often take a long time to discover… or not even that. Some users spend years using it daily without getting the most out of it because they are unaware of its functions. Precisely in this sense, the Screen Narrator in Windows 11 is an extremely useful and interesting function. What are the steps for the system to narrate what it sees on the screen and how to take advantage of it?
Well, the first thing we should point out is that this is not an original idea from Redmond, far from it. Actually, there are several third-party screen readers available for both Windows 10 and Windows 11. Among the most popular we can mention some like Job Access With Speech and NonVisual Desktop Access.
However, if you only need such a service occasionally, they may not be worth downloading. In that case, we believe that the best option is to go directly to the Windows 11 screen reader or Narrator.
That is to say, although different alternatives are still available and most of them are very good, even somewhat better than Windows Narrator, it may be enough for you with the general proposal of Microsoft. It’s also ideal if you’re on someone else’s computer and don’t want to be customizing someone else’s computer.
How to activate the screen reader in Windows 11?
with the keyboard
Assuming you don’t have any remapped keyboards, you can activate Narrator with Ctrl + Windows + Enter. Automatically Screen Reader Home should be launched. If you minimize it it will stay running. You can eventually close Narrator from there if you’re just doing a test for now.
This is a home page for Narrator, where you can get help, access your settings, and learn about new features. Narrator is a screen reader that describes what’s on your screen aloud, so you can use the information to navigate your device. To start or stop Narrator, press the Windows logo key + Ctrl + Enter. Explore the following sections to get started
Precisely the previous ones are the words with which Windows does not welcome this Narrator function. Within this we have sections like Quick Start, Storyteller’s Guide, What’s New, Settings, and Feedback.
In the Accessibility menu
Alternatively, you can turn on Narrator from the Accessibility menu, which is in Settings.
Again you will see a series of specific sections, the following: Narrator, Shortcut for Narrator, Start Narrator, Complete Guide for Narrator, Voice, Add voices and Speed.
The interesting thing about doing it from Settings is that you can customize some of its basic elements. You may connect a braille display, sync Windows 11 with other devices, and more.
From the search bar
Finally, you can activate Narrator from the Windows search bar, by clicking on the magnifying glass and typing Narrator. You will notice that among the results there is indeed one that says Narrator and below Application.
