How do I use Windows Narrator?
Windows has its own built in screen reader function called Narrator, which means you can listen to content from your computer. This is helpful if you have no useful vision. When enabled, Narrator reads information aloud and the computer is controlled completely by keyboard shortcuts. There is no need for a mouse.
To adjust Narrator settings, select the Start button - Settings - Ease of Access - Narrator.
Alternatively, you can utilise keyboard shortcut keys to access the Ease of Access centre (Windows Key and U), tab once and arrow down six times to Narrator and press Enter. Press the tab key to get into the main window.
Under the Narrator menu there are a few options which you can explore and adjust to suit your own preferences. Amongst these controls you will find options like:
- Use Narrator: this option allows you to turn Narrator on or off. You can also use the keyboard shortcut Windows, Control and Enter.
- Allow the shortcut key to start Narrator: this means you can use Windows, Control and Enter to start and stop Narrator.
- Start Narrator after sign-in: this is a check box and can be activated by pressing the space bar to change the value. Checking the box means that Narrator will start when you reach the desktop.
- Start Narrator before sign-in: this is a check box and can be activated by pressing the space bar to change the value. Checking the box means Narrator will start before the sign-in screen, making it easier to enter user names and passwords.
This section also includes further controls to customise Narrator to suit your personal preference. Options include choosing a new voice, changing the speed of the speech, changing the volume, adjusting when Narrator speaks, what information Narrator provides, how Narrator reads punctuation, choosing keyboard layout and choosing a modifier key.
For information on the commonly used keyboard shortcuts for windows see, What are the keyboard shortcuts for Windows?
Windows Narrator is a good option for performing day to day tasks. However, there are also other screen reading software packages available which are free to download or ones that require the purchase of a license. Please see What is NVDA and how do I get it for my computer?, What is JAWS and how can I get help to use it?, What is Dolphin Easy Reader?
