Overview
Narrator is a built-in screen reader application on Windows, designed to help users navigate their device and interact with on-screen content via audio.This feature transforms text into spoken words, aiding in the comprehension of content found in images, websites, applications, and documents such as Word or PDF files. Narrator is one of the many accessibility features in Windows 10/11, designed to ensure that all users can enjoy an inclusive and accessible experience. This documentation will guide you on how to set up and effectively use Narrator for text-to-speech.
Key Features
Screen Reading
Narrator reads text and on-screen elements aloud, including menus, buttons, and other interface components. This helps users understand and interact with their devices more effectively.
Braille Support
Narrator supports Braille displays, allowing users to read text in Braille. This feature is crucial for users who rely on tactile feedback to navigate their devices.
Navigation
Narrator offers several navigation methods:
- Keyboard Shortcuts: Use keys like Tab, Caps Lock + Arrow keys, and Caps Lock + Spacebar to move through items and text.
- Touch Gestures: Swipe and tap gestures for touch-enabled devices.
Customization
Users can customize Narrator to suit their preferences:
- Voice Settings: Change the voice, adjust the speaking rate, pitch, and volume.
- Verbosity: Control how much detail Narrator provides about what’s on the screen.
- Keyboard Shortcuts: Customize shortcuts for frequently used commands
Setting Up Narrator
Accessing Narrator
- Windows 10: Navigate to Settings > Ease of Access > Narrator.
- Windows 11: Navigate to Settings > Accessibility > Narrator.
- Alternatively, use the shortcut Windows key + Ctrl + Enter to quickly turn Narrator on or off.
Initial Setup
- Follow the setup guide that appears when you first enable Narrator.
- Customize basic settings such as voice, speed, and volume to suit your preferences.
Narrator keyboard commands and touch gestures
Narrator offers many keyboard shortcuts to make navigation more efficient. Here is the complete list of Narrator keyboard commands and touch gestures
Reading Text with Narrator
Basic Reading Commands
Narrator offers several ways to read text on your screen. Here are some key commands:
- Caps Lock + M: Start reading the text.
- Caps Lock + Ctrl + Plus: Increase reading speed.
- Caps Lock + Ctrl + Minus: Decrease reading speed.
- Caps Lock + R: Read the entire document or webpage from top to bottom.
Scan Mode
Scan Mode simplifies navigation and reading:
- Enable Scan Mode: Press Caps Lock + Spacebar.
- Navigate Text: Use the Up and Down Arrow Keys to move through text.
For more detailed instructions, check out the complete guide for Reading text with Narrator.
Additional Resources
For more information on Narrator, please visit the complete guide to Narrator.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/complete-guide-to-narrator-e4397a0d-ef4f-b386-d8ae-c172f109bdb1#ID0EBD=Windows_10