A person using a Microsoft Windows laptop at a table

October 09, 2023

How to turn on and use Narrator in Windows 11

If you’re looking for more ways to engage with your PC, Windows 11 comes with built-in features that are adaptive and convenient. Get the most out of your computer with tools like built-in screen reader Windows Narrator. Learn more about Narrator in Windows, how to enable it, and some of the many benefits of navigating your device without using a mouse.

What is Windows Narrator?

Narrator is a built-in screen reader tool in Windows 11 that reads text and describes on-screen elements aloud. If you’re someone who’s blind, has low vision, or wants more ways to use assistive technology with your Windows PC, Narrator is a great option. This feature converts text into spoken words to help you comprehend the content in images, on websites, in applications, and in Word or PDF documents. Narrator is one of many Windows 11 accessibility features designed to maintain inclusive and accessible use for all users.

How to turn on Windows Narrator

There are several ways to enable the Windows Narrator feature on your Windows PC.

Open while using Windows

There are two quick ways to initiate Narrator while you’re using Windows:

Select Windows logo key + Ctrl + Enter to start or stop Narrator.
Select Windows logo key + Ctrl + N to open Narrator settings menu. Toggle on Use Narrator.

Make Narrator start automatically

If you want Narrator to start automatically when you turn on your computer or log in, follow these steps:

Select Windows logo key + Ctrl + N to open the Narrator settings menu.
Select the downward arrow next to the Narrator toggle to show additional options.
Select the checkbox next to Start Narrator after sign-in.
If you want Windows Narrator to start as soon as you turn on your PC, select the checkbox next to Start Narrator before sign-in.

Customize Windows Narrator to fit your needs

Take assistive technology to the next level by customizing Windows Narrator to suit your preferences. Adjust the reading speed, voice pitch, verbosity, and more in the Narrator settings menu. Experiment with these settings to create a Windows experience that best enhances how you use your PC. You can also use these keyboard shortcuts while Narrator is on:

Change volume

Narrator + Ctrl + (+) to increase the Windows Narrator volume.
Narrator + Ctrl + (-) to decrease the volume.

Adjust the speed

Narrator + (+) to increase the speed.
Narrator + (-) to decrease the speed.

Change the voice

Narrator + Alt + (+) to switch to a new voice.
Narrator + Alt + (-) to switch back to the previous voice.

The Windows Narrator feature can also read you information from the web, describe what links are about before you select them, let you know which app or window has focus on your screen, and more.

Experience the accessibility and power of Windows Narrator by upgrading to the latest Windows OS today. Download Windows 11 to unlock a more inclusive and assistive computing experience.

DISCLAIMER: Features and functionality subject to change. Articles are written specifically for the United States market; features, functionality, and availability may vary by region.