Learn how to use Narrator, a screen-reading application built into Windows 11 and 10, to explore and navigate apps, web, and more. Find out what's new in Narrator, such as enhanced image descriptions, voice access, and natural voices.

Learn about Narrator, a screen reading app in Windows, including how to start and stop Narrator before and after you sign in to your PC.

You can use either of these keys in any command that uses the Narrator key. The Narrator key is referred to as simply “Narrator” in commands. You can change your Narrator key in Narrator settings. Note: If you’re using a Japanese 106 keyboard, Insert and NonConvert are your default Narrator keys.

Narrator reads text, buttons, and other elements aloud on your Xbox console or Windows device. Learn how to activate it and adjust options, including choosing a voice and more.

To read from where focus or your cursor is, press Narrator + R. To start reading a document from the beginning, press Narrator + Ctrl + R or Narrator + Down arrow key. To read text from the beginning to where your cursor is, press Narrator + Shift + J or Narrator + Alt + Home.

Find out how you can set up a new Xbox console or Windows PC using the Narrator feature.

This chapter explains Narrator keyboard navigation. This includes how to get around the screen, find and open apps, and change what Narrator reads. It also explains the basic details of adjusting Narrator speech rate, volume, and how to stop speech. Scan mode gives you even more navigation options.

The Movies & TV app works with Narrator, a built-in screen reader that reads the text on your screen aloud and describes events, so you can use your Xbox console with partial or no vision. The app also offers keyboard shortcuts to help you perform common actions.

Read and respond to an email message. Start Narrator (Windows logo key+Ctrl+Enter) and the Mail app (Windows key for Cortana search). Use the Down arrow key to browse messages, and Enter to select one. Reply to the sender by pressing Ctrl+R. Type your reply.

This chapter outlines how to customize Narrator so it works best for you, including changing how Narrator starts, how much feedback you hear when typing, whether the audio from other apps is decreased when Narrator is running, and changing Narrator commands to keyboard shortcuts of your choice.