How to use Magnifier reading

Our products and services are designed for people of all abilities. Windows 11 includes built-in accessibility tools for individuals who are blind, color blind, or have low vision. This article covers how Magnifier can read text on your screen aloud in addition to making it appear larger. 

Get started

Turn on Magnifier

To quickly turn on Magnifier, press the Windows logo  WindowsLogo key+Plus sign(+). To turn off Magnifier, press the Windows logo  WindowsLogo key+Esc. 

If you prefer using a mouse, select Start   WindowsLogo  > Settings   Settings > Accessibility > Magnifier   ZoomIn and turn on the toggle Magnifier.

Start reading

  • To start reading from the current cursor location, press Ctrl+Alt+Enter. The same shortcut also pauses and resumes reading.
  • Another way to start reading is to press and hold Ctrl+Alt and click the left mouse button where you want to start.

To stop reading, press any key.

Tip

  • To read the next sentence, press Ctrl + Alt + K.
  • To read the previous sentence, press Ctrl + Alt + H.

Change the reading modifier key

The modifier key (default is Ctrl + Alt) is used to activate Magnifier reading shortcuts. You can change it in Magnifier settings.

Note

If you are also using Narrator, do not select the same key you are using for the screen reader shortcuts. By default, Magnifier and Narrator use different keys. 

Change the reading modifier key with a mouse

  1. Select Start  WindowsLogo  > Settings   Settings >Accessibility> Magnifier  ZoomIn .
  2. Scroll down to the Reading section.
  3. Select your preferred option from the dropdown.

Change the reading modifier key with a keyboard and Narrator

  1. Press the Windows logo  WindowsLogo key +Ctrl+M to open the Magnifier settings view.
  2. Press the Tab key until you hear “Reading, choose a modifier key” followed by the currently selected option.
  3. Press Enter to open the menu, use the Up and Down arrow keys to find the key option you want to use, and press Enter to select it and close the menu.

Magnifier reading commands

Press this key To do this
Windows logo WindowsLogo key+Plus sign(+) Turn Magnifier on
Start, pause, and resume reading Modifier key+Enter
Stop reading Any key
Read from mouse pointer Modifier key+Left mouse click
Read previous sentence Modifier key+H
Read next sentence Modifier key+K

See also