NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access)

NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access) is a screen reader for Windows computers, developed by NV Access, a nonprofit organization. This page provides a general, product-specific overview of NVDA for educational purposes. It is not a clinical recommendation, and it does not suggest that NVDA is appropriate for every person who is blind or has low vision. Selection of a screen reader for a specific individual should be based on an individualized assessment of that person's needs, existing skills, and environment.

WHAT NVDA IS

NVDA is free, open source screen-reading software that reads aloud, or outputs to a refreshable braille display, the text, controls, and layout information shown on a Windows computer screen. It is developed by NV Access, a registered charity, and is available to anyone at no cost.

WHO MAY BENEFIT

NVDA may be used by people who are blind, have low vision, or otherwise benefit from having on-screen information read aloud or presented in braille. As with any assistive technology, whether NVDA is a good fit for a particular individual depends on that person's needs, technology environment, and preferences, and should be determined through an individualized evaluation rather than a general recommendation.

WINDOWS COMPATIBILITY

NVDA runs on Windows 10 and later. Older Windows versions may be supported by earlier NVDA releases, but current development and support focus on Windows 10 and newer systems. Check NV Access's official documentation for current system requirements before installing.

COST AND LICENSING

NVDA is free to download and use. NV Access, the nonprofit organization that develops NVDA, accepts optional donations to support ongoing development, but a donation is never required to download or use the software.

DOWNLOAD AND SOURCE INFORMATION

NVDA should be downloaded only from NV Access's official website, linked in the Authoritative Resources section below. Downloading screen reader software from unofficial or third-party sources is not recommended, since it cannot be verified as unmodified or safe.

BASIC SETUP CONSIDERATIONS

During installation, NVDA offers the option to create a desktop shortcut and to assign it a keyboard shortcut (Control+Alt+N) for starting the program. Installation also offers choices about whether NVDA starts automatically when Windows starts and whether it runs on the Windows sign-in screen. These options can be adjusted during installation or later in NVDA's settings.

QUICK START AND STOP

Start: Control+Alt+N can start NVDA when the NVDA shortcut was created and configured with that keyboard shortcut during installation. This shortcut is not guaranteed to work on every installation, since it depends on choices made during setup. NVDA can also be started from the Windows Start Menu, under the NVDA program group, or from a desktop shortcut if one was created.

Stop: NVDA+Q opens the exit command dialog, which asks for confirmation before closing NVDA. The NVDA key referenced in NVDA+Q is a configurable modifier key, typically the Insert key (including the numeric keypad Insert key) by default, and it can also be configured to be the Caps Lock key, depending on how NVDA has been set up on a particular computer.

BASIC NAVIGATION CONCEPTS

NVDA uses standard Windows keyboard navigation, such as Tab, arrow keys, and Enter, along with additional commands built around the NVDA modifier key described above. NVDA can read text by character, word, line, or paragraph; announce the current window, control, or focused item; and move by structural elements such as headings or links when reading documents and web pages. The exact commands available depend on the NVDA version and the application being used.

COMMON ACCESSIBILITY USE CASES

NVDA is commonly used for tasks such as browsing the web, reading and writing documents and email, using spreadsheets, and navigating general Windows applications. It may also be used alongside a refreshable braille display by people who read braille.

LIMITATIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS

Like any screen reader, NVDA's effectiveness can vary depending on how well a given application or website has been designed for accessibility. Some applications may not be fully compatible with NVDA or may require additional configuration. NVDA is one of several screen reader options available for Windows. It is not presented here as clinically prescribed, as appropriate for every person with visual impairment, or as endorsed by any professional certification held by AssistiveTechnology.org or its reviewers, and this page does not represent the position of any school district or employer. Selection of a screen reader for a specific individual should be based on an individualized assessment.

AUTHORITATIVE RESOURCES

NV Access: NVDA User Guide

NV Access: NVDA Commands Quick Reference

NV Access: Download NVDA

American Foundation for the Blind: Learn NVDA