Windows Narrator

Narrator is the screen reader built into Windows, developed by Microsoft. This page provides a general, product-specific overview of Narrator for educational purposes. It is not a clinical recommendation, and it does not suggest that Narrator 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 Narrator Is

Narrator is Microsoft's built-in screen reader for Windows. It provides spoken access to supported Windows interface elements, applications, webpages, documents, and other accessible content, and it supports compatible refreshable Braille displays.

Who May Benefit

Narrator may be used by people who are blind or who have vision loss that makes visual computer access difficult. It may also be useful when temporary or built-in spoken access is needed on a Windows computer. As with any assistive technology, whether Narrator 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. Narrator is not intended to replace every other screen reader.

Windows Compatibility

Narrator is designed for Windows. Current Microsoft documentation for Narrator applies to Windows 11 and Windows 10. Check Microsoft's official documentation for current details before relying on Narrator for a specific setup.

Cost and Availability

Narrator is built into supported versions of Windows and does not require a separate Narrator software purchase. This does not mean that Windows hardware or Windows licensing itself is free; it means that once a supported Windows computer is obtained, Narrator is included as part of the operating system's accessibility features. This page does not make pricing comparisons with JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, or other screen readers.

Access and Source Information

Narrator is included with Windows, so there is no separate Narrator download. Users can turn on Narrator through Windows accessibility settings or supported keyboard commands, described below. For complete information, refer to Microsoft's official Narrator documentation, linked in the Authoritative Resources section below, rather than third-party download sites.

Basic Setup Considerations

Narrator settings can include options such as voice, speech rate, verbosity, the Narrator modifier key, startup behavior, keyboard settings, Braille support when a compatible Braille display is used, and Narrator Home and QuickStart. These options can be adjusted the first time Narrator starts or later through Narrator settings.

Quick Start and Stop

Start and stop: Press Windows logo key + Ctrl + Enter to start Narrator. Press the same key combination again to stop Narrator; this is a true on/off toggle in Microsoft's current documentation.

This is different from Windows logo key + Ctrl + N, which opens Narrator settings. That command does not itself start or stop Narrator.

Exit command: Narrator + Esc exits Narrator while it is running. Windows logo key + Ctrl + Enter is the start/stop toggle, while Narrator + Esc is a separate exit command.

Narrator Modifier Key

Microsoft refers to the screen-reader modifier used in Narrator commands as the Narrator key. By default, both the Caps Lock key and the Insert key can serve as the Narrator key, and either can be used in any command that calls for it. The Narrator key can be changed in Narrator settings.

Basic Navigation Concepts

Basic navigation concepts include Tab and Shift+Tab to move among controls, arrow-key navigation, and Enter or Spacebar to activate controls where applicable. Many Narrator commands use the Narrator modifier key together with other keys for tasks such as reading text, navigating webpages, and moving among headings, links, tables, and landmarks. Narrator Home and QuickStart introduce these concepts to new users.

Scan Mode provides additional navigation for applications, email, and webpages. Pressing Narrator + Spacebar toggles Scan Mode on or off. When Scan Mode is on, arrow keys and additional commands can be used to move among elements such as headings, links, tables, and landmarks. This is not a complete command reference; consult Microsoft's official keyboard command documentation for complete details.

Common Accessibility Use Cases

Narrator is commonly used for tasks such as navigating Windows, reading webpages, reading documents, using email, accessing supported applications, operating a computer primarily by keyboard, and, for people who read Braille, using a compatible refreshable Braille display. Because Narrator is built into Windows, it can also provide accessibility access when third-party screen-reading software is unavailable. Narrator does not promise compatibility with every application, website, browser, document, Braille display, or enterprise system.

Limitations and Considerations

Like any screen reader, Narrator's accessibility can vary by application, website, browser, document, Windows version, and configuration, and some workflows may require additional training or configuration. Screen-reader features and commands can change as Windows is updated. Braille compatibility depends on the specific supported display and configuration; Microsoft maintains a current list of supported Braille displays. Individual access needs should be considered when selecting or configuring any screen reader. Inclusion on AssistiveTechnology.org is educational and does not constitute clinical prescription or product endorsement, and this page does not represent the position of any school district or employer.

Authoritative Resources

Microsoft: Complete Guide to Narrator

Microsoft: Chapter 1 - Introducing Narrator

Microsoft: Chapter 2 - Narrator Basics

Microsoft: Chapter 3 - Using Scan Mode