How to Change the Volume for Narrator in Windows 11
Narrator volume in Windows 11 controls how loudly the built-in screen reader speaks compared to your background music, videos, and game sounds. Narrator reads text on your screen out loud to help you use your PC without needing to look at the monitor.
You can adjust this sound level separately from your main system volume so the voice stays clear and easy to hear. Windows 11 lets you set the Narrator voice to be louder or quieter than everything else playing through your speakers or headphones.
Adjust Narrator’s volume within Narrator settings in Windows 11. Go to Settings Accessibility Narrator. Find the “Narrator’s voice” section and adjust the volume slider there. You can also choose to automatically lower other app volumes when Narrator speaks.
What is Narrator?
Narrator is Windows’ built-in screen reader, a tool that reads aloud onscreen text to help users with low vision navigate their computers. Adjusting speed, volume, and voice selection tailors the experience, and the tool can even start automatically at startup.
Further options include:
Why Lower Other Apps’ Volume When Narrator Speaks?
Windows 11 lowers other application sounds whenever Narrator speaks. This volume reduction helps users clearly hear the speech over background noise. The setting proves particularly useful for individuals who depend on Narrator for daily computer operation.
How to Turn On or Off the Volume Lowering Feature
Controlling whether background app sounds quiet down during speech happens directly inside system preferences. Press Win+I on your keyboard to open the Settings app directly. Click Accessibility on the left sidebar, then select Narrator to view its panel. Lowering background program volume automatically helps maintain focus on what Narrator conveys.
- Open the Windows Settings app. Click the Start button. Choose Settings. Or press Windows key + I on your keyboard.
- In the Settings window, click Accessibility on the left side menu.
- Click Narrator on the right side. You'll see its settings.
- Scroll down to the section called "Narrator's voice".
- Look for the option that says "Lower the volume of other apps when Narrator is speaking".
- Toggle the switch to On. This lowers other sounds when Narrator talks. Toggle it to Off to hear all sounds at the same volume.
Audio behavior during speech remains fully customizable in Windows 11. Configurations allow other sounds to lower automatically while Narrator talks, or permit all system audio to maintain original volume levels.
Summary
Activating the Narrator volume lowering feature in Windows 11 improves audibility of the screen reader. Other app sounds reduce automatically, allowing better focus on Narrator and simplifying PC use. This function benefits anyone depending on screen readers for computer operation or vision impairments.- Turning on this feature helps you hear Narrator better. Other app sounds get quieter.
- It makes using your PC easier. This is true if you depend on Narrator for reading screen content.
- This setting helps people with vision problems or other disabilities.
- Want to learn more? Check out the other guides on Geek Rewind.
How do you turn on Narrator on 🪟 Windows 11?
Press the Windows logo key + Ctrl + Enter to launch Narrator, and press those keys again to stop it. The Windows logo key sits on the bottom row of the keyboard, beside the Alt key.
Is Windows Narrator good?
“Narrator is useful in a pinch but offers limited functionality, particularly with browsers and web apps,” Thompson explains. “My students encountered navigation issues and sometimes silence when using Narrator to navigate the deeper levels of a Windows operating system (control panel applets, etc.).”
How do I deactivate the Narrator on 🪟 Windows 11?
Windows 11 Operating System Click the [Start] icon on the taskbar①, then select [Settings] ②. In the Windows Settings, click [Accessibility]③, and then choose [Narrator]④. In the Narrator settings, toggle the screen reader On or Off⑤.
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Richard
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Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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