How to Change the Volume for Narrator in Windows 11
Changing the volume for Narrator in Windows 11 lets you adjust how loud the screen reader speaks compared to other sounds on your PC.
Narrator is a built-in tool that reads aloud what’s on your screen, which is helpful for people who are blind or have low vision. You can change its volume separately from your main system volume.
Windows 11 gives you specific controls within Narrator settings to make its voice easier to hear. This ensures its important messages don’t get lost among music or other system alerts.
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, which reads aloud what’s on your screen to help users with low vision navigate their computer more easily. You can adjust how fast or loud Narrator sounds, and even select different voices. It can also be set to start automatically when you turn on your PC.
Further options include:
Why Lower Other Apps’ Volume When Narrator Speaks?
Windows 11’s Narrator feature lowers other app sounds when Narrator speaks. This volume reduction helps users clearly hear Narrator’s speech over background noise. This setting is particularly useful for individuals who depend on Narrator for computer operation.
How to Turn On or Off the Volume Lowering Feature
Control whether other app sounds quiet down when Narrator speaks in Windows 11. To change this setting, open the Settings app, go to Accessibility, and then select Narrator. This feature helps you focus on what Narrator is saying by automatically lowering the volume of other programs.
- 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.
Windows 11 users can control how other audio behaves when Narrator speaks. This audio adjustment depends on the user’s choice: either other sounds lower automatically during Narrator speech, or all sounds maintain their original volume levels.
Summary
Activating the Narrator volume lowering feature in Windows 11 improves audibility of the screen reader. Other app sounds automatically reduce, allowing better focus on Narrator and simplifying PC use. This is particularly beneficial for those who depend on Narrator for computer operation or have 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?
To launch Narrator, press the Windows logo key + Ctrl+Enter. To stop it, press those keys again. You’ll usually find the Windows logo key on the bottom row of your keyboard, to the left or right of 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, you can toggle the screen reader On or Off⑤.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
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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