How to Change the Volume for Narrator in Windows 11
You’d change the volume for Narrator in Windows 11 to adjust its speech output separately from other system sounds.
Narrator, Windows’ built-in screen reader, helps users who are blind or have low vision by reading text and describing what’s happening on screen. Controlling its volume means you can hear it clearly without other apps or alerts drowning it out.
In Windows 11, you can set exactly how loud Narrator’s voice is compared to other audio, making your computer experience more comfortable. This adjustment is often done within the Narrator settings menu.
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 a built-in Windows tool that reads text on your screen aloud, helping people who have trouble seeing use their computer more easily. You can change how fast or loud the Narrator’s voice sounds, and even add different voices to suit your needs.
You can also:
Why Lower Other Apps’ Volume When Narrator Speaks?
When Narrator talks, sounds from other apps can play at the same time, making it hard to hear. Turning on this feature lowers those other sounds so you can focus on what Narrator says. This is especially helpful if you rely on Narrator to use your computer.
How to Turn On or Off the Volume Lowering Feature
You can easily turn on or off the feature that lowers other app sounds when Narrator is speaking in Windows 11. To do this, open the Settings app by clicking the Start button and choosing Settings, or by pressing Windows key + I. Then, click Accessibility on the left menu and select Narrator on the right.
- 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.
That’s it! Your computer will now lower other sounds when Narrator speaks, or it will keep all sounds at the same level. It depends on what you chose.
Summary
Turning on the Narrator volume lowering feature in Windows 11 helps you hear the screen reader better because it automatically quiets other app sounds. This makes using your PC easier, especially if you rely on Narrator for reading screen content due to vision problems.- 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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