How to Change Narrator Modifier Keys in Windows 11

This article explains how to change the Narrator modifier keys in Windows 11.

Narrator is a screen-reading app built into Windows that reads the text on your screen aloud and describes events for users with low vision or blindness.

When you use the Narrator app, you can enable or disable Narrator phonetic reading, pause for punctuation, adjust how the Narrator read advanced details, adjust the way capitalized text is read, add a braille display with Narrator, change input and output language for braille with Narrator, enable the Narrator announcing function keys, modifier keys, and more.

One of the flexible settings you can utilize with the Narrator is to modify its default key. The Narrator key, a modifier key used in Narrator commands, is set to the Caps Lock and Insert keys by default. You can comfortably use either of these keys in any command that requires the Narrator key.

Take charge of your Narrator experience by personalizing it to your preferences. You can select the modifier key you wish to use in Narrator commands.

Change the Narrator modifier key in Windows 11

As mentioned, users can change the default modifier keys used with the Narrator command.

Here’s how to do it.

First, open the Windows Settings app.

You can do that by clicking on the Start menu and selecting Settings. Or press the keyboard shortcut (Windows key + I) to launch the Settings app.

When the Settings app opens, click the Accessibility button on the left and select the Narrator tile on the right to expand it.

Under “Mouse and keyboard,” select the Narrator key tile on the Narrator settings pane.

Then, use the drop-down menu to select one of the following:

• Caps Lock
• Insert
• Caps lock or Insert

Close the Settings app when finished.

Change the Narrator modifier keys using the Registry Editor

Another way to change the Narrator modifier keys is to use the Windows Registry Editor.

Remember to back up your registry before making any changes, or create a System Restore point as a precaution.

First, open the Windows Registry and navigate to the folder key path below.

Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Narrator\NoRoam

Right-click NoRoam > New > DWORD (32-bit) Value and name the new DWORD NarratorModifiers.

Double-click and open the NarratorModifiers name and set the value using the table below:

• Change to Caps Lock – Type 1
• Change to Insert – Type 2
• Change to Caps Lock or Insert – Type 3

You may have to reboot your computer to apply the changes.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

• Changing the default modifier keys for Narrator commands in Windows 11 enables personalized navigation.
• Personalizing the Narrator modifier key enhances the user experience for individuals with low vision or blindness.
• The flexibility to choose between Caps Lock, Insert, or both keys empowers users to select the most comfortable option.