How to Enable Advanced Reading in Windows 11 Narrator
Windows 11 includes Narrator, a helpful tool that reads text aloud. This built-in feature is designed for people who find it challenging to see the screen, speaking everything from text to button descriptions and help tips. As a free accessibility feature, Narrator offers a range of capabilities, such as controlling keyboard shortcuts, setting automatic startup, adjusting voice, speed, and volume, and even lowering other sounds when Narrator is active.
Open Settings, go to Accessibility, then Narrator. Scroll to Verbosity and toggle “Read advanced details” on or off. This setting controls whether Narrator provides extra information like help text and button descriptions.
Narrator is a free accessibility feature that comes with Windows. With Narrator, you can do many things like:
- Turn keyboard shortcuts on or off
- Make Narrator start automatically
- Change the voice, speed, and volume
- Add or remove natural voices
- Lower other app sounds when Narrator is talking
And many more!
One helpful setting lets you choose whether Narrator reads advanced details. These details include help text and information about buttons, which can be very useful. When turned on, Narrator will tell you extra things like font size and color. When turned off, Narrator keeps things simple.
How to Turn On or Off Advanced Details in Narrator
Windows 11 Narrator’s advanced details setting gives you extra information about things on your screen, like helpful tips and details about buttons. If you want to turn this on or off, it’s easy to do right in your computer’s Settings.
Follow these steps to change this setting:
- Open Settings: Click the Start menu (the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner) and choose Settings. Or press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open Settings quickly.
- In Settings, click Accessibility in the left menu.
- On the right side, find and click Narrator to open its settings.
- Scroll down to the Verbosity section and click on Verbosity level to expand it.
- Find the option that says Read advanced details, like help text, on buttons and other controls and switch it On or Off depending on what you want.
- Close the Settings window when you’re done.
Here are some pictures to help you find the right settings:
Find Narrator under Accessibility in Settings
Turn advanced details reading on or off here
Summary
Windows 11 Narrator’s advanced details give you more complete descriptions of what’s on your screen, like buttons and tips. You can easily turn this setting on or off to get the level of detail you prefer for a better computer experience.
If you prefer a simpler readout, you can turn advanced details off.
Adjusting this setting is straightforward and can tailor your computer experience to your specific needs.
If you want to learn more about Narrator and other helpful Windows 11 features, check out these guides:
- How to Turn On or Off Narrator in Windows 11
- How to Change Narrator Voice, Speed, and Volume
- How to Start Narrator Automatically
What does the Narrator feature do in 🪟 Windows 11?
Narrator is a screen-reading application that's built into Windows 11, so there's nothing you need to download or install. This guide describes how to use the Narrator with Windows so that you can start using apps, browsing the web, and more.
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.).”
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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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