How to Turn On or Off Finding and Downloading New Extensions When Narrator Starts in Windows 11
Windows 11 includes a built-in screen reader called Narrator that can automatically download extensions to work better with apps like Outlook and Excel.
Open Settings and go to Accessibility, then Narrator. Scroll to Experimental features and find the “Find and download new extensions on Narrator startup” option. Check the box to enable it, or uncheck it to disable automatic downloads.
What is Narrator?
Narrator is the built-in screen reader for Windows 11 that helps you by reading text and describing what’s happening on your screen out loud.
What are Narrator Extensions?
Narrator extensions are add-ons that help the Narrator screen reader work better with specific Windows 11 applications, like Outlook and Excel. Add-ons help the screen reader navigate these programs more efficiently.
What Does “Find and Download New Extensions on Narrator Startup” Mean?
Turning on the Find and download new extensions on Narrator startup setting makes Windows search for add-ons every time the screen reader launches. This setting keeps Narrator updated with new features. Disabling the option lets you manage updates manually if unexpected changes disrupt your workflow.
Windows 11 users can prevent Narrator from automatically downloading new extensions by turning off a specific setting. This prevents unexpected updates that might change how the screen reader functions. Users can control this behavior within Narrator’s settings to maintain a consistent experience.
How to Turn On or Off This Feature
- Open Settings : Press
Windows key + Ion your keyboard to open the Settings app. - Go to Accessibility: On the left menu, click Accessibility.
- Open Narrator Settings: On the right side, click Narrator. Or press
Windows key + Ctrl + Nto open Narrator settings directly. - Find Experimental Features: Scroll down to the section called Experimental features and click on Enable Narrator extensions to open it.
- Turn On or Off the Download Option: Check the box for Find and download new extensions on Narrator startup to turn it on, or uncheck it to turn it off.
- Close Settings: You’re done! You can now close the Settings window.
Press Win+I to open Settings , select Accessibility, click Narrator, and scroll to Experimental features.
Narrator settings showing Experimental features
Check or uncheck the option to find and download new extensions
Why Should You Care?
- Better Performance: Extensions help Narrator work better with your favorite apps.
- Stay Updated: Automatically downloading new extensions makes sure you have the newest features.
- Control: You can turn off this feature anytime if you prefer to update extensions manually.
Extra Tip
In Narrator settings, you can also see a Last Updated label. This shows when Narrator last successfully downloaded new extensions from the Microsoft Store.
Learn More
Windows 11 gives you control over whether Narrator automatically downloads new extensions when it starts. This setting helps you manage your screen reader's functionality. For more details on personalizing Narrator, visit Microsoft's official support page titled 'Customizing Narrator'.
Summary
Narrator is Windows' built-in screen reader that can use extensions to work better with apps, and it automatically downloads new ones by default.
Do I need a Narrator extension on my computer?
Narrator is a screen-reading app built into Windows 10 and 11, so you don't need to download or install anything extra.
Is Windows Narrator good?
“Narrator is useful in a pinch but has limitations, especially with browsers and web apps,” Thompson explains. "My students had trouble navigating and sometimes experienced silence when using Narrator in deeper parts of Windows, like the control panel."
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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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