How to Turn On or Off Narrator Emphasis in Windows 11
Narrator emphasis in Windows 11 puts a bright visual box around text, buttons, and links as the built-in screen reader speaks them out loud. This free accessibility tool helps you follow along on screen by making the active word or heading stand out with a bold color change.
You can turn this setting on or off in the Windows 11 Accessibility settings menu whenever you want to change how the screen reader looks.
Open Settings , go to Accessibility, then Narrator, and under Verbosity, toggle “Emphasize formatted text” on or off. This feature adds vocal cues for headings or links when Narrator reads them.
Why Turn On Narrator Emphasis?
- It helps you notice important words or phrases when Narrator reads.
- Some people like hearing this extra emphasis to understand the text better.
- Others prefer a simple, clear voice without extra emphasis.
How to Enable or Disable Narrator Emphasis on Formatted Text
Narrator emphasis in Windows 11 helps focus attention on important text when the screen reader runs. Managing this behavior happens directly inside system preferences. Press Win+I to open Settings directly, or click the Start menu and select Settings.
- Open Windows Settings : Click the Start menu (the Windows icon at the bottom left). Then click Settings . Or press Win+I on your keyboard to open Settings directly. Learn more about opening Settings.
- Go to Accessibility: In the Settings window, click Accessibility from the menu on the left side.
- Find Narrator settings: On the right side, scroll down and click on the Narrator section to open more options.
- Change the emphasis setting: Look for the section called Verbosity. Click on Verbosity level to expand it. You will see an option labeled “Emphasize formatted text.” Use the switch to turn this on or off.
- Close Settings: When you’re done, just close the Settings window. Your choice will be saved automatically.
Formatted text renders with or based on individual preference profiles. This configuration dictates how Narrator speaks elements like bold text or bullet points, granting control over special audio cues.
Summary
In short, adjusting the Verbosity setting inside Accessibility and Narrator lets you control how much emphasis the screen reader applies to formatted text.
Configuring these options requires navigating through Accessibility, selecting Narrator, and adjusting the Verbosity setting. Audio cues accompany this feature to clarify when the screen reader speaks specific elements.
Better sound distinction aids users with low vision or anyone requiring clearer audio cues. Enhanced audio output makes critical information stand out, improving usability for people managing various disabilities.
Revisiting the configuration steps allows modifying preferences whenever necessary.
Comprehensive details about using the built-in screen reader appear in the complete Narrator guide.
How do I reset Narrator settings?
Selecting 'Restore all defaults' returns all commands to their original configuration. Press Alt + Tab after Narrator launches, switch to the Narrator Settings window, and choose Commands.
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Richard
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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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