How to Use a Braille Display with Narrator on Windows 11
Ready to use your braille display with Narrator on Windows 11? This guide will walk you through it. Narrator is a built-in tool that reads text on your screen out loud. This makes using your computer much easier if you have low vision or blindness. With Narrator, you can hear descriptions, text, and other information as you work.
Install braille support via Settings > Accessibility > Narrator > Braille. Download and install the braille support package, then restart your computer. Finally, turn on braille support and add your specific braille display.
Narrator is already built into Windows 11. You can use it to hear text, descriptions, and other information on your screen.
You can also do things like:
- Turn keyboard shortcuts on or off
- Change the voice, speed, and volume
- Choose where the voice comes from (like speakers or headphones)
To use a braille display with Narrator, you’ll need to install specific software and drivers for your PC. The braille display connects to your computer using a USB cable or a serial port.
How to Set Up a Braille Display on 🪟 Windows 11
Follow these steps to get your braille display working with Narrator:
Step 1Open Windows Settings
Click on the Start menu (the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner) and select Settings. Or press Windows key + I on your keyboard to open the Settings app quickly.
Step 2Go to Accessibility and Find Narrator
In the Settings window, click Accessibility from the left menu.
Next, find and click on Narrator on the right side.
Step 3Open Braille Settings
Under the Narrator settings, scroll down to the Braille section.
Click ‘Use a braille display with Narrator’ to see the braille options.
Step 4Download and Install Braille Support
Click the Download and install braille button.
Wait for the download and installation to complete. You’ll be prompted to restart your computer; please do so.
Step 5Turn On Braille Support
After restarting, go back to the Narrator settings.
Turn on the switch next to Turn on braille.
Step 6Add Your Braille Display
Adding your braille display to Windows 11 with Narrator is simple; just click the ‘Add a braille display’ button in settings, choose your display’s brand and connection type like USB or serial, and then click ‘Add’ to finish the setup.
Choose the brand of your braille display and how it connects (USB or serial). Then click Add.
If you’re using a different screen reader or specialized software, follow the instructions it provides to complete the setup.
That’s it! Your braille display should now work with Narrator on Windows 11.
Summary
Using a braille display with Narrator on Windows 11 greatly improves computer accessibility for people who are blind or have low vision, and setup is quick through Windows Settings by downloading the needed software and drivers.
To get started, download braille support software and drivers through Windows Settings. This process generally takes only a few minutes.
Once set up, you can enjoy a better, more accessible computer experience with braille output.
If you want to learn more about Narrator and its features, visit this helpful guide.
What is a braille display on a computer?
A computer Braille display operates by raising and lowering different combinations of pins electronically to produce in Braille what appears on your computer screen. The display is refreshable meaning that the configuration of Braille changes continuously as the user moves around on the screen.
Are there braille screens?
There are a variety of different braille displays on the market. Some current choices include: Focus 40 Blue 5th Gen by Freedom Scientific. Brailliant BI 40 by Humanware.
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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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