How to Use a Braille Display with Narrator on Windows 11
A braille display is a tactile hardware device that connects to Windows 11 and translates on-screen text into raised dots for your fingers to read. Windows 11 includes built-in support for more than 35 different braille models through the Narrator screen reader, so you do not need to install any extra driver software to get started.
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.
Pairing a braille display with Narrator lets you navigate files, read emails, and type documents using touch instead of sight or sound. You can plug your device in with a USB cable or link it wirelessly via Bluetooth to make your PC accessible right away.
- Turn keyboard shortcuts on or off
- Change the voice, speed, and volume
- Choose where the voice comes from (like speakers or headphones)
Using a braille display with Narrator requires specific software and drivers for your PC. The hardware 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 the Start menu (the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner) and select Settings. Alternatively, 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. Your computer will prompt you to restart; 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 involves a few steps. Open Narrator settings and select Add a braille display. Choose your hardware brand and connection type, then click Add.
To add your braille display to Narrator on Windows 11, start by selecting its brand from the list, like a Focus Blue or Chameleon display. Then, choose how it connects, whether via a USB cable or a serial port. Click "Add" to finish the setup.
Screen reader setup for external devices requires specific instructions. If you use a different screen reader, like JAWS or NVDA, or specialized software, follow the setup instructions provided by that specific program. These instructions guide you through connecting and configuring the screen reader with your braille display.
Your braille display should now work with Narrator on Windows 11.
Summary
Using a braille display with Narrator on Windows 11 greatly improves computer access for people who are blind or have low vision. The braille display setup on Windows 11 is efficient; downloading the needed software and drivers right through Windows Settings takes only a few minutes.
To get started, download braille support software and drivers through Windows Settings. This process generally takes only a few minutes.
Once configured, enjoy a better, more accessible computer experience with braille output.
To learn more about Narrator and its features, visit the Microsoft Accessibility website. The Microsoft Accessibility website offers a helpful guide detailing Narrator's capabilities for users with vision impairments, such as screen reading and braille display integration.
What is a braille display on a computer?
Refreshable braille displays use electronic pins to raise and lower dots, matching whatever text currently appears on 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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