How to Change Volume for Narrator in Windows 11
Changing the volume for Narrator in Windows 11 lets you hear the built-in screen reader (a tool that reads on-screen text aloud) clearly over games and background music. Audio ducking automatically lowers other app sounds by 10%, 20%, or 50% whenever Narrator speaks.
You can adjust these exact sound levels in the Windows 11 sound settings to get the right mix for your ears.
You can adjust Narrator’s volume relative to other apps in Windows 11 Settings. Navigate to Accessibility, then Narrator, and toggle the “Lower the volume of other apps when Narrator is speaking” option to On or Off. This ensures Narrator’s voice is always clear.
How to Keep Narrator Volume Louder Than Other Apps
Narrator volume settings let you keep the built-in screen reader louder than background music, games, or videos so you never miss what Windows reads out. You can change this level independently from your main system volume by opening the Settings app and going to the accessibility menu where you adjust voice output.
- Open the Settings app. Click the Start menu and select Settings. Or press Win+I on your keyboard to open Windows Settings .
- When Settings opens, click Accessibility on the left side.
- On the right side, click the Narrator tile to expand it.

- Look for the section called “Narrator’s voice.”
- Find the option that says “Lower the volume of other apps when Narrator is speaking.”
- Toggle the switch button to On or Off. Turn it On to enable the feature. Turn it Off to disable it.

Narrator will now lower background audio automatically whenever it speaks.
What Happens When You Enable This Feature
Enabling this feature reduces competing media tracks. Narrator’s voice stays louder. Comprehension improves significantly.
Summary
Configuring Narrator volume settings in Windows 11 improves screen reader clarity, and background app sounds drop automatically on command.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Narrator settings?
Users can customize Narrator to fit their needs:
- Voice Settings: Adjust the voice, speaking rate, pitch, and volume.
- Verbosity: Control how much detail Narrator shares about screen content.
- Keyboard Shortcuts: Personalize shortcuts for common commands.
Was this guide helpful?
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.
[…] shortcuts, launch it automatically, adjust the voice, speed, and volume, manage natural voices, lower other apps volume when the Narrator is speaking, change Narrator audio output device, change verbosity level, emphasize formatted text, enable […]
[…] shortcuts, launch it automatically, adjust the voice, speed, and volume, manage natural voices, lower other apps volume when the Narrator is speaking, change Narrator audio output device, change verbosity level, emphasize formatted text, enable […]
[…] it automatically, adjust the voice, speed, and volume, manage natural voices, lower other apps volume when Narrator is speaking, change Narrator audio output device, change verbosity level, emphasize formatted […]
[…] it automatically, adjust the voice, speed, and volume, manage natural voices, lower other apps volume when Narrator is speaking, change Narrator audio output device, change verbosity level, emphasize formatted […]
[…] it automatically, adjust the voice, speed, and volume, manage natural voices, lower other apps volume when Narrator is speaking, change Narrator audio output device, change verbosity level, emphasize formatted […]
[…] Lower other app sounds when Narrator is talking […]