How to Set Up Windows Narrator for Accessibility

Getting Started with Narrator

If you're new to Narrator or just need to get it running, this section covers the basics. Learn how to turn the screen reader on and off and adjust its core sound settings.

1 How to Change the Volume for Narrator in Windows 11 This guide explains how to adjust the volume of other apps while using Narrator on Windows 11. Turning on the feature reduces background noise, making it easier for users, especially those with visual impairments, to hear Narrator clearly. It enhances the overall accessibility of the operating system. 3 min read · ↻ Updated Jul 2026

2 How to Change Narrator Audio Output in Windows 11 This guide explains how to change the audio output device for Narrator in Windows 11, a tool designed to assist individuals with low vision by reading text aloud. Users can select specific speakers or headphones, improving clarity and aiding in troubleshooting sound issues. Additional resources for using Narrator are available. 2 min read · ↻ Updated Jul 2026

3 How to Change Volume for Narrator in Windows 11 This article explains how to adjust the feature that lowers the volume of other apps when the Narrator is speaking in Windows 11. The Narrator is a screen-reading app designed for users with visual impairments. By prioritizing the Narrator's volume, users can better hear and understand the information it conveys, especially important for those with disabilities. To enable or disable this feature, open Windows Settings, navigate to Accessibility, select the Narrator tile, and toggle the "Lower the volume of other apps when Narrator is speaking" switch. 2 min read · ↻ Updated Jul 2026

Adjusting How Narrator Speaks

Make Narrator work better for you by fine-tuning how it reads information aloud. These guides help you control the level of detail Narrator provides and how it handles specific text like punctuation and capitalization.

1 How to Change Narrator Verbosity on Windows 11 Narrator, a built-in tool in Windows 11, reads screen text aloud to assist users with vision difficulties. Users can adjust the verbosity level to control how much information is read, ranging from just text to comprehensive details about controls. Customizing this feature enhances its usability for individual needs. 3 min read · ↻ Updated Jul 2026

2 How to Change Narrator’s Pause for Punctuation in Windows 11 Windows 11's built-in Narrator tool offers customizable settings for improved text reading experiences, including control over pauses for punctuation. Users can easily toggle the "Pause slightly when reading punctuation" option in the Accessibility settings to enhance clarity and natural flow while listening, catering to individual preferences. 2 min read · ↻ Updated Jul 2026

3 How to Change How Narrator Reads Capital Letters in Windows 11 Narrator, a Windows 11 tool, assists individuals with vision challenges by reading text aloud. Users can customize how capital letters are pronounced, choosing among no special announcement, a higher pitch, or stating "cap." This adjustment enhances clarity when reading. An easy guide is available for further assistance. 3 min read · ↻ Updated Jul 2026

4 How to Change Narrator’s Reading of Capitalized Text in Windows 11 This article explains how to customize capitalized text reading in Windows 11 Narrator, a screen-reading app for users with low vision. Users can adjust capitalization reading by accessing Narrator settings in Windows Settings app and selecting from options like "Don't announce", "Increase pitch", or "Say cap". This enhances accessibility for visually impaired users. 2 min read · ↻ Updated Jul 2026

5 How to Change Narrator Verbosity on Windows 11 This article explains how to change the verbosity level in Narrator on Windows 11. The Narrator app, designed for users with low vision or blindness, provides options to adjust voice, speed, and volume, as well as the verbosity level for varying levels of detail in narration. Users can change the verbosity level in Windows Settings. 2 min read · ↻ Updated Jul 2026

Advanced Narrator Features

Once you're comfortable with the basics, explore more advanced options to enhance your experience. These settings can provide deeper insights and more specific reading capabilities.

1 How to Enable Advanced Reading in Windows 11 Narrator This guide explains how to use the Narrator feature in Windows 11, a tool that assists visually impaired users by reading screen content aloud. It details how to turn on or off advanced reading options for additional information like help tips and button details, enhancing user experience and accessibility. 3 min read · ↻ Updated Jul 2026

2 How to Enable Windows 11 Narrator Advanced Reading This article explains how to enable or disable advanced details reading with Narrator in Windows 11. Narrator is a screen-reading app that reads text aloud and describes events for users with low vision or blindness. Users can adjust verbosity settings in Windows Settings > Accessibility > Narrator to toggle advanced details reading. 2 min read · ↻ Updated Jul 2026

3 How to Enable Phonetic Reading in Windows 11 Narrator This article explains how to enable or disable phonetic reading with Narrator in Windows 11, a screen-reading app for users with low vision or blindness. It covers adjusting voice, speed, and volume, managing natural voices, and more, providing flexibility to accommodate different reading needs. Users can enable or disable phonetic reading in the Narrator settings. 2 min read · ↻ Updated Jul 2026

More on Windows Narrator Accessibility

1 How to Turn On or Off Narrator Emphasis in Windows 11 This guide explains how to enable or disable the emphasis feature in Windows Narrator, which highlights important text when reading aloud. Accessible through Settings under Accessibility, this option enhances the experience for users with low vision or those preferring clearer audio cues. Simple steps are provided for adjustments. 3 min read · ↻ Updated Jul 2026

2 How to Change Narrator Audio Output in Windows 11 This article explains how to change the Narrator audio output device on Windows 11. Narrator is a built-in screen-reading app that reads text aloud and describes events for users with visual impairments. To change the default audio output device, open Windows Settings, navigate to Accessibility, select the Narrator tile, and choose the desired output device. 2 min read · ↻ Updated Jul 2026

Common questions

How do I turn Narrator on and off?

Can I change the voice Narrator uses?

Yes, you can choose from different voices and adjust their speed and pitch. Go to Narrator settings and look for the 'Voice' section to make your selections.

How can I make Narrator read less information?

You can adjust Narrator's verbosity level to control how much detail it reads. Lowering this setting will make Narrator more concise.

What is Narrator emphasis?

Narrator emphasis highlights the text that Narrator is currently reading. This can help you follow along visually, especially if you have some vision.

How does Narrator handle punctuation?

Narrator can pause when it reads punctuation marks like commas or periods. You can change how long this pause is or even have Narrator announce the punctuation.