How to Turn On Narrator in Windows

One shortcut turns it on, the same shortcut turns it off.

  1. Press "Windows + Ctrl + Enter" to turn on Narrator

    This shortcut instantly launches Narrator, which reads the contents of your screen aloud.

  2. Adjust voice speed and tone in Narrator settings

    The Narrator settings window lets you adjust reading speed, voice choice, and volume to your preference.

  3. Turn Narrator off with the same shortcut

    Pressing "Windows + Ctrl + Enter" again closes Narrator.

  4. Why it is useful

    It lets someone who has difficulty seeing the screen check and operate every menu, piece of text, and button on a computer using voice guidance alone.

A Screen Reader Already Built Into Windows

Narrator ships with every copy of Windows, so there is nothing extra to install β€” it is ready the moment you need it, whether you use a screen regularly with low vision or just need audio feedback in a specific situation, like when you cannot look directly at the display.

Beyond Turning It On

Narrator also supports reading by word, line, or paragraph, and can be paired with braille displays for an even more complete experience. Spending a few minutes in its settings to match the voice and speed to your preference makes it far more comfortable to use every day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Narrator work the same in every app?

It works especially well in apps and websites built with standard accessibility support, though a small number of custom-built interfaces may read less smoothly.

Can I use Narrator together with a physical braille display?

Yes β€” Narrator includes support for connecting compatible braille displays for users who prefer reading in braille alongside or instead of speech.