Windows Narrator: The Built-In Screen Reader That Reads Text Aloud

Windows Narrator is a screen reader built into every Windows 10 and Windows 11 computer. A screen reader is a program that reads aloud whatever is on your screen — text in documents, labels on buttons, items in menus, and announcements about what is happening on the computer.

Narrator is designed for people who are blind or have very low vision, but it is also useful for anyone who finds it easier to listen than to read on screen. It can read web pages, emails, documents, and system menus.

Narrator uses a text-to-speech voice that speaks out loud through your speakers or headphones. You can choose from several different voices, adjust the speaking speed, and control how much detail Narrator announces.

You do not need to install anything — Narrator is already on your Windows computer. You can turn it on instantly with a keyboard shortcut, and turn it off the same way.

Narrator works best with a keyboard because it uses special key combinations to navigate and control what gets read. The "Narrator key" is either the Caps Lock key or the Insert key — both do the same thing. You hold that key and press other keys to give Narrator commands.

If you are new to screen readers, plan to spend some time getting familiar with the navigation commands. Start with simple tasks like reading a web page or a document before moving to more complex navigation. Microsoft provides a detailed guide for Narrator at support.microsoft.com.