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Windows Narrator

by Microsoft

Free

Built into the operating system. Nothing to buy.

Setup with instructions Narrator costs nothing and needs no install, but it has its own keyboard commands and ways of moving around that a new user has to learn. A family member or the user can get good results by following Microsoft's guide step by step, so guided setup fits better than fully self-serve.

What it is

Summary

AI-generated from vendor-published content · October 1, 2026

Narrator is the screen reader that comes built into Windows 11, so there is nothing to download or install. It reads aloud what is on the screen, which lets someone who can't see the display use apps, browse the web, and move around Windows. You can adjust how fast it speaks and how loud it is, and it has a scan mode for moving through apps, email, and web pages. Microsoft publishes a full guide to Narrator, in Word and PDF versions in English, plus separate how-to articles for the Start menu, Settings, File Explorer, Office apps, and Teams. Screen readers take practice, so plan on some time with the guide before it feels natural.

Getting it

Where to get it

Microsoft Visit
Free

This is the vendor WhatCanHelp tracks for this product — it may also be available from other retailers or a local supplier, and prices vary.

Details

Quick Facts Catalog facts · auto-generated
Type
Addresses
Platform
Age range
Complexity
Setup with instructions
Price
Free
Funding
  • Out of pocket

What setup looks like

  • Out of the box
    Narrator is already part of Windows 11, so there is nothing to buy or install.
  • With a guide
    1. Turn Narrator on and off using the steps in the introduction chapter of Microsoft's guide.
    2. Work through the Narrator basics chapter to learn how to get around the screen, open apps, and set the speech rate and volume.
    3. Learn scan mode and the text-reading commands, then try them in the Start menu, Settings, and your web browser. Expect about 30 minutes to an hour to get comfortable with the basics. See manufacturer support resources for detailed instructions.

View official support docs → (opens in a new tab)

Sources & fine print

Vendor facts (name, price, platforms, vendor link) sourced from Microsoft — view on vendor site (opens in a new tab); last checked November 1, 2026.

Classification & description AI-generated from vendor-published content on October 1, 2026 · confidence: high. Vendor specs may lag; verify before relying on details in a clinical or funding artifact.

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