Microsoft - Starting Windows Narrator

Microsoft - Starting Windows Narrator

Problem

An individual who normally uses JAWS/ZoomText/Fusion encounters a problem where that speech software fails to operate.  One can use Windows Narrator to get some speech out to assist with troubleshooting the product. Once speech access is gained it may prove useful to make use of the Microsoft Quick Assist remote support tool to allow remote support to take place.

Applies to

  1. Windows 10/11

Resolution

Windows Narrator is built into running copies of Windows, it should be nearly universally available but may potentially missing on customised builds of Windows use in some large organisations.

Starting Narrator

Use one of these methods to start Narrator when there is no speech:
  1. Instruct user to hold down CONTROL and Windows keys on the bottom left of keyboard, and then also press ENTER to start Narrator.
  2. Instruct the user to press Windows key and search Narrator, then press ENTER.
  3. Press Windows key and then immediately search Narrator and press ENTER.
  4. Open Start > Settings > Ease Of Access > Narrator and activate the toggle for Turn On Narrator.


Notes
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On some Windows installations Ease Of Access has been renamed to Accessibility.

Regardless of method to start Narrator speech should be heard immediately provided a sound card with speakers or headset is attached to the computer system.

If Narrator does not work

This may be down to problems with Windows, some users may have also installed NVDA as a backup screen reader.  If the customer has installed NVDA ask them to try starting it instead.  



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