Windows 11 includes a range of built-in accessibility tools to support people who are blind or visually impaired. These features can help with reading text, navigating the screen, adjusting colours and size, and using voice or braille devices.
Narrator – screen reader
Narrator is Windows 11’s built-in screen reader. It reads text aloud from apps, documents and websites, allowing you to use your computer without needing to see the screen.
You can control Narrator using keyboard shortcuts and customise the voice, including the speaking speed, pitch and volume.
Magnifier – enlarge the screen
Magnifier enlarges part or all of your screen to make text and images easier to see.
You can increase zoom up to very high levels, choose between full screen, lens or docked views, and set Magnifier to follow the mouse pointer, text cursor or Narrator focus.
High contrast themes
High contrast themes make text, icons and menus easier to distinguish from the background.
Windows 11 includes several built-in high contrast options, and you can customise colours for text, backgrounds and links. These settings apply across the system, including apps and File Explorer.
Colour filters
Colour filters adjust how colours appear on the screen and can help people with colour blindness or reduced vision.
Options include grayscale, inverted colours, and filters for red-green or blue-yellow colour blindness. Filters can be turned on and off quickly using the shortcut Windows key + Ctrl + C.
Text size adjustment
You can increase the size of text across Windows without changing the overall layout of the screen.
A simple slider lets you choose the text size, and the change applies to system menus, settings and many apps.
Ease of Access settings
Windows 11 provides a central accessibility menu where you can manage vision-related tools.
From here you can adjust display settings, Magnifier, colour filters and other options. The menu is designed to be simple to use and includes helpful guidance for getting started.
Voice control and Cortana
Windows 11 supports voice commands for hands-free use.
You can dictate text, open apps, change settings and navigate the system using your voice. It also supports integration with third-party voice assistants.
Third-party screen readers
Windows 11 works well with popular screen readers such as JAWS and NVDA.
These can be used alongside built-in accessibility features and are compatible with many applications.
Braille support
Windows 11 includes native support for braille displays.
You can connect compatible braille devices and use them with Narrator or third-party screen readers. The system supports multiple braille formats.
Windows Speech Recognition
This tool allows full control of your computer using voice commands.
You can navigate, dictate text and control applications. The setup process includes voice training to improve accuracy.
How to find accessibility settings in Windows 11
Open Settings → Accessibility to view and change vision, hearing and interaction options.
