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To change Narrator’s spoken detail in Windows 11, open Narrator settings and choose a verbosity level from 1 to 5. While Narrator is running, press Narrator+V to increase the level or Narrator+Shift+V to decrease it. If you want mathematical symbols spoken, change the separate punctuation reading mode to Math; verbosity and punctuation mode control different things.
Change Narrator’s verbosity level
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Open Settings and go to Accessibility > Narrator.
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Find the Verbosity level control and select the level you want.
You can also change the level without opening Settings. With Narrator active, press Narrator+V to cycle to a higher level or Narrator+Shift+V to cycle to a lower one. Listen to Narrator’s announcement to identify the selected level. “Narrator” means the Narrator modifier key, which is Caps Lock or Insert by default; you can change the modifier in Narrator settings.
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| Level | Name | What it provides |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Text only | Minimizes extra detail about text and controls. |
| 2 | Some control details | Adds some guidance about controls. |
| 3 | All control details | Provides control details; this is the documented default. |
| 4 | Some text details | Provides text attributes that can help when writing. |
| 5 | All text details | Provides extensive text attributes useful for proofreading and editing. |
For familiar text where fewer interruptions matter, levels 1 or 2 may suit you. Level 3 emphasizes control details for navigation. Levels 4 and 5 provide more information about text attributes when you are writing or proofreading.
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Make Narrator read mathematical symbols
Verbosity does not determine how punctuation and symbols are spoken. To hear mathematical symbols, switch the punctuation reading mode to Math:
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With Narrator active, press Narrator+Alt+Right Bracket to cycle forward through punctuation modes, or Narrator+Alt+Left Bracket to cycle backward.
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Continue until Narrator announces Math.
Microsoft describes Math mode as reading most mathematical symbols. It is a separate punctuation setting, not a sixth verbosity level. The documentation does not guarantee that every equation will be intelligible in every app; spoken output can depend on how the application exposes its math content.
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What if you do not have Narrator set up?
Narrator is included with Windows 11, so Microsoft says there is no need to download or install it. Open Settings > Accessibility > Narrator to configure it, or turn it on with the Windows Narrator keyboard shortcut.
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Official Narrator guidance
- Microsoft Support: Chapter 4, Reading text
- Microsoft Support: Chapter 7, Customizing Narrator
- Microsoft Support: Appendix B, Narrator keyboard commands and touch gestures
- Microsoft Support: Complete guide to Narrator
- Microsoft Support: Chapter 2, Narrator basics
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