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To set up Windows Narrator, open its settings with Windows logo key + Ctrl + N, turn it on, then adjust startup, voice, and feedback to suit how you use your PC. You can begin with speech alone; a braille display is optional.
Turn Narrator on and choose when it starts
- Open Narrator settings: Press Windows logo key + Ctrl + N.
- Turn Narrator on: Enable the Narrator switch. To use the keyboard start/stop shortcut, enable the shortcut option in settings. Then press Windows logo key + Ctrl + Enter to start or stop Narrator. On touch devices, Microsoft documents Windows button + Volume up as the corresponding shortcut. See Microsoft’s Narrator customization guide for the current settings.
- Choose startup behavior: In the expanded settings, select whether Narrator starts before sign-in, after sign-in, or neither. Starting it before sign-in makes it available at the sign-in screen; starting it after sign-in launches it automatically when you sign in.
Choose a voice and tune speech
In Narrator settings, select an available voice and adjust its speed, pitch, and volume. Microsoft’s current customization guide says natural-sounding US English voices Jenny, Aria, and Guy can be installed using the Add control. Which voices and languages appear depends on the options installed on your PC.
Microsoft describes the maximum average speed of Narrator voices as approximately 400 words per minute, and approximately 800 words per minute for the English voices Microsoft David, Microsoft Zira, and Microsoft Mark. These are stated voice capabilities, not recommended listening speeds; choose a rate you can follow comfortably. See Microsoft’s voice and Narrator settings guidance.
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Adjust how much Narrator says
Settings let you control typing announcements, verbosity, the details announced for buttons and other controls, and whether other apps’ audio is lowered while Narrator speaks. Change one option at a time and try it in the app or task where you need it; this makes it easier to tell whether the adjustment helps.
#1 Best Overall
- KEYBOARD: The keyboard works for Windows with hot keys that enable easy access to Media, My Computer, Mute, Volume up/down, and Calculator
- EASY SETUP: Experience simple installation with the USB wired connection
- VERSATILE COMPATIBILITY: This keyboard is designed to work with multiple Windows versions, including Vista, 7, 8, 10 offering broad compatibility across devices.
- SLEEK DESIGN: The elegant black color of the wired keyboard complements your tech and decor, adding a stylish and cohesive look to any setup without sacrificing function.
- FULL-SIZED CONVENIENCE: The standard QWERTY layout of this keyboard set offers a familiar typing experience, ideal for both professional tasks and personal use.
Learn the keyboard basics
Caps Lock and Insert are the default Narrator modifier keys. Microsoft documents Standard and Legacy keyboard layouts, so a shortcut may differ depending on the active layout and Windows release. Press Narrator + F1 to open the command list for the current command set. Press Narrator + 1 to toggle input learning, which announces keys you press and their associated Narrator commands. Press Ctrl to stop Narrator from reading. The Microsoft command appendix covers Windows 10 and Windows 11, including both layouts.
Use scan mode to navigate apps and webpages
- Press Narrator + Spacebar to toggle scan mode.
- Use the Up and Down arrow keys to move through items in apps and webpages.
- Press Enter or Space to activate the focused item.
- When scan mode switches off in an edit field so you can type, use an arrow key to resume navigation.
Microsoft’s scan mode guide explains its behavior. Microsoft’s February 2025 release notes describe additions for navigating list items and long lists or tables. Since commands can depend on the active layout and Windows release, use Narrator + F1 and the current command appendix if a shortcut does not behave as expected.
Rank #2
- All-day Comfort: The design of this standard keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and full-size standard layout with F-keys and number pad
- Easy to Set-up and Use: Set-up couldn't be easier, you simply plug in this corded keyboard via USB on your desktop or laptop and start using right away without any software installation
- Compatibility: This full-size keyboard is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later, plus it's a reliable and durable partner for your desk at home, or at work
- Spill-proof: This durable keyboard features a spill-resistant design (1), anti-fade keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height, meaning this keyboard is built to last
- Plastic parts in K120 include 51% certified post-consumer recycled plastic*
Troubleshoot speech and navigation
- Narrator is silent or pauses while scanning: Punctuation announcements may account for pauses. Adjust punctuation verbosity with Narrator + Alt + Left bracket or Narrator + Alt + Right bracket, or change it in settings.
- Speech is too fast or too quiet: Lower the speed or raise the volume in settings; Microsoft also documents keyboard shortcuts for adjusting both in its command appendix.
- A shortcut does not work: Check whether the keyboard shortcut option is enabled, confirm the active Narrator layout, and consult the command list shown by Narrator + F1.
When a braille display is relevant
A refreshable braille display is an optional path for readers who already use braille, not a requirement for spoken Narrator setup. Compatibility varies by display and preferred workflow; check Microsoft’s Narrator command and braille guidance and its supported-display information before relying on a particular device.
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Best Value
- 7 Unique Backlight Color: 7 Elegant LED backlight with 3 brightness level.
- Easy Setup: Simply insert the 1.2M (4 feet) USB wire into your computer and use the keyboard instantly.
- Ergonomic design: Scissors X structure gives you the comfortable typing experience, low-profile keys offer quiet and comfortable typing.
- Ultra Thin and Light: Compact size (16.7 X 4.5 X 0.24in) and light weight (17.4oz) but provides full size keys, arrow keys, number pad, shortcuts for comfortable typing.
- Package contents: Arteck Backlit USB wired Keyboard, welcome guide, our 24-month warranty and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Durable and Reliable: This USB keyboard features a curved space bar, spill-resistant design (2), durable keys that can withstand 10 million keystrokes, and sturdy, adjustable tilt legs
- Comfortable, Familiar Typing: You’ll enjoy a comfortable and familiar typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys and number pad
- Full-size Sculpted Mouse: The high-definition optical USB mouse puts comfort and control in your hands with smooth, accurate tracking and an ambidextrous shape that feels good hour after hour
- Simple Set-Up: Simply plug the keyboard and mouse into the USB ports on your desktop, laptop, or netbook and you're ready to work; compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
- Clear and Convenient: The bold, bright white and long-lasting characters make the keys on this PC or laptop keyboard easy to read and extra durable
Rank #3
- All-day Comfort: This USB keyboard creates a comfortable and familiar typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and standard full-size layout with all F-keys, number pad and arrow keys
- Built to Last: The spill-proof (2) design and durable print characters keep you on track for years to come despite any on-the-job mishaps; it’s a reliable partner for your desk at home, or at work
- Long-lasting Battery Life: A 24-month battery life (4) means you can go for 2 years without the hassle of changing batteries of your wireless full-size keyboard
- Simply plug the USB receiver into a USB port on your desktop, laptop or netbook computer and start using the keyboard right away without any software installation
- Simply Wireless: Forget about drop-outs and delays thanks to a strong, reliable wireless connection with up to 33 ft range (5); K270 is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
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