First-time keyboard guide
Use this short routine before following the Microsoft Edge Screen Reader Manual procedures. It explains exactly how the keyboard directions in this manual work.
Press a single key
- Find the named key without pressing it if possible.
- Press and release the key one time. Do not hold it unless the step specifically says to hold it.
- Stop and listen to the full screen-reader announcement before pressing another key.
Press a keyboard combination
- When a command contains a plus sign, such as Ctrl+S, hold down the first key.
- While continuing to hold the first key, press and release the final key once.
- Release the first key. The plus sign is not a key and should not be pressed.
- Listen for the expected result described in the procedure. If nothing changes, verify that the correct application or webpage has focus and try the command once more.
Press a sequence of keys
- When keys are separated by commas or the word “then,” press and release them in order instead of holding them together.
- After each key, listen for a menu, tab, control, or new screen before continuing.
- If the announcement does not match the step, press Escape once to close the current menu or dialog and restart that procedure.
Know which navigation key to try
- Tab and Shift+Tab: move forward and backward among buttons, links, fields, and other controls.
- Arrow keys: move inside menus, lists, groups of choices, text, and many screen-reader reading views.
- Enter: opens the selected item or activates the focused command.
- Space: activates many buttons and checks or clears checkboxes. In a text field, Space types a space.
- Escape: cancels or closes the current menu, list, or dialog without intentionally accepting a change.
Verify before moving on
- Listen for the window, page, or application name so you know where focus is.
- Perform only one numbered step.
- Compare what the screen reader announces with the “What should happen” information in the procedure.
- If the result is wrong, stop. Use the procedure’s recovery directions, Escape to cancel, or Ctrl+Z to undo when that command is supported.
- Continue only after you can identify the result. Save completed work with Ctrl+S whenever the application supports saving.
First complete Microsoft Edge browsing session
- Open Edge, press Ctrl+L, type a complete trusted web address, and press Enter.
- Confirm the page title and address before entering information. A familiar title does not replace checking the domain.
- Use H and Shift+H in the screen reader’s web-reading mode to inspect headings; use Tab and Shift+Tab for interactive controls.
- Press Ctrl+F, search for a known page word, review matches, and press Escape to close Find.
- Press Ctrl+T for a new tab, open a second trusted page, and switch with Ctrl+Tab and Ctrl+Shift+Tab.
- Close the practice tab with Ctrl+W, then restore it with Ctrl+Shift+T and verify its title.
- Press Ctrl+D to open the favorite dialog, choose a suitable folder, save, and later verify the favorite through Ctrl+Shift+O.
- Download a harmless public file, open Downloads with Ctrl+J, and listen for filename, source, status, and available actions before opening it.
- Use Ctrl+Plus, Ctrl+Minus, and Ctrl+0 to test zoom and return to the default level.
- Open a harmless form, read every label and required state, enter fictional data, and leave without submitting.
- Open History with Ctrl+H and locate the practice pages, but do not clear unrelated browsing history.
- Close Edge with Alt+F4 only after checking downloads and unfinished forms.
Recovery: Use Alt+Left Arrow to return, Escape to close menus, Ctrl+Shift+T for a recently closed tab, and Downloads or History to locate items before repeating an action.
Microsoft Edge accessibility features
Purpose: This manual teaches Microsoft Edge from the beginning to a person using a screen reader. It explains exactly what to press, what browser region or webpage element should receive focus, what your screen reader should announce, and how to recover when the result is different.
Reference platform: This manual focuses on current Microsoft Edge on Windows 11.
Screen readers: Core Edge keyboard commands are taught first. Narrator, NVDA, and JAWS are covered separately so browser commands and screen-reader commands are not mixed together.
How to Use This Manual
Learn the browser itself before memorizing screen-reader-specific web commands.
Ctrl+L or Alt+D moves directly to the address bar.
Ctrl+T opens a new tab. Ctrl+W closes the current tab. Ctrl+Shift+T reopens the last closed tab.
F6 moves focus among major Edge panes. Shift+F6 moves backward.
Ctrl+F6 moves directly to the web content pane.
Tab and Shift+Tab move among focusable page controls and browser controls.
Screen-reader browse/scan modes control how you move through webpage structure.
Do not type passwords into pages you reached from suspicious email links.
Use Ctrl+S only when you intentionally want to save a webpage or file.
Use Ctrl+J to review downloads and Ctrl+H to review history.
Part 1 - What Microsoft Edge Is
Microsoft Edge is the web browser built into Windows 11. It displays webpages, web applications, PDFs, downloads, settings, favorites, history, and browser extensions.
Address bar: where you type a website address or search query.
Tab: one open webpage or browser task.
Toolbar: browser controls such as Back, Refresh, Favorites, profile, and Settings and more.
Web content pane: the current webpage.
Favorites: saved website shortcuts.
History: previously visited pages.
Downloads: files downloaded through Edge.
Profile: optional Microsoft account sign-in and sync settings.
Part 2 - Open Edge and Learn the Window
2.1 Open Microsoft Edge
What you will learn: Start the browser without using a mouse.
Before you begin: Be at the Windows keyboard.
Exactly how to do it
Press the Windows key.
Type Edge.
Press Enter on Microsoft Edge.
Wait for the browser window.
Press F6 once.
Listen to the region announced.
Press F6 several more times to hear different Edge panes.
Press Ctrl+F6 to move to the web content pane.
What should happen: Edge opens and keyboard focus can move among the browser's major regions.
If that does not happen: If F6 seems trapped in one area, press Escape to close any open popup/menu and try again.
Practice: Open Edge, cycle through panes, and return to web content.
Part 3 - Address Bar and Web Search
| Task | Command |
|---|---|
| Address bar | Ctrl+L or Alt+D |
| Search from address bar | Ctrl+E |
| Open typed address/search in new tab | Alt+Enter |
3.1 Open a Website by Address
What you will learn: Navigate directly to a known website.
Before you begin: Edge is open.
Exactly how to do it
Press Ctrl+L.
Type the full website address, for example microsoft.com.
Press Enter.
Wait for the page to load.
Use your screen reader to read the page title or first heading.
What should happen: The requested website opens in the current tab.
If that does not happen: If search results appear instead, check whether the address was typed correctly.
Practice: Open two known websites by address.
3.2 Search the Web from the Address Bar
What you will learn: Perform a web search without opening a search engine first.
Before you begin: Edge is open.
Exactly how to do it
Press Ctrl+L.
Type a search phrase such as accessible PDF keyboard navigation.
Press Enter.
Wait for search results.
Use your screen reader's heading/link commands to review results.
What should happen: Search results appear in the current tab.
If that does not happen: If a previous address remains, Ctrl+L should select it automatically; typing replaces it.
Practice: Search for three topics.
Part 4 - Tabs and Windows
| Task | Command |
|---|---|
| New tab | Ctrl+T |
| Close current tab | Ctrl+W |
| Reopen closed tab | Ctrl+Shift+T |
| Next tab | Ctrl+Tab or Ctrl+Page Down |
| Previous tab | Ctrl+Shift+Tab or Ctrl+Page Up |
| Specific tab 1-8 | Ctrl+1 through Ctrl+8 |
| Last tab | Ctrl+9 |
| New window | Ctrl+N |
| New InPrivate window | Ctrl+Shift+N |
4.1 Open and Switch Tabs
What you will learn: Work with more than one webpage.
Before you begin: Edge is open.
Exactly how to do it
Press Ctrl+T.
Type a search or address.
Press Enter.
Press Ctrl+T again and open another page.
Press Ctrl+Tab to move to the next tab.
Press Ctrl+Shift+Tab to move back.
Listen to the page title after each switch.
What should happen: You can keep multiple webpages open and identify which tab is active.
If that does not happen: If Ctrl+Tab appears to do nothing, only one tab may be open.
Practice: Open three tabs and cycle through them.
4.2 Recover a Closed Tab
What you will learn: Restore a tab closed by mistake.
Before you begin: Close a non-important tab with Ctrl+W.
Exactly how to do it
Press Ctrl+Shift+T.
Wait for the tab to reopen.
Listen for the restored page title.
What should happen: The most recently closed tab reopens.
If that does not happen: If a different tab opens, repeated Ctrl+Shift+T can restore earlier closed tabs.
Practice: Close and restore two practice tabs.
Part 5 - Back, Forward, Reload, and Home
| Task | Command |
|---|---|
| Back | Alt+Left Arrow |
| Forward | Alt+Right Arrow |
| Reload | Ctrl+R or F5 |
| Hard reload/ignore cached content | Ctrl+Shift+R or Shift+F5 |
| Home page | Alt+Home |
5.1 Move Back and Forward
What you will learn: Return to recently visited pages within one tab.
Before you begin: Open one page, then follow a link to another.
Exactly how to do it
Press Alt+Left Arrow.
Listen for the previous page title.
Press Alt+Right Arrow.
Listen for the newer page title.
What should happen: Edge moves backward and forward through that tab's history.
If that does not happen: If nothing happens, there may be no previous/forward page in that tab.
Practice: Navigate through three pages and use Back/Forward.
Part 6 - Webpage Keyboard Navigation
Screen readers add structural webpage navigation, while Edge itself provides focus navigation with Tab and Shift+Tab.
6.1 Move Through Focusable Controls
What you will learn: Navigate links, buttons, and form fields without using screen-reader quick keys.
Before you begin: Open a webpage with several controls.
Exactly how to do it
Press Ctrl+F6 to ensure focus is in web content.
Press Tab.
Listen for the link, button, field, or other control.
Press Tab again.
Press Shift+Tab to move backward.
Press Enter on a link/button when you intentionally want to activate it.
Use Spacebar on many checkboxes and buttons.
What should happen: Focus moves among interactive page elements.
If that does not happen: If Tab moves through browser controls rather than the page, press Ctrl+F6 first.
Practice: Move through ten controls without activating them.
Part 7 - Find on Page
| Task | Command |
|---|---|
| Find on page | Ctrl+F |
| Next result | Ctrl+G |
| Previous result | Ctrl+Shift+G |
7.1 Search Within the Current Webpage
What you will learn: Find visible page text without reading the whole page.
Before you begin: Open a long webpage.
Exactly how to do it
Press Ctrl+F.
Type a word that appears on the page.
Press Enter if needed.
Press Ctrl+G for the next occurrence.
Press Ctrl+Shift+G for the previous occurrence.
Press Escape to close Find.
What should happen: Edge moves through matching page text.
If that does not happen: If no results are found, check spelling or try a shorter phrase.
Practice: Find the same word three times on one page.
Part 8 - Favorites
| Task | Command |
|---|---|
| Add current page to Favorites | Ctrl+D |
| Open Favorites | Ctrl+Shift+O |
| Show/hide Favorites bar | Ctrl+Shift+B |
| Focus first Favorites-bar item | Alt+Shift+B |
8.1 Save a Favorite
What you will learn: Save a webpage for later.
Before you begin: Open a safe webpage.
Exactly how to do it
Press Ctrl+D.
Review the proposed favorite name.
Change the name if needed.
Choose the folder/location.
Activate Done/Save.
What should happen: The webpage is added to Favorites.
If that does not happen: If Ctrl+D opens another browser feature, verify Edge is the active app.
Practice: Favorite one practice site.
8.2 Open a Favorite
What you will learn: Navigate from the Favorites page/menu.
Before you begin: Have at least one favorite saved.
Exactly how to do it
Press Ctrl+Shift+O.
Use Tab/arrow keys through Favorites.
Locate the desired site.
Press Enter.
What should happen: The favorite opens.
If that does not happen: If a side pane appears rather than a full page, use F6/Tab to move into it.
Practice: Open a saved favorite and return.
Part 9 - History
9.1 Review Browser History
What you will learn: Find a page you visited earlier.
Before you begin: Edge is open.
Exactly how to do it
Press Ctrl+H.
Move through the History pane/page using Tab and arrow keys.
Search history if a search box is available.
Press Enter on the desired history entry.
What should happen: The selected previously visited page opens.
If that does not happen: If private browsing was used, those pages should not appear in normal history.
Practice: Find and reopen one page from history.
Part 10 - Downloads
10.1 Open Downloads
What you will learn: Review downloaded files and their status.
Before you begin: Download a known-safe file or use an existing download.
Exactly how to do it
Press Ctrl+J.
Use Tab/arrow keys through downloads.
Listen for filename and status.
Use Open file, Show in folder, Delete/remove from list, or other actions only when appropriate.
What should happen: The Downloads interface opens and lists recent downloads.
If that does not happen: If the file is suspicious or unexpected, do not open it. Verify the source first.
Practice: Open Downloads and locate one known file.
Security: A downloaded file can be dangerous even if the webpage looked legitimate. Verify source, file type, and expected filename before opening.
Part 11 - Forms, Buttons, Checkboxes, and Combo Boxes
11.1 Fill a Web Form
What you will learn: Move through form controls and enter text.
Before you begin: Use a safe practice form.
Exactly how to do it
Use your screen reader's form-field navigation or press Tab to the first field.
Type in an edit field.
Press Tab to the next control.
For a checkbox, press Spacebar.
For radio buttons, use Arrow keys.
For a combo box/drop-down, press Alt+Down Arrow if needed, use arrows, then Enter.
Review all entered information before activating Submit.
What should happen: The form fields contain the intended information.
If that does not happen: If letter keys navigate the page instead of typing, your screen reader may still be in browse/scan mode rather than focus/forms mode.
Practice: Complete a non-sensitive practice form.
Part 12 - Links and Opening New Tabs
| Task | Command |
|---|---|
| Open focused link in new background tab | Ctrl+Enter in many Edge/link contexts |
| Open new tab | Ctrl+T |
| Open context menu | Shift+F10 |
12.1 Inspect a Link Before Opening
What you will learn: Reduce the risk of activating misleading links.
Before you begin: Focus a link.
Exactly how to do it
Listen to the link text.
Use your screen reader's link-information command if available.
Press Shift+F10 if you need the link context menu.
Choose Copy link only if you need to inspect or paste the address elsewhere.
Open the link only if it matches the expected destination.
What should happen: You make a deliberate decision before navigating.
If that does not happen: If the link text is vague such as 'click here,' rely on screen-reader link details or the surrounding context.
Practice: Inspect three links on a known safe site.
Part 13 - PDFs in Edge
Microsoft Edge has a built-in PDF viewer. Screen-reader accessibility depends heavily on whether the PDF itself contains real text, tags, headings, and a logical reading order.
13.1 Open and Read a PDF
What you will learn: Use Edge's PDF viewer with a screen reader.
Before you begin: Open a known accessible PDF.
Exactly how to do it
Open the PDF link or press Ctrl+O to open a local PDF file in Edge.
Wait for the PDF viewer.
Press Ctrl+F6 to move to content if needed.
Use your screen reader's reading/navigation commands.
Press Ctrl+F to search within the PDF.
Press Ctrl+Plus/Minus to adjust zoom if needed.
What should happen: The PDF text is exposed to the screen reader.
If that does not happen: If the screen reader says very little or only 'image,' the PDF may be scanned or untagged and may require OCR or another accessible version.
Practice: Open one accessible PDF and search for a word.
PDF warning: Edge cannot make a badly structured PDF fully accessible just by opening it. If the document is image-only or has poor reading order, obtain an accessible version or use appropriate OCR/accessibility tools.
Part 14 - Read Aloud and Immersive Reader
| Task | Command |
|---|---|
| Start/stop Read Aloud | Ctrl+Shift+U |
| Enter/exit Immersive Reader | F9 |
14.1 Use Read Aloud
What you will learn: Have Edge speak webpage content independently of your screen reader.
Before you begin: Open a supported webpage.
Exactly how to do it
Press Ctrl+Shift+U.
Listen for Read Aloud to begin.
Use the Read Aloud controls if you want to change voice/speed.
Press Ctrl+Shift+U again to stop.
What should happen: Edge reads page content aloud.
If that does not happen: If nothing happens, the page may not support the feature or focus may be in a context where the shortcut is unavailable.
Practice: Start and stop Read Aloud.
14.2 Use Immersive Reader
What you will learn: Simplify supported webpage content.
Before you begin: Open a page that supports Immersive Reader.
Exactly how to do it
Press F9.
Wait for the simplified reading view.
Navigate the content.
Adjust text preferences if desired.
Press F9 again to return.
What should happen: The page appears in a simplified reading layout.
If that does not happen: If F9 does nothing, that page may not support Immersive Reader.
Practice: Try F9 on two article-style webpages.
Part 15 - Caret Browsing
15.1 Turn Caret Browsing On and Off
What you will learn: Move a text cursor through webpage text using arrow keys.
Before you begin: Open a text-heavy webpage.
Exactly how to do it
Press F7.
If Edge asks whether to enable Caret Browsing, confirm.
Use Arrow keys to move through text.
Hold Shift while moving to select text.
Press Shift+F10 on selected content when appropriate.
Press F7 again to turn Caret Browsing off.
What should happen: A movable text caret appears/behaves within webpage content.
If that does not happen: If F7 triggers another laptop function, use Fn+F7.
Practice: Turn Caret Browsing on, select one word, then turn it off.
Part 16 - Accessibility Settings
Current Edge accessibility settings are under Settings and more > Settings > Accessibility.
16.1 Open Edge Accessibility Settings
What you will learn: Find browser accessibility options without searching through every settings page.
Before you begin: Edge is open.
Exactly how to do it
Press Alt+F or Alt+E to open Settings and more.
Move to Settings and press Enter.
Use the Settings navigation/search to open Accessibility.
Review options such as page zoom, image descriptions for screen readers, high-visibility focus outline, captions, and related accessibility controls.
What should happen: The Accessibility settings page opens.
If that does not happen: If Accessibility is not immediately visible, use Settings search.
Practice: Open Accessibility and review every available setting.
16.2 Enable Image Descriptions for Screen Readers
What you will learn: Allow Edge to generate descriptions for unlabeled images using Microsoft's service.
Before you begin: Open Edge Settings > Accessibility.
Exactly how to do it
Find Get image descriptions for screen readers.
Turn it on.
Confirm the consent prompt if shown.
Open a webpage containing unlabeled images and use your screen reader to test.
What should happen: Edge may provide generated descriptions for otherwise unlabeled images.
If that does not happen: Generated descriptions can be imperfect and should not replace author-provided alt text. Do not rely on them for high-stakes interpretation.
Practice: Enable, test, and decide whether you want to keep the setting.
16.3 Enable High-Visibility Focus Outline
What you will learn: Make keyboard focus easier to locate visually for mixed visual/screen-reader use.
Before you begin: Open Accessibility settings.
Exactly how to do it
Find Show a high visibility outline around the area of focus on the page.
Turn it on.
Open a webpage.
Press Tab several times.
What should happen: Focused elements receive a temporary high-visibility outline.
If that does not happen: If you use no vision, this setting may not affect your screen-reader experience but can help sighted support people follow focus.
Practice: Turn it on and test.
Part 17 - Zoom, Full Screen, and Focus Visibility
| Task | Command |
|---|---|
| Zoom in | Ctrl+Plus |
| Zoom out | Ctrl+Minus |
| Reset zoom | Ctrl+0 |
| Full screen | F11 |
17.1 Change Page Zoom
What you will learn: Increase or decrease visual page size without changing browser text itself.
Before you begin: Open any webpage.
Exactly how to do it
Press Ctrl+Plus several times.
Listen for Edge's zoom percentage if announced.
Press Ctrl+Minus.
Press Ctrl+0 to return to default.
What should happen: The page zoom changes and then resets.
If that does not happen: If browser controls also seem enlarged differently, verify you are changing page zoom rather than Windows display scaling.
Practice: Practice zooming and reset.
Accessibility: Screen-reader users may still benefit from zoom when using residual vision. Edge also allows a default page zoom under Accessibility settings.
Part 18 - Profiles, Sign-In, and Sync
Signing in to Edge can synchronize favorites, passwords, history, extensions, settings, open tabs, autofill information, and other selected data across devices.
18.1 Sign In to Edge
What you will learn: Connect Edge to a Microsoft account when desired.
Before you begin: Decide whether this is a personal or organization-managed device.
Exactly how to do it
Move to the profile button using F6/Tab or browser toolbar navigation.
Activate the profile button.
Choose Sign in.
Enter the Microsoft account credentials or select an available account.
Complete verification if required.
Review sync settings before enabling everything.
What should happen: Edge signs in and sync begins according to selected settings.
If that does not happen: If this is a shared/public device, do not enable persistent sync unless you fully understand the privacy implications.
Practice: Open profile settings and review sync categories.
Privacy: Sync can be convenient but can also copy sensitive browsing data, passwords, addresses, tabs, and settings between devices. Enable only the categories you intend to synchronize.
Part 19 - Privacy, Cookies, Passwords, and InPrivate
19.1 Open an InPrivate Window
What you will learn: Browse without saving normal local history/cookies after the session closes.
Before you begin: Edge is open.
Exactly how to do it
Press Ctrl+Shift+N.
Listen for InPrivate mode.
Browse as needed.
Close the InPrivate window with Alt+F4 when finished.
What should happen: An InPrivate window opens.
If that does not happen: InPrivate does not make you anonymous to websites, your employer/school network, internet provider, or other monitoring systems.
Practice: Open and close one InPrivate window.
19.2 Review Saved Password Settings
What you will learn: Understand where Edge password settings live.
Before you begin: Open Edge Settings.
Exactly how to do it
Use Settings search for Passwords.
Open password/autofill settings.
Review whether Edge offers to save passwords, autofill passwords, or use password-monitoring/security features.
Do not expose or read stored passwords aloud in a public environment.
What should happen: You can locate password settings safely.
If that does not happen: If the browser asks to reveal a password, Windows/device authentication may be required.
Practice: Review settings without revealing a stored password.
Part 20 - Security and Phishing
Check the actual domain in the address bar before entering passwords or payment information.
Be suspicious of misspelled domains and unexpected subdomains.
Do not trust a site merely because it uses HTTPS; HTTPS protects the connection, not the site's honesty.
Use browser warnings seriously. Do not bypass SmartScreen/security warnings unless you independently know the site/file is safe.
Unexpected downloads should not be opened.
Never install an extension because a random webpage says it is required to view content.
Navigate to banking, email, government, and work sites using known addresses or trusted favorites rather than links in suspicious messages.
20.1 Verify a Site Before Signing In
What you will learn: Confirm the destination before entering credentials.
Before you begin: A page is asking for a username/password.
Exactly how to do it
Press Ctrl+L.
Read the full domain in the address bar.
Confirm it is the expected organization's real domain.
Press Escape to leave the address bar without changing it.
Only then return to the form and sign in.
What should happen: You make the domain check before entering credentials.
If that does not happen: If the domain is unfamiliar, misspelled, shortened, or unexpected, do not sign in until independently verified.
Practice: Practice checking the domain of three known sites.
Part 21 - Narrator with Edge
Narrator's Scan Mode is designed for webpage reading and structural navigation.
| Task | Command |
|---|---|
| Start/stop Narrator | Windows+Ctrl+Enter |
| Toggle Scan Mode | Narrator+Spacebar |
| Next heading | H in Scan Mode |
| Previous heading | Shift+H |
| Next link | Tab or Narrator/web navigation |
| Webpage summary | Narrator+S |
| Image description | Narrator+Ctrl+D |
21.1 Navigate a Webpage with Narrator
What you will learn: Move by headings and interactive controls.
Before you begin: Narrator is on and Edge has a webpage open.
Exactly how to do it
Press Ctrl+F6.
Turn Scan Mode on with Narrator+Spacebar if needed.
Press H to move to the next heading.
Press Shift+H to move backward.
Press Tab to move through focusable links/controls.
Press Enter to activate a link.
Press Narrator+S for a page summary when useful.
What should happen: Narrator moves through webpage structure.
If that does not happen: If letters type into a form instead of navigating, focus may be inside an edit field or Scan Mode may be off.
Practice: Navigate one page by headings, links, and summary.
21.2 Enter Text in a Form with Narrator
What you will learn: Switch from reading to typing.
Before you begin: Focus an edit field.
Exactly how to do it
Press Enter or Tab into the field.
If Scan Mode remains on and letters navigate, press Narrator+Spacebar to turn it off.
Type the text.
Press Tab to the next control.
Turn Scan Mode back on when you return to normal page reading if needed.
What should happen: Typing goes into the form field rather than triggering navigation keys.
If that does not happen: If letters still navigate, verify the field has keyboard focus.
Practice: Complete a practice form.
Part 22 - NVDA with Edge
NVDA normally uses Browse Mode for webpage reading and Focus Mode for direct interaction with edit fields and web applications.
| Task | Command |
|---|---|
| Toggle Browse/Focus Mode | NVDA+Space |
| Next/previous heading | H / Shift+H |
| Next/previous link | K / Shift+K |
| Edit field | E / Shift+E |
| Form field | F / Shift+F |
| Button | B / Shift+B |
| Landmark | D / Shift+D |
22.1 Navigate a Webpage with NVDA
What you will learn: Use Browse Mode quick-navigation keys.
Before you begin: NVDA is running and Edge has web content.
Exactly how to do it
Press Ctrl+F6.
Make sure NVDA is in Browse Mode.
Press H through headings.
Press K through links.
Press D through landmarks.
Press E or F to find an edit/form field.
Press Enter when activating a link/control.
What should happen: NVDA quickly moves through structural elements.
If that does not happen: If letters type instead of navigating, NVDA is probably in Focus Mode. Press NVDA+Space.
Practice: Find three headings, two links, and one form field.
22.2 Type in Web Applications with NVDA
What you will learn: Use Focus Mode when a site needs direct keyboard interaction.
Before you begin: Move to an edit field or application control.
Exactly how to do it
Press Enter or NVDA+Space to enter Focus Mode when necessary.
Type/interact normally.
Press NVDA+Space to return to Browse Mode when finished.
What should happen: The web app receives letter keys directly.
If that does not happen: If H/K still navigate the page while you intend to type, Focus Mode is not active or the control is not focused.
Practice: Practice entering and leaving Focus Mode.
Part 23 - JAWS with Edge
JAWS uses the Virtual PC Cursor for webpage reading and Forms Mode for direct form interaction.
| Task | Command |
|---|---|
| Keyboard Help | Insert+1 |
| Hot Key Help | Insert+H |
| Next heading | H |
| Previous heading | Shift+H |
| Links List | Insert+F7 |
| Headings List | Insert+F6 |
| Form Fields List | Insert+F5 |
| Return to Virtual Cursor from Forms Mode | Numpad Plus in Desktop layout |
23.1 Navigate a Webpage with JAWS
What you will learn: Use Virtual Cursor quick keys and lists.
Before you begin: JAWS is running and Edge is open.
Exactly how to do it
Press Ctrl+F6.
Press H through headings.
Press Insert+F6 to open the Headings List.
Choose a heading and press Enter.
Press Insert+F7 to open the Links List.
Choose a link and press Enter.
What should happen: JAWS moves quickly through page structure.
If that does not happen: If H types into a field, Forms Mode may be active. Return to Virtual Cursor.
Practice: Navigate one page using both H and element lists.
23.2 Fill a Form with JAWS
What you will learn: Enter Forms Mode only when needed.
Before you begin: Open a safe practice form.
Exactly how to do it
Press E or F to move to an edit/form field.
Press Enter if JAWS does not enter Forms Mode automatically.
Type text.
Press Tab through form controls.
Use Spacebar for checkboxes and arrows for choices.
Press Numpad Plus in Desktop layout to return to Virtual Cursor when finished.
What should happen: JAWS allows normal typing in form fields and structural navigation outside them.
If that does not happen: If quick-navigation letters continue to type after the form, exit Forms Mode.
Practice: Complete a non-sensitive practice form.
Part 24 - Braille Displays with Edge
Braille output is controlled by Narrator, NVDA, or JAWS. Edge provides the webpage accessibility tree that the screen reader converts to braille.
Braille should follow the focused link, form field, heading, browser control, or document text.
Routing keys can activate or position focus/caret depending on the screen reader and control.
Browse/Scan/Virtual mode affects what appears on braille just as it affects speech.
Long links and webpage text may require panning.
Poorly labeled web controls will also be poorly labeled in braille.
24.1 Test Braille with Edge
What you will learn: Verify browser controls, webpage content, and form entry.
Before you begin: Connect/configure the display through your screen reader.
Exactly how to do it
Press Ctrl+L and confirm the address bar appears in braille.
Open a webpage.
Navigate to a heading and link and verify braille changes.
Move to an edit field.
Type using the braille keyboard if supported.
Use a routing key if supported.
Return to page navigation mode.
What should happen: Braille follows Edge and supports text entry according to the screen reader.
If that does not happen: If braille works in other apps but not Edge, verify the correct browser pane and screen-reader mode before changing braille settings.
Practice: Test address bar, heading, link, and edit field.
Part 25 - Troubleshooting
25.1 You Are Stuck in Browser Controls Instead of the Webpage
What you will learn: Move directly to web content.
Before you begin: Edge is open.
Exactly how to do it
Press Escape to close menus/popups.
Press Ctrl+F6.
Listen for webpage content.
Use your screen reader's heading command to confirm.
What should happen: Focus returns to the webpage.
If that does not happen: If Ctrl+F6 does not help, use F6/Shift+F6 through panes until web content is announced.
Practice: Move to toolbar and recover to content twice.
25.2 Letter Keys Type Instead of Navigating by Headings
What you will learn: Check screen-reader mode.
Before you begin: A webpage is open.
Exactly how to do it
Narrator: turn Scan Mode on with Narrator+Spacebar.
NVDA: switch to Browse Mode with NVDA+Space.
JAWS: leave Forms Mode/return to Virtual Cursor.
Make sure focus is not inside an edit field.
Press H.
What should happen: H moves to a heading rather than typing.
If that does not happen: If the page has no headings, H may not move even though the mode is correct.
Practice: Practice mode recovery.
25.3 Letter Keys Navigate Instead of Typing in a Field
What you will learn: Enter direct-interaction mode.
Before you begin: Focus the edit field.
Exactly how to do it
Narrator: turn Scan Mode off if needed.
NVDA: enter Focus Mode.
JAWS: enter Forms Mode.
Type a short word.
Press Tab when finished.
What should happen: Text appears in the field.
If that does not happen: If letters still navigate, the field may not actually have keyboard focus.
Practice: Practice switching modes in a safe form.
25.4 You Cannot Find a Download
What you will learn: Use Edge Downloads before searching the whole computer.
Before you begin: A file was downloaded recently.
Exactly how to do it
Press Ctrl+J.
Locate the filename.
Listen for status.
Choose Show in folder if needed.
Confirm the file location.
What should happen: You find the downloaded file or its current status.
If that does not happen: If the download failed, Edge should show an error/status entry.
Practice: Locate two known downloads.
25.5 A PDF Is Not Readable
What you will learn: Determine whether the problem is the PDF rather than Edge.
Before you begin: Open the PDF.
Exactly how to do it
Try Ctrl+F and search for a visible word.
Use screen-reader reading commands.
If no real text is exposed, inspect whether the PDF is image-only/scanned.
Look for an accessible HTML or tagged-PDF version from the source.
Use OCR tools only when appropriate and permitted.
What should happen: You identify whether the document itself lacks accessible text/structure.
If that does not happen: If another accessible PDF works correctly in Edge, the problem is likely the specific PDF.
Practice: Compare one accessible and one image-only PDF if available.
25.6 Edge Suddenly Feels Completely Different
What you will learn: Check pane, profile, zoom, and feature state before resetting anything.
Before you begin: Edge is open.
Exactly how to do it
Press F6 and identify the current pane.
Press Ctrl+0 to reset page zoom.
Check whether you are in full screen with F11.
Check whether Caret Browsing is on with F7.
Check the active profile.
Restart only after checking these states.
What should happen: The cause of the changed behavior becomes clearer.
If that does not happen: Do not reset all browser settings for a simple focus or mode problem.
Practice: Practice identifying zoom, full-screen, and Caret Browsing states.
Part 26 - Independent Practice Course
Level 1 - Browser Basics
☐ Open Edge.
☐ Use Ctrl+L.
☐ Open a website.
☐ Use Back/Forward.
☐ Reload.
Ready to advance: You can complete every checked task without another person telling you which key to press.
Level 2 - Tabs
☐ Open three tabs.
☐ Switch tabs.
☐ Close one.
☐ Reopen it.
☐ Jump to tab 1 and last tab.
Ready to advance: You can complete every checked task without another person telling you which key to press.
Level 3 - Navigation
☐ Use Ctrl+F6.
☐ Tab through controls.
☐ Use screen-reader headings.
☐ Open a link.
☐ Return.
Ready to advance: You can complete every checked task without another person telling you which key to press.
Level 4 - Favorites and History
☐ Add favorite.
☐ Open Favorites.
☐ Open History.
☐ Reopen a previous page.
Ready to advance: You can complete every checked task without another person telling you which key to press.
Level 5 - Downloads and PDFs
☐ Open Downloads.
☐ Locate a known file.
☐ Open accessible PDF.
☐ Find text in PDF.
Ready to advance: You can complete every checked task without another person telling you which key to press.
Level 6 - Reading Tools
☐ Start Read Aloud.
☐ Stop it.
☐ Enter Immersive Reader where supported.
☐ Turn Caret Browsing on/off.
Ready to advance: You can complete every checked task without another person telling you which key to press.
Level 7 - Accessibility
☐ Open Accessibility settings.
☐ Review image descriptions.
☐ Review focus outline.
☐ Change zoom and reset.
Ready to advance: You can complete every checked task without another person telling you which key to press.
Level 8 - Screen Reader Modes
☐ Narrator: Scan Mode.
☐ NVDA: Browse/Focus Mode.
☐ JAWS: Virtual Cursor/Forms Mode.
☐ Explain when to use each.
Ready to advance: You can complete every checked task without another person telling you which key to press.
Level 9 - Security
☐ Check a domain.
☐ Open InPrivate.
☐ Review a suspicious download without opening it.
☐ Identify three phishing warning signs.
Ready to advance: You can complete every checked task without another person telling you which key to press.
Level 10 - Independent Browsing
☐ Open five sites in tabs.
☐ Use favorites/history/search.
☐ Complete a safe form.
☐ Download a safe file.
☐ Read a PDF.
☐ Close Edge cleanly.
Ready to advance: You can complete every checked task without another person telling you which key to press.
Part 27 - Quick Reference Commands
Core Edge Commands
| Task | Command |
|---|---|
| Address bar | Ctrl+L or Alt+D |
| New tab | Ctrl+T |
| Close tab | Ctrl+W |
| Reopen closed tab | Ctrl+Shift+T |
| Next/previous tab | Ctrl+Tab / Ctrl+Shift+Tab |
| Back/Forward | Alt+Left / Alt+Right |
| Reload | Ctrl+R or F5 |
| Favorites | Ctrl+Shift+O |
| Add favorite | Ctrl+D |
| History | Ctrl+H |
| Downloads | Ctrl+J |
| Find on page | Ctrl+F |
| Next/previous Find | Ctrl+G / Ctrl+Shift+G |
| Next pane | F6 |
| Previous pane | Shift+F6 |
| Web content pane | Ctrl+F6 |
| Caret Browsing | F7 |
| Immersive Reader | F9 |
| Read Aloud | Ctrl+Shift+U |
| Full screen | F11 |
| Zoom in/out/reset | Ctrl+Plus / Ctrl+Minus / Ctrl+0 |
| InPrivate window | Ctrl+Shift+N |
| Settings and more | Alt+F or Alt+E |
Screen Reader Mode Quick Reference
| Task | Command |
|---|---|
| Narrator Scan Mode | Narrator+Spacebar |
| NVDA Browse/Focus Mode | NVDA+Space |
| JAWS Virtual Cursor/Forms Mode | Use Virtual Cursor for reading; Forms Mode for typing |
| Narrator heading | H / Shift+H |
| NVDA heading | H / Shift+H |
| JAWS heading | H / Shift+H |
Part 28 - Official Microsoft Resources
Accessibility features in Microsoft Edge
Keyboard shortcuts in Microsoft Edge
Use a screen reader to sign in to Microsoft Edge
Accessibility with Microsoft Edge
Final Independence Checklist
☐ I can open Edge and identify browser panes.
☐ I can use the address bar and web search.
☐ I can create, close, restore, and switch tabs.
☐ I can navigate webpage controls with the keyboard.
☐ I can use Find on Page.
☐ I can use Favorites, History, and Downloads.
☐ I can fill web forms safely.
☐ I can read accessible PDFs in Edge.
☐ I can use Read Aloud, Immersive Reader, and Caret Browsing.
☐ I can open and adjust Edge Accessibility settings.
☐ I can check page zoom and full-screen state.
☐ I understand profiles and sync.
☐ I understand InPrivate limitations.
☐ I can check a domain before signing in.
☐ I can use Edge with Narrator, NVDA, or JAWS.
☐ I understand screen-reader browse/scan/forms modes.
☐ I understand that braille support comes through the screen reader.
☐ I can troubleshoot pane focus, typing modes, downloads, and inaccessible PDFs.
Most important habit: In Edge, always know whether your keystrokes are controlling the browser chrome, the webpage, or the screen reader's browsing/typing mode. When a key behaves unexpectedly, identify those three layers before changing settings.