Windows 11 Screen Reader Manual

Purpose: This manual is written directly to a person learning Windows 11 with a screen reader. It assumes little or no prior experience and explains exactly what to press, what you should hear, and how to recover when the result is different.

Three screen readers: Narrator is built into Windows 11. NVDA is a free third-party screen reader from NV Access. JAWS is a commercial screen reader from Freedom Scientific. Their commands are not interchangeable.

Command labels: Every procedure identifies whether a command belongs to WINDOWS, NARRATOR, NVDA, or JAWS.

How to Use This Manual

• Begin with Parts 1-12 even if you eventually plan to use NVDA or JAWS. These sections teach Windows 11 keyboard navigation that all three screen readers rely on.

• Do one action, stop, and listen to what changed before pressing another key.

• Tab normally moves forward through controls. Shift+Tab moves backward.

• Arrow keys normally move within lists, menus, radio-button groups, tree views, and text.

• Enter activates many buttons, links, selected files, and menu commands.

• Spacebar toggles checkboxes and many buttons.

• Escape closes menus/dialogs or backs out of temporary interfaces.

• Alt+Tab switches among open applications.

• Windows key opens Start. Windows+S opens Search.

• Learn Windows keyboard navigation first, then add the commands for your chosen screen reader.

Part 1 - What a Screen Reader Does

A screen reader converts information from the Windows interface into speech and, when connected, refreshable braille. It follows keyboard focus, a screen-reader cursor, browse/scan mode, or another navigation system.

• Focus is the Windows control currently ready to receive input.

• A button performs an action.

• A checkbox can be checked or unchecked.

• A combo box lets you choose from a list.

• An edit field is where you type text.

• A dialog box asks for information or a decision.

• A screen reader usually announces both the control name and control type.

Part 2 - Windows 11 Keyboard Foundations

2.1 Navigate a Window with Tab

What you will learn: Move through controls without a mouse.

Before you begin: Open Settings or another simple Windows app.

Exactly how to do it

1. Press Tab once.

2. Listen to the focused control.

3. Press Tab again.

4. Continue through five controls.

5. Press Shift+Tab twice to move backward.

6. If focus enters a list, use Up/Down Arrow.

7. Press Escape if a menu opens accidentally.

What should happen: Focus moves from control to control.

If that does not happen: If Tab seems stuck, press Escape once, then Tab again. If focus is in a list, use arrow keys.

Practice: Move forward ten controls and backward five.

Part 3 - Start, Search, Taskbar, and Switching Apps

3.1 Open an App from Start/Search

What you will learn: Launch programs without locating desktop icons.

Before you begin: Be anywhere in Windows.

Exactly how to do it

8. Press the Windows key.

9. Type the app name, for example Notepad.

10. Wait for search results.

11. Use Up/Down Arrow if multiple results appear.

12. Press Enter on the correct result.

What should happen: The app opens.

If that does not happen: If the wrong result opens, press Alt+F4 and search using a more specific name.

Practice: Open Notepad, Settings, and Calculator.

3.2 Switch Between Open Apps

What you will learn: Move among running applications.

Before you begin: Open at least two apps.

Exactly how to do it

13. Hold Alt.

14. Press Tab repeatedly while holding Alt.

15. Listen to each app name.

16. Release Alt on the desired app.

What should happen: The selected app receives focus.

If that does not happen: If it is not listed, it may not be open.

Practice: Switch between Notepad and Settings three times.

3.3 Use the Taskbar

What you will learn: Reach pinned/running apps.

Before you begin: Be anywhere in Windows.

Exactly how to do it

17. Press Windows+T.

18. Use Left/Right Arrow through taskbar items.

19. Press Enter to open or switch to the selected app.

20. Press Escape when finished.

What should happen: Taskbar focus moves among apps.

If that does not happen: If Windows+T seems silent, press it again and listen for a taskbar item.

Practice: Open one pinned app.

Part 4 - Windows Settings

4.1 Open and Search Settings

What you will learn: Find a Windows option efficiently.

Before you begin: Be anywhere in Windows.

Exactly how to do it

21. Press Windows+I.

22. Wait for Settings.

23. Tab to the search box if needed.

24. Type Narrator, Bluetooth, Sound, or Accessibility.

25. Use Down Arrow through results.

26. Press Enter on the desired result.

27. Use Tab/Shift+Tab through controls.

What should happen: The requested Settings page opens.

If that does not happen: If the exact phrase is not found, search with a broader word.

Practice: Find Accessibility > Narrator.

Part 5 - File Explorer

5.1 Open File Explorer

What you will learn: Browse folders and files.

Before you begin: Be anywhere in Windows.

Exactly how to do it

28. Press Windows+E.

29. Wait for File Explorer.

30. Press Tab through major panes.

31. When focus is in the file list, use arrow keys through files.

32. Press Enter to open a folder/file.

33. Press Alt+Left Arrow to go back.

34. Press Alt+Up Arrow to move up one folder.

What should happen: You can enter and leave folders.

If that does not happen: If arrow keys do not move files, press Tab until the file list is focused.

Practice: Open Documents, enter a folder, then return.

5.2 Find an Item by Typing Its First Letter

What you will learn: Jump to a file or folder by its name without opening the Search box.

Before you begin: Open a folder that contains several files or folders.

Exactly how to do it

1. Press Windows+E to open File Explorer.

2. Navigate to the folder you want to examine.

3. Press Tab until your screen reader announces a file or folder in the main items list. Do not continue while focus is in the address bar, Search box, navigation pane, or command bar.

4. Press the first letter of the item you want. For example, press R to move to an item whose name begins with R.

5. Listen to the entire filename. The item is selected but does not open.

6. If it is not the intended item, press the same letter again to move to the next item beginning with that letter.

7. For a more exact match, type the first several letters quickly. For example, type rep to move toward a filename beginning with “rep.”

8. Use Up Arrow and Down Arrow to check neighboring items after the closest match is selected.

9. Press Enter only after your screen reader announces the correct name.

What should happen: Focus moves to a matching item in the current folder without filtering or changing the file list.

If that does not happen: If letters appear in a field, press Escape once and Tab back to the items list. If no item begins with that letter, File Explorer may stay on the current item or play a sound.

Practice: In Documents, jump to three items by first letter. Repeat a letter to cycle through two items that begin with the same letter.

5.3 Search for a File or Folder

What you will learn: Search the current folder and its included folders by filename or keyword.

Before you begin: Navigate to the narrowest sensible starting folder. Searching Documents is usually faster and more predictable than searching This PC.

Exactly how to do it

1. Press Ctrl+E, Ctrl+F, or F3 to move focus to the File Explorer Search box.

2. Listen for the name of the folder being searched. If it is wrong, press Escape, navigate to the correct folder, and begin again.

3. Type part of the filename. Use a distinctive word instead of a broad word such as “document.”

4. Wait while File Explorer updates the results. Large folders, network drives, and external drives may take longer.

5. Press Tab until the first search result is announced.

6. Use Up Arrow and Down Arrow to review results one at a time. Listen to the name, file type, date modified, and folder location when your screen reader provides them.

7. Press Enter to open the correct result. To open its containing folder instead, press Shift+F10 and choose Open file location when that command is available.

8. To perform another search, press Ctrl+E, press Ctrl+A to select the old search text, type the new term, and wait for new results.

9. To leave the search results, press Alt+Left Arrow to return to the folder you were viewing.

Useful search examples:

• Type meeting to find items with “meeting” in the name or indexed content.

• Type *.docx to look for Microsoft Word documents.

• Type *.pdf to look for PDF files.

• Type a known part of the filename plus its extension, such as budget xlsx, to narrow the results.

What should happen: The main items list changes to files and folders that match the search.

If that does not happen: Confirm that focus was in the Search box and that the starting folder is correct. Try fewer words, check spelling, or search one folder level higher.

Practice: Search Documents for a known filename, review its location, open it, and return to Documents.

5.4 Create a New Folder

What you will learn: Create and name a folder in the location you choose.

Before you begin: Open a practice location where you have permission to create files, such as your Documents folder.

Exactly how to do it

1. Navigate to the folder that should contain the new folder. Confirm the current location with the window title or address bar before creating anything.

2. Press Ctrl+Shift+N.

3. Listen for “New folder” and an edit field. The temporary name is selected and ready to be replaced.

4. Type a short, descriptive name. Do not press F2 first; the name field is already active.

5. Press Enter once to finish the name.

6. Listen for the new folder name. Press Enter again only if you want to open it.

What should happen: One new folder appears in the current location with the name you entered.

If that does not happen: Press Escape if the wrong field or menu opened. Confirm that you are in a writable folder and that a folder with the same name does not already exist.

Practice: Create a folder named File Explorer Practice, open it, return to the parent folder with Alt+Up Arrow, and rename it with F2.

5.5 Create a New Document from File Explorer

What you will learn: Create a blank document inside the folder where it belongs before opening it.

Before you begin: Open a practice folder where you have permission to create files. The document types offered depend on which applications are installed.

Exactly how to do it

1. Press Ctrl+L or Alt+D to move to the address bar. Listen to the path and confirm that this is the folder where the document should be stored.

2. Press Escape to return from the address bar, then press Tab until focus reaches the File Explorer command bar.

3. Use Tab, Shift+Tab, or the arrow keys until your screen reader announces New, then press Enter or Space.

4. Use the arrow keys through the New menu. Choose the document type, such as Text Document or Microsoft Word Document, and press Enter.

5. When the temporary filename is announced in an edit field, type a descriptive name.

6. If the existing extension is selected with the name, include the correct extension only when necessary. Do not invent or change an extension you do not recognize.

7. Press Enter once to finish naming the document.

8. Listen for the completed filename in the items list. Press Enter again to open the document in its associated application.

9. Type a practice sentence, press Ctrl+S, and close the application with Alt+F4.

10. Back in File Explorer, press F5 to refresh if needed, locate the file by its first letter, and confirm its name.

Context-menu alternative: In some File Explorer layouts, Shift+F10 opens a menu containing New or Show more options. If New is present, open its submenu, choose the document type, and continue with the naming steps above.

What should happen: A new blank document is created in the folder you confirmed, then opens in the correct application.

If that does not happen: If New is unavailable, you may be in a protected location or focused on the wrong File Explorer region. Use the application method instead: open Word or another editor, create the document, press F12 or Ctrl+Shift+S for Save As when supported, and choose the intended folder.

Practice: Create a text document named Keyboard Practice, open it, add one sentence, save it, and locate it again by typing K in the File Explorer items list.

5.6 Move Directly to a Folder with the Address Bar

What you will learn: Open a known folder path without moving through every parent folder.

Before you begin: Know the path you want, such as C:\Users\YourName\Documents.

Exactly how to do it

1. Press Ctrl+L or Alt+D. File Explorer selects the current address.

2. Type or paste the full folder path. Typing replaces the selected address.

3. Review the path before opening it. A backslash separates folder names in a Windows path.

4. Press Enter and wait for the folder to load.

5. Press Tab until an item in the main list is announced.

What should happen: File Explorer opens the exact folder represented by the path.

If that does not happen: Press Ctrl+L and check spelling, spaces, drive letter, and backslashes. If an error dialog opens, press Enter or Escape to close it and correct the path.

Practice: Open Documents through the navigation pane, note its address, go elsewhere, and return by entering the path.

5.7 Change the View and Read File Details

What you will learn: Choose a layout that makes filenames and details easier to review.

Before you begin: Open a folder containing several practice items.

Exactly how to do it

1. Press Ctrl+Shift+6 to request Details view in current Windows 11 File Explorer versions.

2. Move through the items with Up Arrow and Down Arrow. Listen for details such as name, date modified, type, and size.

3. Press Ctrl+Plus on the numeric keypad to resize detail columns to fit their contents when a numeric keypad is available.

4. Press Alt+Shift+P to show or hide the Details pane if you want additional information about the selected item.

5. Press Alt+P to show or hide the Preview pane. A preview is not a substitute for opening and checking an important document.

6. If a view change makes navigation confusing, use the File Explorer View menu on the command bar to choose Details again.

What should happen: Files remain in the same folder, but File Explorer changes how they and their information are presented.

If that does not happen: Confirm that File Explorer is the active window. Some keyboards require Fn with the number row, and Ctrl+Plus for columns specifically requires the numeric keypad.

Practice: Turn the Details pane on, examine one file, turn the pane off, and return to the items list.

5.8 Rename a File or Folder

What you will learn: Change an item's name.

Before you begin: Select a practice item.

Exactly how to do it

35. Move to the item.

36. Press F2.

37. Type the new name.

38. Press Enter.

39. Listen to confirm the new name.

What should happen: The item is renamed.

If that does not happen: If F2 does nothing, confirm the file itself is selected.

Practice: Rename a practice file and rename it back.

Part 6 - Dialog Boxes, Menus, and Common Controls

• Button: Enter or Spacebar.

• Checkbox: Spacebar toggles.

• Radio buttons: Arrow keys.

• Combo box: Alt+Down Arrow opens, arrows choose, Enter confirms.

• Tabs: Ctrl+Tab / Ctrl+Shift+Tab often changes tabs.

• Context menu: Shift+F10.

• Menus: Alt or F10 can expose menus in many desktop apps.

6.1 Use a Combo Box

What you will learn: Choose an option in a drop-down.

Before you begin: Focus is on a combo box.

Exactly how to do it

40. Press Alt+Down Arrow.

41. Listen to the current item.

42. Press Up/Down Arrow through choices.

43. Press Enter on the desired choice.

What should happen: The combo box closes with the selected value.

If that does not happen: If it does not open, try Spacebar or Enter.

Practice: Change a harmless option and restore it.

Part 7 - Reading and Editing Text

7.1 Type and Correct a Sentence

What you will learn: Use standard editing commands.

Before you begin: Open Notepad.

Exactly how to do it

44. Type: The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.

45. Press Ctrl+Left Arrow to move backward by word.

46. Press Left/Right Arrow by character.

47. Use Backspace/Delete to remove text.

48. Type the correction.

49. Press Ctrl+Home.

50. Use your screen reader's reading command to review.

What should happen: The correction occurs at the caret.

If that does not happen: If the caret is lost, use Ctrl+Home or Ctrl+End and navigate again.

Practice: Create and correct three errors.

Part 8 - Web Browsing Concepts

Narrator calls its webpage reading mode Scan Mode, NVDA calls it Browse Mode, and JAWS uses the Virtual Cursor. In these modes, single letters can jump to page structures instead of typing.

• Tab moves among focusable links and form controls.

• Enter activates.

• H often moves by heading.

• Shift+H often moves backward by heading.

• Typing fields require a typing/focus/forms mode rather than page-navigation mode.

Key idea: If letters navigate instead of typing, check the screen reader's reading mode. If letters type when you expected heading navigation, check whether you are in a typing/focus/forms mode.

Part 9 - Notifications, Quick Settings, and System Tray

9.1 Open Quick Settings

What you will learn: Reach Wi-Fi, volume, Bluetooth, and accessibility controls.

Before you begin: Be anywhere in Windows.

Exactly how to do it

51. Press Windows+A.

52. Use Tab and arrows through controls.

53. Press Spacebar/Enter to toggle or activate.

54. Press Escape to close.

What should happen: Quick Settings opens.

If that does not happen: If it does not, verify the Windows key is functioning.

Practice: Open it, find volume, and close it.

9.2 Open Notification Center

What you will learn: Review recent notifications.

Before you begin: Be anywhere in Windows.

Exactly how to do it

55. Press Windows+N.

56. Use Tab and arrows through notifications/calendar.

57. Press Enter on a notification if desired.

58. Press Escape to close.

What should happen: Notification Center opens.

If that does not happen: If there are no notifications, you may hear only date/calendar information.

Practice: Open and close it.

Part 10 - Copy, Cut, Paste, Rename, and Delete

10.1 Copy and Paste a File

What you will learn: Duplicate a file.

Before you begin: Select a practice file.

Exactly how to do it

59. Press Ctrl+C.

60. Navigate to the destination folder.

61. Press Ctrl+V.

62. Wait for the copy.

63. Find the copied file.

What should happen: The copied file appears.

If that does not happen: If it does not, verify selection and destination permissions.

Practice: Copy a practice file.

10.2 Select One, Contiguous, or Separate Items

What you will learn: Select exactly the items you intend before copying, moving, or deleting.

Before you begin: Use disposable practice files in one folder.

Exactly how to do it

1. For one item, move to it with an arrow key or first-letter navigation. Listen to its full name.

2. For a continuous group, move to the first item, hold Shift, and press Down Arrow or Up Arrow until the final intended item is included.

3. For separate items, hold Ctrl and use arrow keys to move without discarding the earlier selection. Press Space to add or remove the focused item.

4. Press Ctrl+A only when every item in the current list should be selected.

5. Use your screen reader’s command for the current item or selected-items count when available. If you cannot verify the selection, press Escape or move once without Ctrl or Shift to return to one selected item.

What should happen: Only the intended file or group of files is selected.

If that does not happen: Release Ctrl or Shift before trying again. Selection commands work in the main items list, not in the Search box or navigation pane.

Practice: Select two neighboring practice files, clear the selection, then select two separated practice files.

10.3 Move a File with Cut and Paste

What you will learn: Move an item to another folder without leaving the original copy behind.

Before you begin: Create a disposable practice file and a destination folder.

Exactly how to do it

1. Select the practice file and listen to its complete name.

2. Press Ctrl+X. File Explorer marks the item to be moved but does not move it yet.

3. Navigate to the destination folder and confirm its name or path.

4. Press Ctrl+V once and wait for the operation to finish.

5. Locate the moved file in the destination folder and verify its name.

6. Return to the original folder and confirm that the file is no longer there.

What should happen: The file appears in the destination and is removed from its original folder.

If that does not happen: Press Ctrl+Z immediately if the move went to the wrong folder. For important files, use Ctrl+C first, verify the copy, and delete the original only after checking it.

Practice: Move a practice file into a practice folder, verify it, then press Ctrl+Z to return it.

10.4 Undo a Recent File Action

What you will learn: Reverse a recent rename, move, copy, or ordinary deletion when Windows still offers an undo.

Before you begin: Remain in File Explorer immediately after the unwanted action.

Exactly how to do it

1. Stop before performing another file operation.

2. Press Ctrl+Z once.

3. Wait for File Explorer to finish reversing the action.

4. Check the original and destination locations as appropriate.

5. If Ctrl+Z is unavailable, open Recycle Bin for an ordinary deletion or manually reverse a rename, copy, or move.

What should happen: File Explorer reverses the most recent supported file action.

If that does not happen: Do not press Ctrl+Z repeatedly without knowing which earlier action will be reversed. Shift+Delete and some network or removable-drive operations may not be recoverable through Recycle Bin.

Practice: Rename a disposable file, press Ctrl+Z, and confirm that its earlier name returns.

10.5 Delete Safely

What you will learn: Delete a selected item deliberately.

Before you begin: Select a disposable practice file.

Exactly how to do it

64. Read the filename carefully.

65. Press Delete.

66. If asked to confirm, read the dialog before choosing Yes.

67. Avoid Shift+Delete for practice because it bypasses normal Recycle Bin behavior.

What should happen: The item is removed/moved to Recycle Bin.

If that does not happen: If the wrong item is selected, press Escape before confirming.

Practice: Delete and restore a practice item.

Part 11 - Keyboard Troubleshooting and Recovery

• Press Escape once or twice if focus seems trapped.

• Use Alt+Tab away and back if an app's focus becomes confusing.

• Use Windows+S as a stable way to start another task.

• If typing fails on a webpage, inspect the screen reader's browse/scan/forms mode.

• If speech is silent, check system volume/output before changing many screen-reader settings.

Part 12 - Choosing Narrator, NVDA, or JAWS

Backup strategy: Even if NVDA or JAWS is your main screen reader, Narrator can be valuable because it is built into Windows.

Part 13 - Narrator: Start, Stop, and Narrator Key

13.1 Start Narrator

What you will learn: Turn on Windows 11's built-in screen reader.

Before you begin: Be at the keyboard.

Exactly how to do it

68. Hold Windows and Ctrl.

69. Press Enter once.

70. Release all keys.

71. Listen for Narrator speech.

72. If Narrator Home opens, use Tab through it or close/minimize it.

What should happen: Narrator announces the current item.

If that does not happen: If nothing happens, press Windows+Ctrl+N and turn Narrator on in Settings.

Practice: Start and stop Narrator twice.

Part 14 - Narrator: Input Learning and Basic Navigation

14.1 Use Input Learning

What you will learn: Discover commands safely.

Before you begin: Narrator is on.

Exactly how to do it

73. Press Narrator+1.

74. Press a Narrator command.

75. Listen to its description.

76. Try several commands.

77. Press Narrator+1 again to turn Input Learning off.

What should happen: Narrator describes commands without normally executing them.

If that does not happen: If commands act normally, Input Learning may be off.

Practice: Identify Next, Previous, Primary action, and Scan Mode.

14.2 Move by Narrator Item

What you will learn: Use Narrator's own item navigation.

Before you begin: Narrator is on.

Exactly how to do it

78. Press Narrator+Right Arrow.

79. Listen to the item.

80. Press it again.

81. Press Narrator+Left Arrow to return.

82. Press Narrator+Enter on a harmless selected control.

What should happen: Narrator moves through items and activates the selected control.

If that does not happen: If nothing changes, press Tab to ensure the app has keyboard focus.

Practice: Move through five items.

Part 15 - Narrator: Scan Mode

15.1 Use Scan Mode on a Webpage

What you will learn: Read and navigate web content.

Before you begin: Open Edge, Chrome, or Firefox with Narrator.

Exactly how to do it

83. Press Narrator+Spacebar if you need to confirm/toggle Scan Mode.

84. Press Down Arrow through content.

85. Press H to move to the next heading where supported.

86. Press Shift+H for previous heading.

87. Press Tab to a link or form control.

88. Press Enter to activate.

89. Type normally when focus enters an edit field; Scan Mode may turn off automatically.

90. Use Up/Down Arrow to leave the edit field and resume reading.

What should happen: You can navigate page structure and enter text.

If that does not happen: If letters type instead of navigate, Scan Mode may be off.

Practice: Navigate by headings and links.

Part 16 - Narrator: Reading Text and Views

16.1 Change Narrator View

What you will learn: Navigate by word, line, paragraph, heading, link, or other unit.

Before you begin: Narrator is on.

Exactly how to do it

91. Press Narrator+Page Down until the desired view is announced.

92. Press Narrator+Right Arrow to move forward in that view.

93. Press Narrator+Left Arrow to move backward.

94. Change view again when needed.

What should happen: Movement follows the chosen unit.

If that does not happen: Some views exist only in certain contexts.

Practice: Practice word, paragraph, and heading views.

Part 17 - Narrator: Web Navigation

• Scan Mode turns on automatically in many supported browsers.

• Narrator+S gives a webpage summary.

• Narrator+Ctrl+D can request an image description when an image is focused.

• G and Shift+G can move among graphics/images in current Scan Mode support.

17.1 Complete a Web Form

What you will learn: Move between reading and typing safely.

Before you begin: Open a safe practice form.

Exactly how to do it

95. Navigate to an edit field.

96. Press Enter/Spacebar if needed.

97. Type text.

98. Press Tab to the next control.

99. Press Spacebar on checkboxes.

100. Use Alt+Down Arrow for combo boxes.

101. Review before submitting.

What should happen: You can type and navigate controls.

If that does not happen: If letters jump around the page, verify focus and Scan Mode state.

Practice: Complete a non-sensitive practice form.

Part 18 - Narrator: Settings, Speech, Verbosity, and Punctuation

18.1 Open Narrator Settings

What you will learn: Adjust Narrator preferences.

Before you begin: Narrator may be on or off.

Exactly how to do it

102. Press Windows+Ctrl+N.

103. Use Tab through settings.

104. Review voice, speed, pitch, volume, verbosity, typing feedback, Narrator key, and startup options.

105. Change one setting at a time.

106. Test and restore if needed.

What should happen: Narrator uses the changed setting.

If that does not happen: If you become lost, close Settings and reopen with Windows+Ctrl+N.

Practice: Change speech rate slightly and restore it.

Narrator key: Caps Lock and Insert both serve as the Narrator key by default.

Part 19 - Narrator: Braille

• Connect a compatible braille display by USB/Bluetooth.

• Open Narrator Settings > Braille.

• Configure the display and braille input/output tables.

• Device-specific routing/panning commands vary.

• Narrator+Alt+B toggles the Braille Viewer.

19.1 Verify Braille

What you will learn: Confirm output, input, and routing.

Before you begin: Connect a supported display.

Exactly how to do it

107. Move Narrator with Narrator+Right Arrow.

108. Confirm braille changes.

109. Open an edit field and type if display input is supported.

110. Use a routing key and confirm focus/caret movement.

111. Pan left/right with display controls.

What should happen: Output follows Narrator and supported input/routing work.

If that does not happen: If Windows sees the display but Narrator does not, check Narrator Braille settings and supported-display mappings.

Practice: Perform output, input, routing.

Part 20 - Narrator: Troubleshooting

20.1 Narrator Is Silent

What you will learn: Restore speech logically.

Before you begin: Narrator should be running.

Exactly how to do it

112. Press Windows+Ctrl+Enter to confirm state.

113. Check system volume/output.

114. Press Tab or Narrator+Right Arrow to trigger speech.

115. Open Narrator Settings with Windows+Ctrl+N.

116. Restart Narrator.

What should happen: Speech returns.

If that does not happen: If Windows has no audio in any app, troubleshoot system sound.

Practice: Memorize the sequence.

Part 21 - NVDA: Start, Stop, and NVDA Key

NVDA is a free screen reader from NV Access. The NVDA modifier is commonly Insert, Caps Lock, or both depending on settings.

21.1 Start NVDA

What you will learn: Launch NVDA and verify it is active.

Before you begin: NVDA must be installed.

Exactly how to do it

117. Press Windows key.

118. Type NVDA.

119. Press Enter.

120. Wait for startup speech/sound.

121. Press NVDA+N.

122. Press Escape to close the menu.

What should happen: NVDA is running.

If that does not happen: If Search cannot find NVDA, it may not be installed.

Practice: Start NVDA and open its menu.

Part 22 - NVDA: Basic Navigation and Speech

22.1 Use NVDA Input Help

What you will learn: Discover commands safely.

Before you begin: NVDA is running.

Exactly how to do it

123. Press NVDA+1.

124. Press keys/commands to identify.

125. Listen to NVDA explain them.

126. Press NVDA+1 again to turn Input Help off.

What should happen: Commands are described without normal action.

If that does not happen: If actions occur, Input Help is not active.

Practice: Identify NVDA menu, quit, title, and focused-object commands.

Windows focus: NVDA generally follows Windows keyboard focus, so standard Tab, arrows, Enter, Spacebar, Windows Search, and File Explorer commands remain essential.

Part 23 - NVDA: Browse Mode and Web Navigation

23.1 Navigate a Webpage with NVDA

What you will learn: Use structural quick keys.

Before you begin: Open a webpage with NVDA.

Exactly how to do it

127. Press H for the next heading.

128. Press Shift+H to move back.

129. Press K for next link.

130. Press F for next form field.

131. Press Enter on an interactive item.

132. If you need to type and remain in Browse Mode, press NVDA+Space to switch to Focus Mode.

133. Press NVDA+Space again to return when needed.

What should happen: You can scan the page and type in fields.

If that does not happen: If letters type when you expected navigation, you are likely in Focus Mode.

Practice: Find a heading, link, and edit field.

Part 24 - NVDA: Settings, Add-ons, and Braille

24.1 Open NVDA Settings

What you will learn: Adjust speech, keyboard, browse, and braille preferences.

Before you begin: NVDA is running.

Exactly how to do it

134. Press NVDA+N.

135. Open Preferences > Settings.

136. Use the category list to find Speech, Keyboard, Browse Mode, Braille, or other settings.

137. Change one setting at a time.

138. Apply/OK.

What should happen: NVDA uses the new preference.

If that does not happen: Restore the old value if behavior worsens.

Practice: Find Speech and Braille without changing them.

Add-ons: Install add-ons only from trusted sources and verify compatibility with your current NVDA release.

Part 25 - NVDA: Troubleshooting

• If NVDA is silent, press Ctrl, then navigate to trigger speech and check system audio.

• If letters navigate instead of typing, switch to Focus Mode with NVDA+Space.

• If letters type instead of navigating, return to Browse Mode with NVDA+Space.

• After an NVDA update, test without optional add-ons if unusual behavior begins.

• Use NVDA+1 when you forget a command.

Part 26 - JAWS: Start, Stop, and JAWS Key

JAWS traditionally uses Insert as the JAWS key in Desktop layout. Laptop layout commonly uses Caps Lock.

26.1 Start JAWS

What you will learn: Launch JAWS and verify it is active.

Before you begin: JAWS must be installed and authorized as required.

Exactly how to do it

139. Press Windows key.

140. Type JAWS.

141. Press Enter.

142. Wait for startup speech.

143. Press Insert+T to hear the current window title.

144. Press Insert+1 to enable Keyboard Help.

145. Press Insert+1 again to turn it off.

What should happen: JAWS announces the active interface.

If that does not happen: If JAWS does not start, verify installation/authorization.

Practice: Start JAWS and identify the window title.

Part 27 - JAWS: Basic Reading and Help

27.1 Use JAWS Help Before Guessing

What you will learn: Find commands from JAWS itself.

Before you begin: JAWS is running.

Exactly how to do it

146. Press Insert+H for application hot keys.

147. Read the commands.

148. Press Escape.

149. Press Insert+W for common Windows keys.

150. Press Insert+Space, then J for Command Search.

What should happen: You can look up commands independently.

If that does not happen: If one help method is not useful, use Command Search.

Practice: Look up a web-navigation command.

Part 28 - JAWS: Virtual Cursor and Web Navigation

28.1 Scan a Webpage with JAWS

What you will learn: Use quick keys and element lists.

Before you begin: Open a webpage with JAWS.

Exactly how to do it

151. Press H through headings.

152. Press Shift+H backward.

153. Press Insert+F6 for Headings List.

154. Choose a heading and press Enter.

155. Press Insert+F7 for Links List.

156. Choose a link and press Enter.

What should happen: You can jump directly to page structures.

If that does not happen: If quick keys type into a field, Forms Mode may be active; return to the Virtual Cursor/browsing mode.

Practice: Use both H and Headings List on one page.

Part 29 - JAWS: Forms, Lists, and Windows Explorer

29.1 Fill a Web Form with JAWS

What you will learn: Enter and exit Forms Mode correctly.

Before you begin: Open a safe practice form.

Exactly how to do it

157. Press F or E to the desired field.

158. Press Enter to enter Forms Mode if needed.

159. Type text.

160. Press Tab to next control.

161. Use Spacebar for checkboxes.

162. Use Alt+Down Arrow/arrows/Enter for combo boxes.

163. Press Numpad Plus in Desktop layout to exit Forms Mode when needed.

What should happen: You can type without quick-navigation letters taking over.

If that does not happen: If H or other quick keys type after the form, exit Forms Mode.

Practice: Complete a safe practice form.

File Explorer: Useful Windows Explorer keys with JAWS include F2 Rename, Delete, Alt+Enter Properties, F5 Refresh, Tab/Shift+Tab between panes, and arrow keys through files.

Part 30 - JAWS: Settings, Quick Settings, and Braille

• Insert+V opens Quick Settings for the current application.

• Insert+F2 opens JAWS managers/tools.

• JAWS supports many braille displays; device commands vary.

• Use Settings Center/Quick Settings for verbosity, punctuation, typing echo, web behavior, braille, and application-specific behavior.

30.1 Open Quick Settings

What you will learn: Change an application-specific option.

Before you begin: JAWS is running in the target app.

Exactly how to do it

164. Press Insert+V.

165. Search or move through settings.

166. Change only the intended option.

167. Confirm/close.

168. Test the application.

What should happen: The option changes for that context.

If that does not happen: Restore the previous value if behavior worsens.

Practice: Locate one setting without changing it.

Part 31 - JAWS: Troubleshooting

• Press Insert+Esc to refresh screen information.

• Use Insert+1, Insert+H, or Command Search when you forget a key.

• If web quick keys type into a field, exit Forms Mode/return to Virtual Cursor.

• Test another browser before changing many JAWS settings if one website behaves badly.

• Review Quick Settings if an app-specific setting causes unexpected behavior.

Part 32 - Comparing Narrator, NVDA, and JAWS

Do not mix commands: Narrator+Space toggles Narrator Scan Mode; NVDA+Space toggles NVDA Browse/Focus Mode; JAWS uses Virtual Cursor and Forms Mode controls.

Part 33 - Independent Practice Course

Level 1 - Windows Keyboard

☐ Open Search.

☐ Open Notepad.

☐ Use Tab/Shift+Tab.

☐ Switch apps with Alt+Tab.

☐ Close with Alt+F4.

Ready to advance: You can complete every checked task without another person telling you which key to press.

Level 2 - Settings and Files

☐ Open Settings.

☐ Search Accessibility.

☐ Open File Explorer.

☐ Enter/leave folders.

☐ Rename a practice file.

Ready to advance: You can complete every checked task without another person telling you which key to press.

Level 3 - Text Editing

☐ Type a paragraph.

☐ Move by word.

☐ Select text.

☐ Copy/paste.

☐ Undo.

Ready to advance: You can complete every checked task without another person telling you which key to press.

Level 4 - Narrator

☐ Start/stop Narrator.

☐ Use Input Learning.

☐ Move next/previous item.

☐ Toggle Scan Mode.

☐ Navigate headings.

Ready to advance: You can complete every checked task without another person telling you which key to press.

Level 5 - Narrator Advanced

☐ Change View.

☐ Open Narrator Settings.

☐ Use webpage summary.

☐ Test braille if applicable.

Ready to advance: You can complete every checked task without another person telling you which key to press.

Level 6 - NVDA

☐ Start NVDA.

☐ Use Input Help.

☐ Open NVDA menu.

☐ Navigate with H/K/F.

☐ Toggle Browse/Focus Mode.

Ready to advance: You can complete every checked task without another person telling you which key to press.

Level 7 - JAWS

☐ Start JAWS.

☐ Use Keyboard Help.

☐ Use Insert+H.

☐ Use heading/link lists.

☐ Enter/exit Forms Mode.

Ready to advance: You can complete every checked task without another person telling you which key to press.

Level 8 - Recovery

☐ Escape from a menu.

☐ Recover when letters won't type.

☐ Recover when letters type instead of navigate.

☐ Identify which screen reader is active.

Ready to advance: You can complete every checked task without another person telling you which key to press.

Part 34 - Quick Reference Commands

Windows 11

Narrator

NVDA

JAWS

Part 35 - Official Resources

Microsoft Complete Guide to Narrator
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/accessibility/windows/narrator/complete-guide-to-narrator

Microsoft Narrator Scan Mode
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/accessibility/windows/narrator/chapter-3-using-scan-mode

Microsoft Narrator Keyboard Commands
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/appendix-b-narrator-keyboard-commands-and-touch-gestures-8bdab3f4-b3e9-4554-7f28-8b15bd37410a

Microsoft Narrator Braille
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/chapter-8-using-narrator-with-braille-3e5f065b-1c9d-6eb2-ec6d-1d07c9e94b20

NV Access NVDA User Guide and Key Commands
https://download.nvaccess.org/releases/stable/documentation/en/

Freedom Scientific JAWS Training
https://www.freedomscientific.com/training/jaws/

Freedom Scientific JAWS Hotkeys
https://www.freedomscientific.com/training/jaws/hotkeys/

Final Independence Checklist

☐ I can navigate Windows 11 using the keyboard.

☐ I can use Start/Search, Settings, File Explorer, Taskbar, Quick Settings, and Notifications.

☐ I can type and edit text without a mouse.

☐ I understand focus and browse/scan/forms modes.

☐ I can start/stop and use Narrator.

☐ I understand Narrator Scan Mode and Views.

☐ I can use Narrator braille if needed.

☐ I can start and use NVDA if installed.

☐ I understand NVDA Browse and Focus Modes.

☐ I can start and use JAWS if installed.

☐ I understand JAWS Virtual Cursor and Forms Mode.

☐ I know how to use each screen reader's built-in help.

☐ I can troubleshoot common speech, focus, typing, and web-navigation problems.

Most important habit: Always know which layer you are controlling: Windows itself, Narrator, NVDA, or JAWS. When a key behaves unexpectedly, first identify which screen reader and navigation mode are active.

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