Getting the narrator to read highlighted text on Windows 10 is a game changer for anyone needing assistance with reading text on their computer. You just need to activate the Narrator feature, highlight the text, and use a few keyboard shortcuts.
How to Make Narrator Read Highlighted Text on Windows 10
This guide will walk you through each step to enable and use the Windows 10 Narrator to read highlighted text. By the end, you’ll be a pro at using this built-in accessibility tool.
Step 1: Open Settings
Open the Settings app by pressing Windows key + I.
When you press these keys together, the Settings window will open. This is where you can customize almost everything on your computer, including accessibility features like Narrator.
Step 2: Navigate to Ease of Access
In the Settings menu, click on "Ease of Access."
Ease of Access is a section dedicated to making your computer easier to use for everyone, especially those with disabilities. Here, you can find various tools that help with vision, hearing, and interaction.
Step 3: Select Narrator
In the left-hand menu, choose "Narrator," then toggle it to "On."
This will activate the Narrator feature. You might hear the Narrator start speaking immediately, giving you a brief tutorial.
Step 4: Highlight the Text
Highlight the text that you want the Narrator to read by clicking and dragging your mouse over it.
Make sure you select the exact text you want read out loud. You can highlight almost any text on your screen, from documents to web pages.
Step 5: Use the Shortcut
Press Caps Lock + R to make the Narrator read the highlighted text.
This combination of keys will instruct the Narrator to start reading the selected text. You can pause it at any time by pressing the same keys again.
After you complete these steps, the Narrator will read aloud the highlighted text on your screen. You can adjust the speed and voice of the Narrator in the settings if you want a different experience.
Tips for How to Make Narrator Read Highlighted Text on Windows 10
- Customize the Voice: Go back to the Narrator settings and change the voice or speed to suit your preference.
- Practice Keyboard Shortcuts: Familiarize yourself with other useful Narrator shortcuts like Caps Lock + M to start reading continuously from the current location.
- Keep Your System Updated: Ensure Windows 10 is up-to-date so you have the latest features and bug fixes.
- Use Narrator Commands: Explore more Narrator commands by pressing Caps Lock + F1.
- Pause and Resume: You can pause and resume reading by pressing Caps Lock + Ctrl.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop the Narrator from reading?
To stop the Narrator, press Caps Lock + Ctrl. This will pause or stop the reading instantly.
Can I change the voice of the Narrator?
Yes, you can customize the voice, speed, and volume in the Narrator settings found in Ease of Access.
Is there a way to read continuously without highlighting?
Yes, you can press Caps Lock + M to start reading from the current location without highlighting text.
Can Narrator read text on images?
The Narrator primarily reads text, but it might not read text that’s part of an image. Use OCR (Optical Character Recognition) tools for that.
How do I turn off Narrator?
To turn off the Narrator, you can go back to Settings > Ease of Access > Narrator and toggle it off, or simply press Caps Lock + Esc.
Summary
- Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I.
- Click on Ease of Access.
- Select Narrator and toggle it on.
- Highlight the text you want to be read.
- Press Caps Lock + R to read the highlighted text.
Conclusion
And there you have it! You now know how to make Narrator read highlighted text on Windows 10. This tool can be a lifesaver if you have trouble reading small text, want to multitask, or simply prefer listening over reading. The steps are straightforward: enable the feature, highlight your text, and use a simple keyboard shortcut.
If you found this guide helpful, consider exploring other Windows 10 accessibility features. They are designed to make your computing experience smoother and more inclusive. In the meantime, try out what you’ve learned today and see how it improves your daily tasks. Whether you’re a student, professional, or just someone who loves tech, mastering these tools can make a big difference.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.