Turning off Narrator in Windows 11 is a straightforward process that can be accomplished in a few simple steps. The Narrator is a built-in screen reader that can be very helpful for those who need it, but it can also be annoying if turned on accidentally. To disable it, you need to access the Settings menu, navigate to Accessibility options, and toggle off the Narrator.
How to Turn Off Narrator in Windows 11
In this guide, you’ll learn how to turn off the Narrator feature in Windows 11 through step-by-step instructions.
Step 1: Open Settings
Press the Windows
key + I
to open the Settings menu.
The Settings menu is your control panel for customizing your Windows experience. When you press the Windows
key + I
, it instantly brings up the Settings window, giving you access to various system options.
Step 2: Go to Accessibility
Click on the "Accessibility" option from the left-hand menu.
In the Settings window, the left-hand menu is filled with categories. Clicking on "Accessibility" will lead you to all the options related to making your device more accessible, including the Narrator.
Step 3: Select Narrator
Scroll down and click on "Narrator."
Within the Accessibility menu, you’ll find a list of settings that can be adjusted. Scroll down until you see "Narrator," which is located under the "Vision" section.
Step 4: Toggle Off Narrator
Toggle the switch to turn off the Narrator.
Once you’re in the Narrator settings, you’ll see a switch at the top of the page. Click on this switch to disable the Narrator.
Step 5: Close Settings
Close the Settings menu to finalize your changes.
After you’ve toggled off the Narrator, you can simply close the Settings menu. Your changes are automatically saved, so there’s no need to worry about them not being applied.
When you complete these steps, the Narrator will be turned off, and your computer will no longer read screen text aloud. If you ever need to turn it back on, just follow the same steps and toggle the switch back on.
Tips for Turning Off Narrator in Windows 11
- Make sure your Windows 11 is updated to the latest version to access all the features mentioned.
- If you frequently turn the Narrator on and off, consider creating a keyboard shortcut for quicker access.
- Familiarize yourself with other accessibility features that might be useful for your needs.
- If you accidentally turn on Narrator, remember that you can mute it by pressing
Ctrl
+Windows
key +Enter
. - Explore the Narrator settings for additional customization options if you decide to use it again in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I quickly turn off Narrator?
You can quickly turn off Narrator by pressing Ctrl
+ Windows
key + Enter
.
Do these steps work on other versions of Windows?
These steps are specifically for Windows 11, but similar steps can be followed on Windows 10 with slight variations.
What if I don’t see the Accessibility option?
Ensure that your Windows 11 is updated. If the problem persists, you may need to troubleshoot your Settings app.
Is the Narrator the same as Cortana?
No, Narrator is a screen reader for the visually impaired, while Cortana is a virtual assistant.
Can I customize the Narrator settings?
Yes, you can customize various aspects of the Narrator, such as voice settings and keyboard shortcuts, within the Narrator settings menu.
Summary
- Press the
Windows
key +I
to open Settings. - Click on "Accessibility."
- Scroll down and click on "Narrator."
- Toggle the switch to turn off the Narrator.
- Close the Settings menu.
Conclusion
And there you have it! Turning off the Narrator in Windows 11 is as simple as following a few easy steps. Whether you activated it by mistake or just find it unnecessary, this guide should help you disable it quickly. Remember, the Narrator feature is an excellent tool for those who need it, offering various customization options that can make navigating your PC much easier. If you find yourself needing it again, you now know exactly where to go and what to do. For further reading, consider exploring other accessibility features in Windows 11 that might help enhance your user experience. If you have any questions or need more guidance, feel free to dive into the FAQ section again or consult the Windows support site. Happy computing!

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.