Our products and services are designed for people of all abilities. Windows 11 includes built-in accessibility tools for individuals who are blind, color blind, or have low vision. This article covers how Magnifier can read text on your screen aloud in addition to making it appear larger.
Get started
Turn on Magnifier
To quickly turn on Magnifier, press the Windows logo key+Plus sign(+). To turn off Magnifier, press the Windows logo key+Esc.
If you prefer using a mouse, select Start > Settings > Accessibility > Magnifier and turn on the toggle Magnifier.
Start reading
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To start reading from the current cursor location, press Ctrl+Alt+Enter. The same shortcut also pauses and resumes reading.
-
Another way to start reading is to press and hold Ctrl+Alt andclick the left mouse button where you want to start.
To stop reading, press any key.
Tips:
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To read the next sentence, press Ctrl + Alt + K.
-
To read the previous sentence, press Ctrl + Alt + H.
Change the reading modifier key
The modifier key (default is Ctrl + Alt) is used to activate Magnifier reading shortcuts. You can change it in Magnifier settings.
Note: If you are also using Narrator, do not select the same key you are using for the screen reader shortcuts. By default, Magnifier and Narrator use different keys.
Change the reading modifier key with a mouse
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Select Start > Settings >Accessibility> Magnifier .
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Scroll down to the Reading section.
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Select your preferred option from the dropdown.
Change the reading modifier key with a keyboard and Narrator
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Press the Windows logo key +Ctrl+M to open the Magnifier settings view.
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Press the Tab key until you hear “Reading, choose a modifier key” followed by the currently selected option.
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Press Enter to open the menu, use the Up and Down arrow keys to find the key option you want to use, and press Enter to select it and close the menu.
Magnifier reading commands
|
Press this key |
To do this |
|---|---|
|
Windows logo key+Plus sign(+) |
Turn Magnifier on |
|
Start, pause, and resume reading |
Modifier key+Enter |
|
Stop reading |
Any key |
|
Read from mouse pointer |
Modifier key+Left mouse click |
|
Read previous sentence |
Modifier key+H |
|
Read next sentence |
Modifier key+K |
Our products and services are designed for people of all abilities. Windows 10 includes built-in accessibility tools for individuals who are blind, color blind, or have low vision. This article covers how Magnifier can read text on your screen aloud in addition to making it appear larger.
Get started
Turn on Magnifier
To quickly turn on Magnifier, press the Windows logo key+Plus sign(+). To turn off Magnifier, press the Windows logo key+Esc.
If you prefer using a mouse, select Start > Settings > Ease of Access > Magnifier > Turn on Magnifier.
Start reading
-
To start reading from the current cursor location, press Ctrl+Alt+Enter. The same shortcut also pauses and resumes reading.
-
Another way to start reading is to press and hold Ctrl+Alt andclick the left mouse button where you want to start.
To stop reading, press any key.
Tips:
-
To read the next sentence, press Ctrl + Alt + K.
-
To read the previous sentence, press Ctrl + Alt + H.
Change the reading modifier key
The modifier key is used to start all shortcuts that concern Magnifier reading. The default modifier key for reading shortcuts is Ctrl+Alt. If you want to, you can change this in the Magnifier settings view.
Note: If you are also using Narrator, do not select the same key you are using for the screen reader shortcuts. By default, Magnifier and Narrator use different keys.
Change the reading modifier key with a mouse
-
Select Start > Settings > Ease of Access > Magnifier .
-
Open the Choose a modifier key dropdown menu and select the key option you want to use.
Change the reading modifier key with a keyboard and Narrator
-
Press the Windows logo key +Ctrl+M to open the Magnifier settings view.
-
Press the Tab key until you hear “Reading, choose a modifier key” followed by the currently selected option.
-
Press Enter to open the menu, use the Up and Down arrow keys to find the key option you want to use, and press Enter to select it and close the menu.
Magnifier reading commands
|
Press this key |
To do this |
|---|---|
|
Windows logo key+Plus sign(+) |
Turn Magnifier on |
|
Start, pause, and resume reading |
Modifier key+Enter |
|
Stop reading |
Any key |
|
Read from mouse pointer |
Modifier key+Left Mouse click |
|
Read previous sentence |
Modifier key+H |
|
Read next sentence |
Modifier key+K |
See also
