Windows Narrator · Settings guide
How to turn Narrator on or off in Windows
Sources checked · how we check
Narrator is the screen reader built into Windows. The same keyboard shortcut starts and stops it, which is also how it often gets turned on by accident.
01 · Before you start
Check these first
- The shortcut is the same in Windows 11 and Windows 10: Windows logo key + Ctrl + Enter.
Source: Microsoft: introducing Narrator
02 · Change the setting
Step by step, by device
Keyboard shortcut
Windows logo key + Ctrl + Enter
- Press the Windows logo key + Ctrl + Enter to start Narrator.
- Press the same keys again to stop it.
On some earlier versions of Windows 10, the shortcut is Windows logo key + Enter.
Narrator settings
Windows logo key + Ctrl + N → Use Narrator
- Press the Windows logo key + Ctrl + N to open Narrator settings.
- Turn the Use Narrator toggle on or off.
Source: Microsoft: introducing Narrator
At the sign-in screen
Accessibility icon → Narrator
- Select the Accessibility icon in the bottom-right corner of the sign-in screen.
- Use the Narrator toggle to turn it on or off.
Source: Microsoft: introducing Narrator
If the setting doesn't change
If Narrator keeps starting, it's likely being triggered by Windows logo key + Ctrl + Enter. Press the shortcut again to stop it, or open Narrator settings with Windows logo key + Ctrl + N and turn off Use Narrator.
Source: Microsoft: introducing Narrator
Frequently asked questions
What's the shortcut to turn off Narrator?
Windows logo key + Ctrl + Enter, in both Windows 11 and Windows 10. Some earlier Windows 10 versions use Windows logo key + Enter.
Can I turn off Narrator before signing in?
Yes. Select the Accessibility icon in the bottom-right corner of the sign-in screen and turn Narrator off.