windows7

Accessibility in Windows 7

Accessibility in Windows 7

Published by Microsoft CorporationTrustworthy Computing, Accessibility GroupOne Microsoft WayRedmond, Washington 98052-6399Copyright ( 2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. No part of the contents of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the written permission of the publisher. For permissions, visit www.microsoft.com.

Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Find further information on Microsoft Trademarks (http://www.microsoft.com/library/toolbar/3.0/trademarks/en-us.mspx).

IntroductionWindows 7 includes accessibility options and programs that make it easier to see, hear, and use your computer. Accessibility is the epitome of usability and was a key tenet throughout the engineering of Windows 7.

Windows 7 gives you more ways to interact with your PC by taking advantage of new strides in speech recognition and touch technology. Windows 7 includes accessibility options and programs that make it easier to see, hear, and use your computer including ways to personalize your computers and use keyboard shortcuts.

Included in this document, you will discover how to:

Make Your Computer Easier to Use (Ease of Access Center)5The Ease of Access Center is a central location where you can get quick access to explore and manage accessibility options. Explore how:

Use the computer without a display7Make the computer easier to see 9Use the computer without a mouse or keyboard11Make the mouse easier to use13Make the keyboard easier to use15Use text or visual alternatives to sounds17Make it easier to focus on task19

Use Accessibility Tools21Windows 7 introduces significant improvements to the accessibility tools. Magnifier now includes a lens mode and full-screen mode. On-Screen Keyboard can be resized to make it easier to see and includes text prediction. Learn how to:Make items on the screen appear bigger (Magnifier)22Type without using a keyboard (On-Screen Keyboard)26

Hear text read aloud with Narrator29Use Speech Recognition34

Personalize Your Computer36Personalize your computer so it looks just the way you want it. Find out how to change and personalize:Themes36Aero36Sounds37Desktop Background37Screen Saver37Font Size37User Account Picture37Desktop Gadgets38

Tutorials39These tutorials provide both keyboard and mouse steps to help you set up your computer and start using the accessibility features in Windows 7.

Keyboard Shortcuts72Get the complete list of keyboard shortcuts for Windows 7. Keyboard shortcuts can make it easier to interact with your computer, saving you time and effort as you work with Windows and other programs. Make Your Computer Easier to Use (Ease of Access Center)The Ease of Access Center is a central location where you can turn on and set up accessibility settings and programs available in Windows. You can adjust settings that make it easier to see your computer, use the mouse and keyboard, and use other input devices. You can also answer a few questions about your daily computer use and accessibility requirements and have Windows recommend settings and programs for you.

Figure 1: Ease of Access Center: Make your computer easier to use

The Ease of Access Center is available through a Control Panel icon, and can be opened by selecting the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking Ease of Access, and then clicking Ease of Access Center. You can also press the Windows logo key +U and the Ease of Access Center will open. The Ease of Access Center includes:

Quick access to common tools Get recommendations to make your computer easier to use, and

Explore all settingsQuick access to common tools

Start Narrator, Magnifier, On-Screen Keyboard, and High Contrast quickly from Quick access to common tools in the Ease of Access Center. When you start these tools from the Quick Access section, the tools will turn off after you log off or shut down. If you want these tools to start automatically every time you log on, turn them on under the Explore all settings categories. Get recommendations to make your computer easier to use This optional questionnaire provides a personalized list of recommended settings that can improve your ability to see, hear, and comfortably use your computer. The Ease of Access Center questionnaire takes the guesswork out of selecting settings. Based on your answers to a series of questions about routine tasks, a custom list of recommended settings is provided so you can choose which options you want to try. You can complete the questionnaire and adjust your settings as often as you like. You can find the questionnaire in the Ease of Access Center (in Control Panel) by selecting Get recommendations to make your computer easier to use.

Explore All SettingsInstead of looking for accessibility settings in various places on your computer, Windows 7 brings all those settings together and organizes them into categories that you can explore in the Ease of Access Center. You can explore seven different categories of accessibility settings and programs:

Use the computer without a display7Make the computer easier to see9Use the computer without a mouse or keyboard11Make the mouse easier to use13Make the keyboard easier to use15Use text or visual alternatives to sounds17Make it easier to focus on tasks19Use the computer without a display

Windows has many features that enable you to use your computer without a display. For example, you can have screen text read aloud by using Narrator or you can have Windows describe screen activity to you.

You can turn on or adjust settings for these features by clicking Use the computer without a display page in the Ease of Access Center, then select the options that you want to use: Turn on Narrator. This option sets Narrator to run when you log on to Windows. Narrator reads aloud on-screen text and describes some events (such as error messages appearing) that happen while you're using the computer. More on Narrator. Turn on Audio Description. This option sets Audio Description to run when you log on to Windows. Audio descriptions describe what's happening in videos. Turn off all unnecessary animations. This option turns off animation effects, such as fading effects, when windows and other elements are closed. How long should Windows notification dialog boxes stay open? This option sets how long notifications are displayed on the screen before they are closed.

Figure 2: Ease of Access Center: Use the computer without a display

Make the computer easier to see

If you occasionally have trouble seeing items on your screen, you can adjust the settings to make text and images on the screen appear larger, improve the contrast between items on the screen, and hear on-screen text read aloud.

You can adjust many of these settings on the Make the computer easier to see page in the Ease of Access Center. For information about other settings, see Getting the best display on your monitor.

Open the Ease of Access Center, then select the options that you want to use:

Choose a High Contrast theme. This option allows you to set a high-contrast color scheme that heightens the color contrast of some text and images on your computer screen, making those items more distinct and easier to identify.

Turn on or off High Contrast when Left Alt+Left Shift+Print Screen is pressed. This option allows you to toggle a high-contrast theme on or off by pressing the Left Alt+Left Shift+Print Screen keys.

Turn on Narrator. This option sets Narrator to run when you log on to your computer. Narrator reads aloud on-screen text and describes some events (such as error messages appearing) that happen while you're using the computer. More about Narrator. Turn on Audio Description. This option sets Audio Descriptions to run when you log on to your computer. Audio Descriptions describe what's happening in videos.

Change the size of text and icons. This option allows you to make text and other items on your screen appear larger, so they're easier to see. For more information, see Make the text on your screen larger or smaller.

Turn on Magnifier. This option sets Magnifier to run when you log on to your computer. Magnifier enlarges the part of the screen where the mouse is pointing and can be especially useful for viewing objects that are difficult to see. For more information about using Magnifier, see Make items on the screen appear bigger (Magnifier). Adjust the color and transparency of the window borders. This option allows you to change the appearance of window borders to make them easier to see.

Fine tune display effects. This option allows you to customize how certain items appear on your desktop.

Make the focus rectangle thicker. This option makes the rectangle around the currently selected item in dialog boxes thicker, which makes it easier to see.

Set the thickness of the blinking cursor. This option allows you to make the blinking cursor in dialog boxes and programs thicker and easier to see.

Turn off all unnecessary animations. This option turns off animation effects, such as fading effects, when you close windows and other elements.

Remove background images. This option turns off all unimportant, overlapped content and background images to help make the screen easier to see.

Figure 3: Ease of Access Center: Make the computer easier to seeUse the computer without the mouse or keyboard

Windows has two features to help you use the computer without using a mouse or keyboard: Speech Recognition (you can use voice commands to work with Windows) and On-Screen Keyboard (you can enter text by selecting characters on the screen).

You can turn on or adjust settings for these features on the Use the computer without a mouse or keyboard page in the Ease of Access Center.


Use On-Screen Keyboard. This option sets On-Screen Keyboard to run when you log on to Windows. On-Screen Keyboard displays a visual keyboard with all the standard keys. You can select keys using the mouse or another pointing device, or you can use keys on the standard keyboard. For more information about using On-Screen Keyboard, see Type without using the keyboard.

Use Speech Recognition. Use this option to control the computer with your voice. With a microphone, you can speak commands that the computer will understand and respond to, as well as dictate text. For more information about setting up Speech Recognition, see Set up Speech Recognition.

Figure 4: Ease of Access Center: Use the computer without a mouse or keyboardMake the mouse easier to use

You can change how the mouse pointer looks, and turn on other features that can help make it easier to use your mouse.

You can adjust these settings on the Make the mouse easier to use page in the Ease of Access Center.


Change the color and size of mouse pointers. You can use these options to make the mouse pointer larger, or change the color to make it easier to see.

Turn on Mouse Keys. You can use this option to control the movement of the mouse pointer by using the numeric keypad.

Activate a window by hovering over it with the mouse. This option makes it easier to select and activate a window by pointing at it with the mouse rather than by clicking it.

Prevent windows from being automatically arranged when moved to the edge of the screen. This option prevents windows from automatically resizing and docking along the sides of your screen when you move them there.

Figure 5: Ease of Access Center: Make the mouse easier to useMake the keyboard easier to use

You can use your keyboard to control the mouse and make it easier to type certain key combinations.

You can adjust these settings on the Make the keyboard easier to use page in the Ease of Access Center.


Turn on Mouse Keys. This option sets Mouse Keys to run when you log on to Windows. Instead of using the mouse, you can use the arrow keys on your keyboard or the numeric keypad to move the pointer.

Turn on Sticky Keys. This option sets Sticky Keys to run when you log on to Windows. Instead of having to press three keys at once (such as when you must press the Ctrl, Alt, and Delete keys together to log on to Windows), you can use one key by turning on Sticky Keys and adjusting the settings. This way, you can press a modifier key and have it remain active until another key is pressed.

Turn on Toggle Keys. This option sets Toggle Keys to run when you log on to Windows. Toggle Keys can play an alert each time you press the Caps Lock, Num Lock, or Scroll Lock keys. These alerts can help prevent the frustration of inadvertently pressing a key and not realizing it.

Turn on Filter Keys. This option sets Filter Keys to run when you log on to Windows. You can set Windows to ignore keystrokes that occur in rapid succession, or keystrokes that are held down for several seconds unintentionally.

Underline keyboard shortcuts and access keys. This option makes keyboard access in dialog boxes easier by highlighting access keys for the controls in them. For more information about keyboard shortcuts, see Keyboard shortcuts in Windows Help.


Figure 6: Ease of Access Center: Make the keyboard easier to useUse text or visual alternatives to sounds

Windows provides settings for using visual cues to replace sounds in many programs.

You can adjust these settings on the Use text or visual alternatives for sounds page in the Ease of Access Center.

Open the Ease of Access Center, then select the options that you want to use: Turn on visual notifications for sounds. This option sets sound notifications to run when you log on to Windows. Sound notifications replace system sounds with visual cues, such as a flash on the screen, so that system alerts are noticeable even when they're not heard. You can also choose how you want sound notifications to warn you.

Turn on text captions for spoken dialog. This option causes Windows to display text captions in place of sounds to indicate that activity is happening on your computer (for example, when a document starts or finishes printing).

Figure 7: Ease of Access Center: Use text or visual alternatives for soundsMake it easier to focus on tasks

You can reduce the amount of information on your screen so that it's easier to read, and you can set up your keyboard to make typing easier.You can adjust these settings on the Make it easier to focus on reading and typing page in the Ease of Access Center.


Turn on Narrator. This option sets Narrator to run when you log on to Windows. Narrator reads aloud on-screen text and describes some events (such as error messages appearing) that happen while you're using the computer. For more information about using Narrator, see Hear text read aloud with Narrator.

Remove background images. This option turns off all unimportant, overlapped content and background images to help make the screen easier to see.

Turn on Sticky Keys. This option sets Sticky Keys to run when you log on to Windows. Instead of having to press three keys at once (such as when you must press the Ctrl, Alt, and Delete keys together to log on to Windows), you can use one key by turning on Sticky Keys and adjusting the settings. This way, you can press a modifier key and have it remain active until another key is pressed.

Turn on Toggle Keys. This option sets Toggle Keys to run when you log on to Windows. Toggle Keys can play an alert each time you press the Caps Lock, Num Lock, or Scroll Lock key. These alerts can help prevent the frustration of inadvertently pressing a key.

Turn on Filter Keys. This option sets Filter Keys to run when you log on to Windows. You can set Windows to ignore keystrokes that occur in rapid succession, or keystrokes that are held down for several seconds unintentionally.

Turn off all unnecessary animations. This option turns off animation effects, such as fading effects, when windows and other elements are closed.

Choose how long Windows notification dialog boxes stay open. With this option, you can choose how long notifications are displayed on the screen before they close.


Figure 8: Ease of Access Center: Make it easier to focus on tasksUse Accessibility Tools

Windows 7 introduces significant improvements to the Microsoft accessibility tools Magnifier, On-Screen Keyboard, and Narrator. In this section learn how to: Make items on the screen appear bigger (Magnifier)22Type without using a keyboard (On-Screen Keyboard) 26Hear text read aloud with Narrator29Use Speech Recognition34Make items on the screen appear bigger (Magnifier)

Magnifier enlarges different parts of the screen. This is especially useful for viewing objects that are difficult to see, but also for seeing the whole screen more easily. There are three modes:

Full-screen mode. In full-screen mode, your entire screen is magnified. You can then have Magnifier follow the mouse pointer.

Lens mode. In lens mode, the area around the mouse pointer is magnified. When you move the mouse pointer, the area of the screen that's magnified moves along with it.

Docked mode. In docked mode, only a portion of the screen is magnified, leaving the rest of your desktop in a normal state. You can then control which area of the screen is magnified.

Figure 9: Image of Magnifier magnifying a portion of the screenNote

Full-screen mode and lens mode are only available as part of the Aero experience. If your computer doesn't support Aero, or if you're using a theme other than an Aero theme, Magnifier will only work in docked mode.

1. Open Magnifier by clicking the Start button, clicking All Programs, clicking Accessories, clicking Ease of Access, and then clicking Magnifier.

2. On the Views menu, click the mode that you want to use.

3. Move the pointer to the part of the screen that you want to magnify.

Notes

To exit Magnifier, press the Windows logo key +Esc.

When you're using full-screen mode, you can quickly preview your entire desktop by clicking the Views menu, and then clicking Preview full screen.

For a list of keyboard shortcuts that you can use with Magnifier, see Keyboard shortcuts.

Magnifier topics in this section:

To choose where Magnifier focuses To change the zoom level To set the zoom increment To set the lens size To turn on color inversion To display the Magnifier toolbarTo choose where Magnifier focuses


2. Click the Options button, and then select the option that you want:

OptionDescription

Follow the mouse pointerDisplays the area around the mouse pointer in the Magnifier window. When you select this option, you can choose to have the Magnifier window move when the mouse pointer approaches or when the mouse pointer hits the edge of the Magnifier window.

Follow the keyboard focusDisplays the area around the pointer when you press the Tab or arrow keys.

Have Magnifier follow the text insertion pointDisplays the area around the text that you're typing.

To change the zoom level


2. Do one of the following:

ToDo this

Zoom inClick Zoom in or press the Windows logo key +Plus sign

Zoom outClick Zoom out or press the Windows logo key +Minus sign

To set the zoom increment

The zoom increment determines how quickly Magnifier zooms in and out.


2. Click the Options button, and then move the slider to adjust the zoom increment. Moving the slider to the left causes Magnifier to zoom slower, with smaller changes between zoom levels. Moving the slider to the right causes Magnifier to zoom faster, with larger changes between zoom levels.

To set the lens size

When you're using lens mode, you can adjust the size of the Magnifier lens.


2. Click the Options button, and then, under Magnifier Lens Size, move the sliders to adjust the size of the Magnifier lens. The lens size changes right away. Adjust the level until it's right for you.

Notes

You must be using lens mode for the lens size options to appear.

You can quickly change the lens size by pressing Ctrl+Alt+R, and then moving the pointer up and down to change the height, and left and right to change the width.

To turn on color inversion

Turning on color inversion increases the contrast between items on your screen, which can help make your screen easier to see.


2. Click the Options button, and then select the Turn on color inversion check box.

To display the Magnifier toolbar


2. Click the magnifying glass icon or click Magnifier on the taskbar.Type without using the keyboard (On-Screen Keyboard)

Instead of relying on the physical keyboard to type and enter data, you can use On-Screen Keyboard. On-Screen Keyboard displays a visual keyboard with all the standard keys. You can select keys using the mouse or another pointing device, or you can use a single key or group of keys to cycle through the keys on the screen.

Figure 10: Image of On-Screen Keyboard on computer screen On-Screen Topics in this section:

To change how information is entered into On-Screen Keyboard To set On-Screen Keyboard to use audible clicks To use a numeric key pad in On-Screen Keyboard To enable text prediction in On-Screen KeyboardTo change how information is entered into On-Screen KeyboardIn On-Screen Keyboard:1. Open On-Screen Keyboard by clicking the Start button, clicking All Programs, clicking Accessories, clicking Ease of Access, and then clicking On-Screen Keyboard.

2. Click Options, and then, under To use the On-Screen Keyboard, select the mode you want: Typing modeDescription

Click on keysIn clicking mode, you click the on-screen keys to type text.

Hover over keysIn hovering mode, you use a mouse or joystick to point to a key for a predefined period of time, and the selected character is typed automatically.

Scan through keysIn scanning mode, On-Screen Keyboard continually scans the keyboard and highlights areas where you can type keyboard characters by pressing a keyboard shortcut, using a switch input device, or using a device that simulates a mouse click.

Notes

If you're using either hovering mode or scanning mode and accidently minimize On-Screen Keyboard, you can restore it by pointing to it in the taskbar (for hovering mode) or by pressing the scan key (for scanning mode).

If you're using a mouse click to select a key in the Scan through keys mode, the mouse pointer must be located over On-Screen Keyboard.

The keyboard layout changes in On-Screen Keyboard depending on the language displayed in the active program.

To set On-Screen Keyboard to use audible clicks

You can have On-Screen Keyboard make an audible click when a key is pressed.

Open On-Screen Keyboard:

1. Open On-Screen Keyboard by clicking the Start button, clicking All Programs, clicking Accessories, clicking Ease of Access, and then clicking On-Screen Keyboard.

2. Click Options, select the Use click sound check box, and then click OK.To use a numeric key pad in On-Screen Keyboard

You can use a numeric key pad to enter numbers with On-Screen Keyboard.


2. Click Options, select the Turn on numeric key pad check box, and then click OK.To enable text prediction in On-Screen Keyboard

When text prediction is enabled, as you type, On-Screen Keyboard displays a list of words that you might be typing.


2. Click Options, select the Use Text Prediction check box, and then click OK.

If you don't want to automatically add a space after you insert a word using text prediction, clear the Insert space after predicted words check box, and then click OK.

Notes

Text prediction is only available in English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish. To enable text prediction in a specific language, you must first install additional language files for that language. For more information, see Install or change a display language in Help.

Text prediction isn't included in Windows7 Home Basic.

Hear text read aloud with Narrator

Windows comes with a basic screen reader called Narrator, which reads text on the screen aloud and describes some events (such as an error message appearing) that happen while you're using the computer.Narrator topics in this section:

Narrator Keyboard Shortcuts Choose which text Narrator reads aloud Change the Narrator voice Start Narrator minimized Narrator doesnt read what I expect it to I cant hear any text read aloud by Narrator To check for a sound card To determine if the sound card is working Text to speech frequently asked questionsNarrator is not available in all languages, so if the steps below dont work, Narrator is not available for your language.1. Open Narrator by clicking the Start button, clicking All Programs, clicking Accessories, clicking Ease of Access, and then clicking Narrator.

Narrator Keyboard Shortcuts

Use the keyboard shortcuts in the following table to specify which text you want Narrator to read:Use this keyboard shortcutTo do this

Ctrl+Shift+EnterGet information about the current item

Ctrl+Shift+SpacebarRead the entire selected window

Ctrl+Alt+SpacebarRead the items that are selected in the current window

Insert+Ctrl+GRead a description of the items that appear next to the currently selected element

CtrlStop Narrator from reading text

Insert+QMove the cursor backward to the beginning of any preceding text that has different formatting. For example, the cursor moves from a bold word to the beginning of a non-bold word that precedes it.

Insert+WMove the cursor to the beginning of any text that follows it that has different formatting. For example, the cursor moves from a bold word to the beginning of a non-bold word that follows it.

Insert+EMove the cursor back to the beginning of any text that has the same formatting. For example, the cursor moves from the middle of a bold word to the beginning of that word.

Insert+RMove the cursor to the end of any text that has the same formatting. For example, the cursor moves from the middle of a bold word to the end of that word.

Insert+F2Select all of the text that has the same formatting as the character at the cursor

Insert+F3Read the current character

Insert+F4Read the current word

Insert+F5Read the current line

Insert+F6Read the current paragraph

Insert+F7Read the current page

Insert+F8Read the current document

Note

The Insert key is used for Narrator commands, so when you press Insert while Narrator is running, you won't be able to insert characters. To use the Insert key to insert characters while Narrator is running, press Insert+I and then the characters you want to add.

Choose which text Narrator reads aloud

1. Open Narrator by clicking the Start button, clicking All Programs, clicking Accessories, clicking Ease of Access, and then clicking Narrator.

2. Under Main Narrator Settings, do one or more of the following:

To hear what you type, select the Echo User's Keystrokes check box.

To hear background events, such as notifications, select the Announce System Messages check box.

To hear an announcement when the screen scrolls, select the Announce Scroll Notifications check box.

Change the Narrator voice


2. Click Voice Settings, and then make any of the following adjustments:

To select a different voice, click the voice you want to use in the Select Voice box.

For a faster voice, select a number in the Set Speed list. The higher the number, the faster the voice.

For a louder voice, select a number in the Set Volume list. The higher the number, the louder the voice.

For a higher-pitched voice, select a number in the Set Pitch list. The higher the number, the higher the pitch. A higher-pitched voice can be easier for some people to hear.

Start Narrator minimized


2. Select the Start Narrator Minimized check box.

The next time you start Narrator, it will appear as an icon on the taskbar instead of being open on your screen.

To restore the Narrator dialog box to its full size, click Narrator in the taskbar.

Narrator doesn't read what I expect it to

This topic provides information about problems you might run into when using Narrator.

Narrator doesn't read what I expect it to read. Narrator provides basic screen-reading capabilities that allow you to use Windows when you don't have a more full-featured screen reader. Narrator is not designed to read content in all programs. For more information about screen readers and other assistive technologies, go to the Microsoft Accessibility website www.microsoft.com/enable.

Narrator doesn't read notifications or the contents of some folders. Narrator can't read notifications because notifications can't be selected. For the same reason, it can't read the contents of some folders.

Narrator doesn't read some Help topics. Narrator can't read the text that appears below collapsed headings in Help topics. To read the text of Help topics with collapsed headings, tab to the Show all link at the top of the topic and press Enter to expand all the topics. Then press Ctrl+Shift+Spacebar to have Narrator read the window again.

Note

Narrator is not available in all languages.I can't hear any text read aloud with Narrator

Here are some things to try if you're having trouble hearing text read aloud by Narrator:

Make sure that your speakers are connected properly. If you're not sure how to do this, check the information that came with your speakers.

Make sure that the speaker volume is turned up sufficiently and your speakers aren't muted.

Make sure that your sound card is properly installed and the drivers are updated.

To check for a sound card

1. Open Audio Devices and Sound Themes by clicking the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking Hardware and Sound, and then clicking Sound.

2. Your sound card is listed on the Playback tab.

If you don't have a sound card installed, you'll have to get one for Narrator to work.To determine if the sound card is working

1. Open Device Manager by clicking the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking Systems and Maintenance, and then clicking Device Manager.

If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

2. If the sound card has a yellow question mark next to it, the sound card might not be working. Try reinstalling the sound card driver. For more information, see Update a driver for hardware that isn't working properly, in Help.3. If the sound card appears twice in the list, you might have a ghost device. If so, delete the entry with the question mark.Narrator does not read some Help topics

Narrator cannot read the text that appears below collapsed headings in Help topics. To read the text of Help topics with collapsed headings, tab to the Show all link at the top of the topic and press ENTER to expand all the topics. Then press CTRL+SHIFT+SPACEBAR to have Narrator read the window again. The INSERT key doesnt work as expected when Narrator is running

The INSERT key is used for Narrator commands, so when you press INSERT while Narrator is running, you wont be able to insert characters. To use the INSERT key to insert characters while Narrator is running, press INSERT+I and then the characters you want to add.

Text to speech: frequently asked questions

Here are some answers to common questions about text-to-speech programs.

Note that Narrator is not available in all languages.Can on-screen text be read aloud to me?

Yes, Narrator and other programs read aloud text, buttons, menus, file names, and other items on the screeneven keystrokes. This can be helpful for people who don't see the screen or have difficulty seeing the screen.

Does Windows include a text-to-speech program?

Yes. It's called Narrator. It's adjustable in many ways and can make the computer easier to use. For more information, see Hear text read aloud with Narrator in Windows Help.Can any computer read text aloud?

Nearly any computer can be set up to read text aloud. Make sure your computer has a functioning sound card, and that you meet the basic requirements. For more information, see Troubleshoot Narrator problems in Help.Are there other text-to-speech programs?

Yes, there are several. For a list of text-to-speech programs, go to the Microsoft Accessibility website www.microsoft.com/enable.

Use Speech RecognitionYou can use your voice to control your computer. You can say commands that the computer will respond to, and you can dictate text to the computer.

Before you get started using Windows Speech Recognition, you'll need to connect a microphone to your computer.

Figure 11: Image of Set up Speech Recognition dialog boxOnce you've got the microphone set up, you can train your computer to better understand you by creating a voice profile that your computer uses to recognize your voice and spoken commands. For information about setting up your microphone, see Set up your microphone for Speech Recognition in Windows Help.After you've got your microphone and voice profile set up, you can use Speech Recognition to do the following:

Control your computer. Speech Recognition listens and responds to your spoken commands. You can use Speech Recognition to run programs and interact with Windows. For more information about the commands you can use with Speech Recognition, see Common commands in Speech Recognition in Windows Help. Dictate and edit text. You can use Speech Recognition to dictate words into word-processing programs or to fill out online forms in a web browser. You can also use Speech Recognition to edit text on your computer. For more information about dictating text, see Dictate text using Speech Recognition in Windows Help.

Note Speech Recognition is available only in English, French, Spanish, German, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese.

Personalize Your Computer

You can add a personal touch to your computer by changing the computer's theme, color, sounds, desktop background, screen saver, font size, and user account picture. You can also select specific gadgets for your desktop. Find out more on the Windows Web site.

ThemesA theme includes a desktop background, a screen saver, a window border color, sounds, and sometimes icons and mouse pointers. You can choose from several Aero themes. Use the whole theme or create your own customized theme by changing the pictures, colors, and sounds individually. You can also find more themes online. For more information, see What is a theme? in Windows Help.

Components of a theme

AeroAero is the premium visual experience of this version of Windows. It features a transparent glass design with subtle window animations, a new Start menu, a new taskbar, and new window border colors. For more information, see What is the Aero desktop experience? in Windows Help.

Window border colors that are available with Aero

To learn how to change colors in Windows, see Change the colors on your computer in Windows Help. SoundsYou can change the sounds your computer makes when, for example, you receive email, start Windows, or shut down your computer. For more information, see Change computer sounds in Windows Help.Desktop backgroundThe desktop background, also called wallpaper, is a picture, color, or design on the desktop. It provides a backdrop to your open windows. You can choose one picture to be your desktop background or you can display a slide show of pictures. For more information, see Create a desktop background slide show, and Change your desktop background (wallpaper).

Some of the desktop background choices in WindowsScreen saverA screen saver is a picture or animation that appears on the screen when you haven't used the mouse or keyboard for a set period of time. You can choose from a variety of Windows screen savers. For more information, see Change screen saver in Windows Help.

Font sizeYou can make the text, icons, and other items on your screen larger by increasing the dots per inch (DPI) scale. You can also decrease the DPI scale to make text and other items on your screen smaller, to fit more on the screen. For more information, see Make the text on your screen larger or smaller in Windows Help.

User account pictureA user account picture helps identify your account on a computer. The picture is displayed on the Welcome screen and on the Start menu. You can change your user account picture to one of the pictures included with Windows, or you can use your own. For more information, see Choose a picture for your user account and Start menu in Windows Help.

Desktop gadgetsDesktop gadgets are customizable mini-programs that can display information, such as continuously updated headlines or a picture slide show, without having to open a new window. For more information, see Desktop gadgets: frequently asked questions and Customize desktop gadgets in Windows Help.

Gadgets on a desktop

TutorialsThe following step by step tutorials show you how to turn on and set some of the most commonly used accessibility options in Windows 7. The instructions show you how to use either the mouse or keyboard to navigate, select options, and change settings.

This information is presented in a side by side format so that you can see at a glance how to use the mouse, the keyboard, or a combination of both to set options.Use the computer without a display

Turn on Narrator 42Turn on Audio Descriptions43Turn off all unnecessary animations44How long should Windows notification dialog boxes stay open?45Make the computer easier to see

Choose a High Contrast theme46Turn on or off High Contrast when Left Alt+Left Shift+Print Screen is pressed47Turn on Narrator42Turn on Audio Descriptions43Change the size of text and icons48Turn on Magnifier49Adjust the color and transparency of the window borders50Fine tune display effects52Make the focus rectangle thicker53Set the thickness of the blinking cursor54Turn off all unnecessary animations44Remove background images66Use the computer without a mouse or keyboard

Use On-Screen Keyboard55Use Speech Recognition57Make the mouse easier to use

Change the color and size of mouse pointers58Turn on Mouse Keys60Activate a window by hovering over it with the mouse59Prevent windows from being automatically arranged when moved to the edge of the screen63Make the keyboard easier to use

Turn on Mouse Keys 60Turn on Sticky Keys67Turn on Toggle Keys69Turn on Filter Keys70Underline keyboard shortcuts and access keys 62Prevent windows from being automatically arranged when moved to the edge of the screen63Use text or visual alternatives for sounds

Turn on visual notifications for sounds64Turn on text captions for spoken dialog65Make it easier to focus on tasks

Turn on Narrator 42Remove background images 66Turn on Sticky Keys67Turn on Toggle Keys69Turn on Filter Keys70Turn off all unnecessary animations44Prevent windows from being automatically arranged when moved to the edge of the screen63

Tutorial: Open the Ease of Access Center

The Ease of Access Center is located in Ease of Access in Control Panel. You can open the Ease of Access Center using either the mouse or keyboard.

Mouse actionsKeyboard actions

1To open the Ease of Access Center, select:

Start

Control Panel

Ease of Access

Ease of Access CenterTo open the Ease of Access Center, press:

Windows logo key +U

Tutorial: Turn on Narrator

There are two ways to start Narrator:

Start Narrator from Quick Access to common tools for use in the current session, or

Turn on Narrator so that it starts automatically each time you log on.

Start Narrator for the current sessionMouse actionsKeyboard actions

1To open the Ease of Access Center, select: Start Control Panel Ease of Access Ease of Access CenterTo open the Ease of Access Center, press: Windows logo key +U

2Under Quick access to common tools, select: Start NarratorUnder Quick access to common tools, select: Start Narrator by pressing ALT+N

Turn on Narrator so that it starts automatically each time you log on to your computer


1Under Explore all settings, select:

Use the computer without a display, by pressing TAB, then ENTERUnder Explore all settings, select:

Use the computer without a display, by pressing TAB, then ENTER

2Under Hear text read aloud, select:

Turn on Narrator

Select OKUnder Hear text read aloud, select:

Turn on Narrator by pressing ALT+U

Select OK by pressing ALT+O

Tutorial: Turn on Audio Description

Set your computer to describe what's happening in videos by hearing an audio description (only available on some videos where video authors have provided this information).



Start

Control Panel

Ease of Access


Windows logo key +U


Use the computer without a displayUnder Explore all settings, select:

Use the computer without a display by pressing TAB, then ENTER

3Under Hear text read aloud, select:

Turn on Audio Description

Select OKUnder Hear text read aloud, select:

Turn on Audio Description by pressing ALT+I


Tutorial: Turn off all unnecessary animations

If you use your computer without a display, or prefer to block unnecessary animations, you can turn them off in programs that support this option.Mouse actionsKeyboard actions


Start

Control Panel

Ease of Access


Windows logo key +U




3Under Adjust time limits and flashing visuals, select: Turn off all unnecessary animations (when possible) Select OKUnder Adjust time limits and flashing visuals, select:

Turn off all unnecessary animations (when possible) by pressing ALT+W


Tutorial: How long should Windows notification dialog boxes stay open?

You can adjust the time limits and flashing visuals including how long notification dialog boxes stay open.



Start

Control Panel

Ease of Access


Windows logo key +U




3Under Adjust time limits and flashing visuals, select:

An interval from the list for How long should Windows notification dialog boxes stay open from 5 seconds to 5 minutes

Select OKUnder Adjust time limits and flashing visuals, select:

An interval for How long should Windows notification dialog boxes stay open from 5 seconds to 5 minutes by pressing ALT+X and the arrow keys


Tutorial: Choose a High Contrast theme

High Contrast heightens the color contrast of some text and images on your computer screen, making those items more distinct and easier to identify. Increasing the contrast in colors reduces eyestrain and makes things easier to read for many people.Mouse actionsKeyboard actions


Start

Control Panel

Ease of Access


Windows logo key +U


Make the computer easier to seeUnder Explore all settings, select:

Make the computer easier to see by using TAB, then ENTER

3Under High Contrast, select:

Choose a High Contrast themeUnder High Contrast, select:

Choose a High Contrast theme by pressing ALT+R

4On the Change the visuals and sounds on your computer screen, under Basic and High Contrast Themes, select:

A High Contrast themeOn the Change the visuals and sounds on your computer screen, under Basic and High Contrast Themes, select:

A High Contrast theme by pressing the arrow keys, then ENTER

Close the dialog box by pressing CTRL+W

Tutorial: Turn on or off High Contrast when Left Alt+Left Shift+Print Screen is pressed

This option allows you to toggle a high-contrast theme on or off by pressing the Left Alt+Left Shift+Print Screen keys.



Start

Control Panel

Ease of Access


Windows logo key +U



Make the computer easier to see by using TAB, then ENTER

3Under High Contrast, to use the shortcut to turn High Contrast on or off, select:

Turn on High Contrast when left ALT + left SHIFT + PRINT SCREEN is pressed Select OKUnder High Contrast, to use the shortcut to turn High Contrast on or off, select:

Turn on High Contrast when left ALT + left SHIFT + PRINT SCREEN is pressed by pressing ALT+L.


Tutorial: Change the size of text and icons

Now you can make things larger and easier to see without losing graphic quality. You can change the text size by choosing high DPI (dots per inch). Machines should be configured to use native resolution, thus providing the highest resolution and monitor quality.

Now, users can change resolution on a per user basis, so if you share a machine with your spouse, and both of you have different resolution preferences, you can set up your computer such that each user has their preferred resolution settings applied.



Start

Control Panel

Ease of Access


Windows logo key +U



Make the computer easier to see by pressing TAB, then ENTER

3Under Make things on the screen larger, select:

Change the size of text and iconsUnder Make things on the screen larger, select:

Change the size of text and icons by pressing ALT+Z

4Select the size you want (from the available options):

Smaller - 100% (default) Medium - 125% Larger 150%

Select ApplySelect the size you want (from the available options):

Smaller - 100% (default) by pressing ALT+S

Medium - 125% by pressing ALT+M

Larger 150% by pressing ALT+L Select Apply by pressing ALT+A

Note: This option requires administrator privileges on your computer. If you are authorized to change settings, when the User Account Control dialog box appears, select Continue (ALT+C).

Tutorial: Turn on Magnifier

There are two ways to start Magnifier:

Start Magnifier from Quick Access to common tools for use in the current session, or

Turn on Magnifier so that it automatically starts each time you log on.

Start Magnifier for the current session



Start

Control Panel

Ease of Access


Windows logo key +U

2Under Quick access to common tools, select:

Start MagnifierUnder Quick access to common tools, select:

Start Magnifier by pressing ALT+G

Turn on Magnifier so that it starts automatically each time you log on to your computer




Make the computer easier to see, by pressing TAB, then ENTER

2Under Make things on the screen larger, select:

Turn on Magnifier Select OKUnder Make things on the screen larger, select:

Turn on Magnifier by pressing ALT+N Select OK by pressing ALT+O

Tutorial: Adjust the color and transparency of the window borders

You can change the color of windows, the Start menu, and the taskbar. Pick a color or make your own.



Start

Control Panel

Ease of Access


Windows logo key +U




3Under Make things on the screen easier to see, select:

Adjust the color and transparency of the window bordersNote: If the Adjust the color and transparency of the window borders link is not active, your computer does not support this setting.Under Make things on the screen easier to see, select:

Adjust the color and transparency of the window borders, by pressing ALT+JNote: If the Adjust the color and transparency of the window borders link is not active, your computer does not support this setting.

4Under Change the color of your window borders, Start menu, and taskbar, select:

A color scheme from the available options

Enable transparency to apply that effect

Adjust Transparency by moving the slider to the desired levelUnder Change the color of your window borders, Start menu, and taskbar, select:

A color scheme from the available options by pressing TAB and the arrow keys

Enable transparency to apply that effect by pressing ALT+N

Adjust Transparency by moving the slider to the desired level by pressing ALT+I, then the arrow keys

5If you want to adjust hue, saturation, and brightness, select:

Show color mixer, and move the sliders to the desired levels

Select the Save changes buttonIf you want to adjust hue, saturation, and brightness, select:

Show color mixer, by pressing ALT+X

Move the sliders to the desired levels by pressing TAB to select, and then the arrow keys

Select the Save changes button by pressing TAB, then ENTER

Tutorial: Fine tune display effects

You can change the visual appearance of windows, the Start menu, and the taskbar, and you can fine tune effects such as how the edges of screen fonts are smoothed, show shadows under menus and the contents of windows while dragging.



Start

Control Panel

Ease of Access


Windows logo key +U

2Under Explore all settings:

Select Make the computer easier to seeUnder Explore all settings, select:



Fine tune display effectsUnder Make things on the screen easier to see, select:

Fine tune display effects, by pressing ALT+C

Tutorial: Make the focus rectangle thicker

You can change the size of the focus rectangle to make it easier to see which item on screen has focus.



Start

Control Panel

Ease of Access


Windows logo key +U





Make the focus rectangle thicker Select OKUnder Make things on the screen easier to see select:

Make the focus rectangle thicker by pressing ALT+K


Tutorial: Set the thickness of the blinking cursor

You can set the thickness of the blinking cursor to make it easier to see where your cursor is located on screen.



Start

Control Panel

Ease of Access


Windows logo key +U





A number from 1 to 20 from the drop-down list to Set the thickness of the blinking cursor

Note: You can preview your selection in the Preview box.

Select OKUnder Make things on the screen easier to see, select:

A number from 1 to 20 from the drop-down list to Set the thickness of the blinking cursor by pressing ALT+B, and then the arrow keys

Note: You can preview your selection in the Preview box.


Tutorial: Use On-Screen Keyboard

There are two ways to start On-Screen Keyboard:

Start On-Screen Keyboard from Quick Access to common tools for use in the current session, or

Turn on On-Screen Keyboard so that it automatically starts each time you log on.

Start On-Screen Keyboard for the current session



Start

Control Panel

Ease of Access


Windows logo key +U

2Under Quick access to common tools, select:

Start On-Screen KeyboardUnder Quick access to common tools, select:

Start On-Screen Keyboard by pressing ALT+K

Turn on On-Screen Keyboard so that it starts automatically each time you log on to your computer



Use the computer without a mouse or keyboardUnder Explore all settings, select:

Use the computer without a mouse or keyboard by pressing TAB, then ENTER

2Under Type using a pointing device, select:

Use On-Screen Keyboard Select OKUnder Type using a pointing device, select:

Use On-Screen Keyboard by pressing ALT+K


Tutorial: Use Speech Recognition

Speech Recognition allows you to control your computer by voice. Using only your voice, you can start programs, open menus, click buttons and other objects on the screen, dictate text into documents, and write and send e-mails. Just about everything you do with your keyboard and mouse can be done with only your voice.

This tutorial shows you how to Start Speech Recognition the first time you use Speech Recognition, and to set it to turn on each time you log on.


1On the Start menu, select:

Control Panel

Ease of Access

Speech RecognitionDisplay the Start menu by pressing the Windows logo key, then select.

Control Panel by pressing the arrow keys, then ENTER

Ease of Access by pressing the arrow keys, then ENTER

Speech Recognition by pressing the arrow keys, then ENTER

2In Configure your Speech Recognition experience, select:

Start Speech RecognitionThe first time you select Start Speech Recognition you'll be taken through setting up your microphone and the Speech Tutorial. You'll also be given the option to set Speech Recognition to start each time you log on to your computer.In Configure your Speech Recognition experience, select:

Start Speech Recognition by pressing ALT+SThe first time you select Start Speech Recognition you'll be taken through setting up your microphone and the Speech Tutorial. You'll also be given the option to set Speech Recognition to start each time you log on to your computer.

Tutorial: Change the color and size of mouse pointers

You can choose a mouse pointer scheme to increase visibility of the mouse pointer on your screen.



Start

Control Panel

Ease of Access


Windows logo key +U


Make the mouse easier to useUnder Explore all settings, select:

Make the mouse easier to use by pressing TAB, then ENTER

3Under Mouse pointers:

Select a cursor and pointer combination

Select OKUnder Mouse pointers, select a cursor/pointer combination by pressing:

ALT+R for Regular White

ALT+U for Regular Black

ALT+G for Regular Inverting

ALT+L for Large White

ALT+B for Large Black

ALT+I for Large Inverting

ALT+X for Extra Large White

ALT+K for Extra Large Black

ALT+N for Extra Large Inverting Select OK by pressing ALT+O

Tutorial: Activate a window by hovering over it with the mouse

You can make it easier to switch between windows by choosing to activate windows by hovering over them with the mouse pointer, rather than clicking the mouse button.



Start

Control Panel

Ease of Access


Windows logo key +U




3Under Make it easier to manage windows, select:

Activate a window by hovering over it with the mouse

Select OKUnder Make it easier to manage windows, select:

Activate a window by hovering over it with the mouse by pressing ALT+W


Tutorial: Turn on Mouse Keys

Instead of using the mouse, you can use the arrow keys on your keyboard or the numeric keypad to move the mouse.



Start

Control Panel

Ease of Access


Windows logo key +U




3Under Control the mouse with the keyboard, select:

Turn on Mouse KeysUnder Control the mouse with the keyboard, select:

Turn on Mouse Keys by pressing ALT+M

To set up Mouse Keys


4Under Control the mouse with the keyboard, select:

Set up Mouse KeysUnder Control the mouse with the keyboard, select:

Set up Mouse Keys by pressing ALT+Y

5Under Set up Mouse Keys select:

Turn on Mouse KeysThen, select from the following setting options:Under Set up Mouse Keys select:

Turn on Mouse Keys by pressing ALT+M

Then, select from the following setting options:

6Under Keyboard shortcut:

Turn on Mouse Keys with left ALT + left SHIFT + NUMLOCK if you want to turn Mouse Keys on and off by using this shortcut

Display a warning message when turning a setting on if you want a visual alert when Mouse Keys is turned on or off

Make a sound when turning a setting on or off if you want an audio alert when Mouse Keys is turned on or offUnder Keyboard shortcut:

Turn on Mouse Keys with left ALT + left SHIFT + NUMLOCK if you want to turn Mouse Keys on and off by using this shortcut, by pressing ALT+K

Display a warning message when turning a setting on if you want a visual alert when Mouse Keys is turned on or off, by pressing ALT+A

Make a sound when turning a setting on or off if you want an audio alert when Mouse Keys is turned on or off, by pressing ALT+U

7Under Pointer speed:

Top Speed of the pointer by moving the slider bar to the left (for low), or to the right (for high)

Acceleration of the mouse pointer by moving the slider bar to the left (for slow), or the right (for fast)

Hold down CTRL to speed up and SHIFT to slow down if you want to use the CTRL and SHIFT keys to control the pointer speedUnder Pointer speed:

Top Speed of the pointer by moving the slider bar to the left (for low), or to the right (for high), by pressing TAB to select the bar, then the arrow keys

Acceleration of the mouse pointer by moving the slider bar to the left (for slow), or the right (for fast), by pressing TAB to select the bar, then the arrow keys

Hold down CTRL to speed up and SHIFT to slow down if you want to use the CTRL and SHIFT keys to control the pointer speed, by pressing ALT+W

8Under Other settings, select: To use Mouse Keys when NUM LOCK is On, or Off Display the Mouse Keys icon on the taskbar if you want a visual reminder when Mouse Keys is turned on

Select OKUnder Other settings:

To use Mouse Keys when NUM LOCK is On, press ALT+N

Display the Mouse Keys icon on the taskbar if you want a visual reminder when Mouse Keys is turned on, by pressing ALT+Y


Tutorial: Underline keyboard shortcuts and access keys

By pressing keys that correspond to the underlined letters in menus, commands, or dialog box options, you can quickly select options using the keyboard, rather than the mouse. If they are not already showing, you can choose to show underlined letters for keyboard navigation and input indicators (the dotted rectangles around objects) to navigate in Windows, generally with the ALT, TAB or arrow keys.



Start

Control Panel

Ease of Access


Windows logo key +U


Make the keyboard easier to useUnder Explore all settings, select:

Make the keyboard easier to use by pressing TAB, then ENTER

3Under Make it easier to use keyboard shortcuts, select:

Underline keyboard shortcuts and access keys

Select OKUnder Make it easier to use keyboard shortcuts, select:

Underline keyboard shortcuts and access keys, by pressing ALT+N


Tutorial: Prevent windows from being automatically arranged when moved to the edge of the screen

This option prevents windows from automatically resizing and docking along the sides of your screen when you move them there.



Start

Control Panel

Ease of Access


Windows logo key +U




3Under Make it easier to manage windows, select:

Prevent windows from being automatically arranged when moved to the edge of the screenUnder Make it easier to manage windows, select:

Prevent windows from being automatically arranged when moved to the edge of the screen by pressing TAB, then Spacebar

4To save your selection:

Select OKTo save your selection:

Press ALT+O

Tutorial: Turn on visual notifications for sounds

This option sets sound notifications to run when you log on to Windows. Sound notifications replace system sounds with visual cues, such as a flash on the screen, so that system alerts are noticeable even when theyre not heard. You can also choose how you want sound notifications to warn you.



Start

Control Panel

Ease of Access


Windows logo key +U


Use text or visual alternatives for soundsUnder Explore all settings, select:

Use text or visual alternatives for sounds by pressing TAB, then ENTER

3Under Use visual cues instead of sounds, select:

Turn on visual notifications for sounds (Sound Sentry)Under Use visual cues instead of sounds, select:

Turn on visual notifications for sounds (Sound Sentry) by pressing ALT+R

4Under Choose visual warning, select one of the following options:

None

Flash active caption bar Flash active window Flash desktop Select OKUnder Choose visual warning, select one of the following options:

None by pressing ALT+N

Flash active caption bar by pressing ALT+B

Flash active window by pressing ALT+W

Flash desktop by pressing ALT+K


Tutorial: Turn on text captions for spoken dialog

This option causes Windows to display text captions in place of sounds to indicate that activity is happening on your computer (for example, when a document starts or finishes printing.)



Start

Control Panel

Ease of Access


Windows logo key +U


Use text or visual alternatives for soundsUnder Explore all settings, select:

Use text or visual alternatives for sounds by pressing TAB, then ENTER

3Under Use visual cues instead of sounds select:

Turn on text captions for spoken dialog (when available) Select OKUnder Use visual cues instead of sounds, select:

Turn on text captions for spoken dialog (when available) by pressing ALT+U


Tutorial: Remove background images

If you find background images make your screen difficult to see, or if they are otherwise bothersome or undesirable, you can remove them (where available).



Start

Control Panel

Ease of Access


Windows logo key +U





Remove background images (where available) Select OKUnder Make things on the screen easier to see, select:

Remove background images (where available) by pressing ALT+G


Tutorial: Turn on Sticky Keys

Instead of having to press three keys at once (such as when you must press the CTRL, ALT, and DELETE keys together to log on to Windows), you can press one key at a time by turning on Sticky Keys. Then, you can press a modifier key (such as CTRL) and have it remain active until another key is pressed.



Start

Control Panel

Ease of Access


Windows logo key +U

2Under Explore all settings select:



3Under Make it easier to type, select:

Turn on Sticky KeysUnder Make it easier to type, select:

Turn on Sticky Keys by pressing ALT+R

To set up Sticky Keys


1Then, select:

Set up Sticky KeysThen, select:

Set up Sticky Keys by pressing TAB, then ENTER

2In Set up Sticky Keys select:

Turn on Sticky KeysIn Set up Sticky Keys select:

Turn on Sticky Keys by pressing ALT+R

3Under Keyboard shortcut, select:

Turn on Sticky Keys when SHIFT is pressed five times if you want to use the shortcut to turn Sticky Keys on and offUnder Keyboard shortcut, select:

Turn on Sticky Keys when SHIFT is pressed five times by pressing ALT+K, if you want to use the shortcut to turn Sticky Keys on and off

4Under When using keyboard shortcuts to turn Ease of Access settings on select from these options:

Display a warning message when turning a setting on Make a sound when turning a setting on or offUnder When using keyboard shortcuts to turn Ease of Access settings on choose from these options:

Display a warning message when turning a setting on by pressing ALT+A

Make a sound when turning a setting on or off by pressing ALT+M

5Under Options and Feedback you can choose to:

Lock modifier keys when pressed twice in a row Turn off Sticky Keys when two keys are pressed at once Play a sound when keys are pressed Display the Sticky Keys icon on the task barUnder Options and Feedback you can choose to:

Lock modifier keys when pressed twice in a row by pressing ALT+L

Turn off Sticky Keys when two keys are pressed at once by pressing ALT+U Play a sound when keys are pressed by pressing ALT+Y

Display the Sticky Keys icon on the task bar by pressing ALT+I

6 Select OK Select OK by pressing ALT+O

Tutorial: Turn on Toggle Keys

Toggle Keys can play an alert each time you press the Caps Lock, Num Lock, or Scroll Lock keys. These alerts can help prevent the frustration of inadvertently pressing a key and not realizing it.



Start

Control Panel

Ease of Access


Windows logo key +U




3Under Make it easier to type select:

Turn on Toggle Keys Turn on Toggle Keys by holding down the NUM LOCK key for 5 seconds if you want to use the shortcut to turn Toggle Keys on and off

Select OKUnder Make it easier to type, select:

Turn on Toggle Keys by pressing ALT+K

Turn on Toggle Keys by holding down the NUM LOCK key for 5 seconds if you want to use the shortcut to turn Toggle Keys on and off, by pressing ALT+5


Tutorial: Turn on Filter Keys

You can set Windows to ignore keystrokes that occur in rapid succession, or keystrokes that are held down for several seconds unintentionally.



Start

Control Panel Ease of Access


Windows logo key +U





Turn on Filter KeysUnder Make it easier to type, select:

Turn on Filter Keys by pressing ALT+I

Set up Filter Keys



Set up Filter KeysUnder Make it easier to type, select:

Set up Filter Keys by pressing ALT+L

2In Set up Filter Keys, be sure Turn on Filter Keys is selected, then select from the following options:

Turn on Filter Keys when right SHIFT is pressed for 8 seconds if you want to use the shortcut key to turn Filter Keys on and off

Display a warning message when turning a setting on if you want to see a visual message when turning Filter Keys on and off

Make a sound when turning a setting on and off if you want an audible message when turning Filter Keys on and off

Beep when keys are pressed or accepted if you want to hear a beep when keystrokes are accepted

Display the Filter Keys icon on the taskbar if you want a visual reminder that Filter Keys is on.

Save to save your settings and close the dialog boxIn Set up Filter Keys, be sure Turn on Filter Keys is selected (if not, press ALT+I), then select from the following options:

Turn on Filter Keys when right SHIFT is pressed for 8 seconds by pressing ALT+K, if you want to use the shortcut key to turn Filter Keys on and off

Display a warning message when turning a setting on by pressing ALT+A, if you want to see a visual message when turning Filter Keys on and off

Make a sound when turning a setting on and off by pressing ALT+M, if you want an audible message when turning Filter Keys on and off

Beep when keys are pressed or accepted by pressing ALT+W, if you want to hear a beep when keystrokes are accepted

Display the Filter Keys icon on the taskbar by pressing ALT+Y, if you want a visual reminder that Filter Keys is on

3Under Type text here to test settings:

Test your settings by typing within the box before saving your settingsMove to:

Type text here to test settings, by pressing ALT+N

Test your settings by typing within the box before saving your settings

4Save your settings and close the dialog box.

Select OKSave your settings and close the dialog box.

Select OK by pressing TAB, then ENTER

Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts are combinations of two or more keys that, when pressed, can be used to perform a task that would typically require a mouse or other pointing device. Keyboard shortcuts can make it easier to interact with your computer, saving you time and effort as you work with Windows and other programs.

Most programs also provide accelerator keys that can make it easier to work with menus and other commands. Check the menus of programs for accelerator keys. If a letter is underlined in a menu it usually means that pressing the Alt key in combination with the underlined key will have the same effect as clicking that menu item.

Pressing the Alt key in some programs, such as Paint and WordPad, shows commands that are labeled with additional keys that you can press to use them.

You can also create new keyboard shortcuts to open programs. For more information, see Create keyboard shortcuts to open programs.A complete list of keyboard shortcuts is available in Windows Help, and following: Ease of Access keyboard shortcuts 73General keyboard shortcuts73Dialog box keyboard shortcuts75Windows logo key keyboard shortcuts76Windows Explorer keyboard shortcuts77Taskbar Keyboard shortcuts78Magnifier keyboard shortcuts79Remote Desktop Connection keyboard shortcuts79Paint keyboard shortcuts80WordPad keyboard shortcuts81Calculator keyboard shortcuts83Windows Journal keyboard shortcuts86Windows Help viewer keyboard shortcuts87Create keyboard shortcuts to open programs87

Ease of Access keyboard shortcuts

The following table contains keyboard shortcuts that can help make your computer easier to use.Press this keyTo do this

Right Shift for eight secondsTurn Filter Keys on and off

Left Alt+Left Shift+PrtScn (or PrtScn)Turn High Contrast on or off

Left Alt+Left Shift+Num LockTurn Mouse Keys on or off

Shift five timesTurn Sticky Keys on or off

Num Lock for five secondsTurn Toggle Keys on or off

Windows logo key +UOpen the Ease of Access Center

General keyboard shortcuts

The following table contains general keyboard shortcuts.Press this keyTo do this

F1Display Help

Ctrl+CCopy the selected item

Ctrl+XCut the selected item

Ctrl+VPaste the selected item

Ctrl+ZUndo an action

Ctrl+YRedo an action

Delete (or Ctrl+D)Delete the selected item and move it to the Recycle Bin

Shift+DeleteDelete the selected item without moving it to the Recycle Bin first

F2Rename the selected item

Ctrl+Right ArrowMove the cursor to the beginning of the next word

Ctrl+Left ArrowMove the cursor to the beginning of the previous word

Ctrl+Down ArrowMove the cursor to the beginning of the next paragraph

Ctrl+Up ArrowMove the cursor to the beginning of the previous paragraph

Ctrl+Shift with an arrow keySelect a block of text

Shift with any arrow keySelect more than one item in a window or on the desktop, or select text within a document

Ctrl with any arrow key+SpacebarSelect multiple individual items in a window or on the desktop

Ctrl+ASelect all items in a document or window

F3Search for a file or folder

Alt+EnterDisplay properties for the selected item

Alt+F4Close the active item, or exit the active program

Alt+SpacebarOpen the shortcut menu for the active window

Ctrl+F4Close the active document (in programs that allow you to have multiple documents open simultaneously)

Alt+TabSwitch between open items

Ctrl+Alt+TabUse the arrow keys to switch between open items

Ctrl+Mouse scroll wheelChange the size of icons on the desktop

Windows logo key +TabCycle through programs on the taskbar by using Aero Flip 3-D

Ctrl+Windows logo key +TabUse the arrow keys to cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Aero Flip 3-D

Alt+EscCycle through items in the order in which they were opened

F6Cycle through screen elements in a window or on the desktop

F4Display the address bar list in Windows Explorer

Shift+F10Display the shortcut menu for the selected item

Ctrl+EscOpen the Start menu

Alt+underlined letterDisplay the corresponding menu

Alt+underlined letterPerform the menu command (or other underlined command)

F10Activate the menu bar in the active program

Right ArrowOpen the next menu to the right, or open a submenu

Left ArrowOpen the next menu to the left, or close a submenu

F5Refresh the active window

Alt+Up ArrowView the folder one level up in Windows Explorer

EscCancel the current task

Ctrl+Shift+EscOpen Task Manager

Shift when you insert a CDPrevent the CD from automatically playing

Left Alt+ShiftSwitch the input language when multiple input languages are enabled

Ctrl+ShiftSwitch the keyboard layout when multiple keyboard layouts are enabled

Right or Left Ctrl+ShiftChange the reading direction of text in right-to-left reading languages

Dialog box keyboard shortcuts

The following table contains keyboard shortcuts for use in dialog boxes.Press this keyTo do this

Ctrl+TabMove forward through tabs

Ctrl+Shift+TabMove back through tabs

TabMove forward through options

Shift+TabMove back through options

Alt+underlined letterPerform the command (or select the option) that goes with that letter

EnterReplaces clicking the mouse for many selected commands

SpacebarSelect or clear the check box if the active option is a check box

Arrow keysSelect a button if the active option is a group of option buttons

F1Display Help

F4Display the items in the active list

BackspaceOpen a folder one level up if a folder is selected in the Save As or Open dialog box

Windows logo key keyboard shortcuts

The following table contains keyboard shortcuts that use the Windows logo key .Press this keyTo do this

Windows logo key Open or close the Start menu.

Windows logo key +PauseDisplay the System Properties dialog box.

Windows logo key +DDisplay the desktop.

Windows logo key +MMinimize all windows.

Windows logo key +Shift+MRestore minimized windows to the desktop.

Windows logo key +EOpen Computer.

Windows logo key +FSearch for a file or folder.

Ctrl+Windows logo key +FSearch for computers (if you're on a network).

Windows logo key +LLock your computer or switch users.

Windows logo key +ROpen the Run dialog box.

Windows logo key +TCycle through programs on the taskbar.

Windows logo key +numberStart the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number. If the program is already running, switch to that program.

Shift+Windows logo key +numberStart a new instance of the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.

Ctrl+Windows logo key +numberSwitch to the last active window of the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.

Alt+Windows logo key +numberOpen the Jump List for the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.

Windows logo key +TabCycle through programs on the taskbar by using Aero Flip 3-D.

Ctrl+Windows logo key +TabUse the arrow keys to cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Aero Flip 3-D.

Ctrl+Windows logo key +BSwitch to the program that displayed a message in the notification area.

Windows logo key +SpacebarPreview the desktop.

Windows logo key +Up ArrowMaximize the window.

Windows logo key +Left ArrowMaximize the window to the left side of the screen.

Windows logo key +Right ArrowMaximize the window to the right side of the screen.

Windows logo key +Down ArrowMinimize the window.

Windows logo key +HomeMinimize all but the active window.

Windows logo key +Shift+Up ArrowStretch the window to the top and bottom of the screen.

Windows logo key +Shift+Left Arrow or Right ArrowMove a window from one monitor to another.

Windows logo key +PChoose a presentation display mode.

Windows logo key +GCycle through gadgets.

Windows logo key +UOpen Ease of Access Center.

Windows logo key +XOpen Windows Mobility Center.

Windows Explorer keyboard shortcuts

The following table contains keyboard shortcuts for working with Windows Explorer windows or folders.Press this keyTo do this

Ctrl+NOpen a new window

Ctrl+WClose the current window

Ctrl+Shift+NCreate a new folder

EndDisplay the bottom of the active window

HomeDisplay the top of the active window

F11Maximize or minimize the active window

Ctrl+Period (.)Rotate a picture clockwise

Ctrl+Comma (,)Rotate a picture counterclockwise

Num Lock+Asterisk (*) on numeric keypadDisplay all subfolders under the selected folder

Num Lock+Plus Sign (+) on numeric keypadDisplay the contents of the selected folder

Num Lock+Minus Sign (-) on numeric keypadCollapse the selected folder

Left ArrowCollapse the current selection (if it's expanded), or select the parent folder

Alt+EnterOpen the Properties dialog box for the selected item

Alt+PDisplay the preview pane

Alt+Left ArrowView the previous folder

Right ArrowDisplay the current selection (if it's collapsed), or select the first subfolder

Alt+Right ArrowView the next folder

Alt+Up ArrowView the parent folder

Ctrl+Mouse scroll wheelChange the size and appearance of file and folder icons

Alt+DSelect the address bar

Ctrl+ESelect the search box

Ctrl+FSelect the search box

Taskbar keyboard shortcuts

The following table contains keyboard shortcuts for working with items on the taskbar.Press this keyTo do this

Shift+Click on a taskbar buttonOpen a program or quickly open another instance of a program

Ctrl+Shift+Click on a taskbar buttonOpen a program as an administrator

Shift+Right-click on a taskbar buttonShow the window menu for the program

Shift+Right-click on a grouped taskbar buttonShow the window menu for the group

Ctrl+Click on a grouped taskbar buttonCycle through the windows of the group

Magnifier keyboard shortcuts

The following table contains keyboard shortcuts for working with Magnifier.Press this keyTo do this

Windows logo key + Plus Sign or Minus SignZoom in or out

Ctrl+Alt+SpacebarPreview the desktop in full-screen mode

Ctrl+Alt+FSwitch to full-screen mode

Ctrl+Alt+LSwitch to lens mode

Ctrl+Alt+DSwitch to docked mode

Ctrl+Alt+IInvert colors

Ctrl+Alt+arrow keysPan in the direction of the arrow keys

Ctrl+Alt+RResize the lens

Windows logo key + EscExit Magnifier

Remote Desktop Connection keyboard shortcuts

The following table contains keyboard shortcuts for working with Remote Desktop Connection.Press this keyTo do this

Alt+Page UpMove between programs from left to right.

Alt+Page DownMove between programs from right to left.

Alt+InsertCycle through programs in the order that they were started in.

Alt+HomeDisplay the Start menu.

Ctrl+Alt+BreakSwitch between a window and full screen.

Ctrl+Alt+EndDisplay the Windows Security dialog box.

Alt+DeleteDisplay the system menu.

Ctrl+Alt+Minus Sign (-) on the numeric keypadPlace a copy of the active window, within the client, on the Terminal server clipboard (provides the same functionality as pressing Alt+PrtScn on a local computer).

Ctrl+Alt+Plus Sign (+) on the numeric keypadPlace a copy of the entire client window area on the Terminal server clipboard (provides the same functionality as pressing PrtScn on a local computer).

Ctrl+Alt+Right ArrowTab out of the Remote Desktop controls to a control in the host program (for example, a button or a text box). Useful when the Remote Desktop controls are embedded in another (host) program.

Ctrl+Alt+Left ArrowTab out of the Remote Desktop controls to a control in the host program (for example, a button o

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