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Published by Microsoft CorporationTrustworthy Computing, Accessibility GroupOne Microsoft WayRedmond, Washington 98052-6399
Copyright 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. Forpermissions, visit www.microsoft.com.
Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Findfurther information onMicrosoft Trademarks (http://www.microsoft.com/library/toolbar/3.0/trademarks/en-us.mspx).
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Aero .................................................................................................................... 36
Sounds ................................................................................................................ 37
Desktop Background .............................................................................................. 37
Screen Saver ........................................................................................................ 37
Font Size .............................................................................................................. 37
User Account Picture .............................................................................................. 37
Desktop Gadgets................................................................................................... 38
Tutorials ................................................................................................................ 39
These tutorials provide both keyboard and mouse steps to help you set up your computerand start using the accessibility features in Windows 7.
Keyboard Shortcuts ............................................................................................... 72
Get the complete list of keyboard shortcuts for Windows 7. Keyboard shortcuts can make iteasier to interact with your computer, saving you time and effort as you work with Windowsand other programs.
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Make Your Computer Easier to Use (Ease ofAccess Center)The Ease of Access Centeris a central location where you can turn on and set up
accessibility settings and programs available in Windows. You can adjust settings that makeit 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
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The Ease of Access Center is available through a Control Panel icon, and can be opened by
selecting the Startbutton , 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 settings
Quick access to common tools
Start Narrator, Magnifier, On-Screen Keyboard, and High Contrast quickly from Quick
access to common toolsin 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 settingscategories.
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 Settings
Instead 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 display ................................................................................ 7
Make the computer easier to see .................................................................................... 9
Use the computer without a mouse or keyboard .............................................................. 11
Make the mouse easier to use ....................................................................................... 13
Make the keyboard easier to use.................................................................................... 15
Use text or visual alternatives to sounds ......................................................................... 17
Make it easier to focus on tasks................................................................................ 19
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Use the computer without a display
Windows has many features that enable you to use your computer without a display. Forexample, 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 pagein the Ease of Access Center, then select the options that youwant 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 errormessages appearing) that happen while you're using the computer.More onNarrator.
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
longnotifications are displayed on the screen before they are closed.
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Figure 2: Ease of Access Center: Use the computer without a display
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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 onthe screen, and hear on-screen text read aloud.
You can adjust many of these settings on the Make the computer easier to seepage inthe Ease of Access Center. For information about other settings, seeGetting the bestdisplay 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 LeftAlt+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,
seeMake 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 andcan be especially useful for viewing objects that are difficult to see. For more
information about using Magnifier, seeMake items on the screen appear bigger(Magnifier).
Adjust the color and transparency of the window borders.This option allows you tochange 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.
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Figure 3: Ease of Access Center: Make the computer easier to see
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Use 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) andOn-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 amouse or keyboardpage in the Ease of Access Center.
Open the Ease of Access Center,then select the options that you want to use:
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-ScreenKeyboard, seeType 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 andrespond to, as well as dictate text. For more information about setting up Speech
Recognition, seeSet up Speech Recognition.
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Figure 4: Ease of Access Center: Use the computer without a mouse or keyboard
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Make 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 usepage in the Ease of
Access Center.
Open the Ease of Access Center,then select the options that you want to use:
Change the color and size of mouse pointers.You can use these options to make themouse 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 alongthe sides of your screen when you move them there.
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Figure 5: Ease of Access Center: Make the mouse easier to use
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Make 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 usepage in the Ease
of Access Center.
Open the Ease of Access Center,then select the options that you want to use:
Turn on Mouse Keys.This option sets Mouse Keys to run when you log on toWindows. Instead of using the mouse, you can use the arrow keys on your keyboardor the numeric keypad to move the pointer.
Turn on Sticky Keys.This option sets Sticky Keys to run when you log on toWindows. Instead of having to press three keys at once (such as when you mustpress 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 amodifier 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 ofinadvertently 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, seeKeyboard shortcutsin Windows Help.
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.
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Figure 6: Ease of Access Center: Make the keyboard easier to use
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Use 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 soundspage inthe 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 visualcues, such as a flash on the screen, so that system alerts are noticeable even whenthey'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).
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Figure 7: Ease of Access Center: Use text or visual alternatives for sounds
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Make 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 andtyping
page in the Ease of Access Center.
Open 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 errormessages appearing) that happen while you're using the computer. For more
information about using Narrator, seeHear 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 mustpress 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 toWindows. Toggle Keys can play an alert each time you press the Caps Lock, NumLock, 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 longnotifications are displayed on the screen before they close.
Prevent windows from being automatically arranged when moved to the edge of thescreen.This option prevents windows from automatically resizing and docking along
the sides of your screen when you move them there.
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Figure 8: Ease of Access Center: Make it easier to focus on tasks
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Use Accessibility Tools
Windows 7 introduces significant improvements to
the Microsoft accessibility tools Magnifier, On-ScreenKeyboard, and Narrator.
In this section learn how to:
Make items on the screen appear bigger (Magnifier) ........................................... 22
Type without using a keyboard (On-Screen Keyboard) ....................................... 26
Hear text read aloud with Narrator ................................................................... 29
Use Speech Recognition .................................................................................. 34
View Online Video Demos
Magnifier
On-Screen Keyboard
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Make 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 screen
Note
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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 atheme other than an Aero theme,
Magnifier will only work in docked mode.
1. Open Magnifier by clicking the Startbutton, clicking All Programs, clicking
Accessories, clicking Ease of Access, and then clicking Magnifier.
2.
On the Viewsmenu, 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 clickingthe Viewsmenu, and then clicking Preview full screen.
For a list of keyboard shortcuts that you can use with Magnifier, seeKeyboard 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 toolbar
To choose where Magnifier focuses
1. Open Magnifier by clicking the Startbutton, clicking All Programs, clicking
Accessories, clicking Ease of Access, and then clicking Magnifier.2.
Click the Optionsbutton, and then select the option that you want:
Option Description
Follow the mouse pointer Displays 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 pointerapproaches or when the mouse pointer hits the edge of the
Magnifier window.
Follow the keyboard focus Displays the area around the pointer when you press the Tab
or arrow keys.Have Magnifier follow the
text insertion point
Displays the area around the text that you're typing.
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To change the zoom level
1. Open Magnifier by clicking the Startbutton, clicking All Programs, clickingAccessories, clicking Ease of Access, and then clicking Magnifier.
2. Do one of the following:
To Do this
Zoom in Click Zoom inor press the Windows logo key +Plus sign
Zoom out Click Zoom outor press the Windows logo key +Minus
sign
To set the zoom increment
The zoom increment determines how quickly Magnifier zooms in and out.
1.
Open Magnifier by clicking the Startbutton, clicking All Programs, clickingAccessories, clicking Ease of Access, and then clicking Magnifier.
2. Click the Optionsbutton, and then move the slider to adjust the zoom increment.
Moving the slider to the left causes Magnifier to zoom slower, with smaller changesbetween 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.
1. Open Magnifier by clicking the Startbutton, clicking All Programs, clicking
Accessories, clicking Ease of Access, and then clicking Magnifier.2. Click the Optionsbutton, and then, under Magnifier Lens Size, move the sliders to
adjust the size of the Magnifier lens. The lens size changes right away. Adjust thelevel 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.
1. Open Magnifier by clicking the Startbutton, clicking All Programs, clicking
Accessories, clicking Ease of Access, and then clicking Magnifier.
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2. Click the Optionsbutton, and then select the Turn on color inversioncheck box.
To display the Magnifier toolbar
1. Open Magnifier by clicking the Startbutton, clicking All Programs, clicking
Accessories, clicking Ease of Access, and then clicking Magnifier.2. Click the magnifying glass icon or click Magnifieron the taskbar.
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Type without using the keyboard (On-ScreenKeyboard)Instead of relying on the physical keyboard to type and enter data, you can use On-ScreenKeyboard. 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 orgroup 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 Keyboard
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To change how information is entered into On-Screen Keyboard
In On-Screen Keyboard:
1. Open On-Screen Keyboard by clicking the Startbutton, 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 mode Description
Click on keys In clicking mode, you click the on-screen keys to type
text.
Hover over keys In hovering mode, you use a mouse or joystick to point toa key for a predefined period of time, and the selectedcharacter is typed automatically.
Scan through keys In scanning mode, On-Screen Keyboard continually scansthe keyboard and highlights areas where you can typekeyboard characters by pressing a keyboard shortcut,
using a switch input device, or using a device thatsimulates 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 thetaskbar (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, themouse 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 Startbutton, clicking All Programs,
clicking Accessories, clicking Ease of Access, and then clicking On-Screen
Keyboard.2. Click Options, select the Use click soundcheck box, and then click OK.
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To use a numeric key pad in On-Screen Keyboard
You can use a numeric key pad to enter numbers with On-Screen Keyboard.
1. Open On-Screen Keyboard by clicking the Startbutton, clicking All Programs,
clicking Accessories, clicking Ease of Access, and then clicking On-Screen
Keyboard.2. Click Options, select the Turn on numeric key padcheck 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 wordsthat you might be typing.
1. Open On-Screen Keyboard by clicking the Startbutton, clicking All Programs,
clicking Accessories, clicking Ease of Access, and then clicking On-ScreenKeyboard.
2. Click Options, select the Use Text Predictioncheck 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 wordscheck 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 additionallanguage files for that language. For more information, seeInstall or change adisplay language in Help.
Text prediction isn't included in Windows 7 Home Basic.
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Hear text read aloud with NarratorWindows comes with a basic screen reader called Narrator, which reads text on the screenaloud and describes some events (such as an error message appearing) that happen whileyou'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
o To check for a sound card
o To determine if the sound card is working
o Text to speech frequently asked questions
Narrator is not available in all languages, so if the steps below dont work, Narrator is notavailable for your language.
1. Open Narrator by clicking the Startbutton, clicking All Programs, clickingAccessories, 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 shortcut To do this
Ctrl+Shift+Enter Get information about the current item
Ctrl+Shift+Spacebar Read the entire selected window
Ctrl+Alt+Spacebar Read the items that are selected in the current window
Insert+Ctrl+G Read a description of the items that appear next to thecurrently selected element
Ctrl Stop Narrator from reading text
Insert+Q Move 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 anon-bold word that precedes it.
Insert+W Move the cursor to the beginning of any text that follows
it that has different formatting. For example, the cursormoves from a bold word to the beginning of a non-bold
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Use this keyboard shortcut To do this
word that follows it.
Insert+E Move the cursor back to the beginning of any text thathas the same formatting. For example, the cursor moves
from the middle of a bold word to the beginning of that
word.Insert+R Move the cursor to the end of any text that has the same
formatting. For example, the cursor moves from themiddle of a bold word to the end of that word.
Insert+F2 Select all of the text that has the same formatting as the
character at the cursor
Insert+F3 Read the current character
Insert+F4 Read the current word
Insert+F5 Read the current line
Insert+F6 Read the current paragraph
Insert+F7 Read the current page
Insert+F8 Read 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 charactersyou want to add.
Choose which text Narrator reads aloud
1. Open Narrator by clicking the Startbutton, 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
1. Open Narrator by clicking the Startbutton, clicking All Programs, clicking
Accessories, clicking Ease of Access, and then clicking Narrator.
2. Click Voice Settings, and then make any of the following adjustments:
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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 Speedlist. The higher the number,
the faster the voice.
For a louder voice, select a number in the Set Volumelist. The higher the
number, the louder the voice. For a higher-pitched voice, select a number in the Set Pitchlist. The higher the
number, the higher the pitch. A higher-pitched voice can be easier for some
people to hear.
Start Narrator minimized
1. Open Narrator by clicking the Startbutton, clicking All Programs, clicking
Accessories, clicking Ease of Access, and then clicking Narrator.
2. Select the Start Narrator Minimizedcheck box.
The next time you start Narrator, it will appear as anicon on thetaskbar instead of beingopen on your screen.
To restore the Narrator dialog box to its full size, click Narratorin 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 websitewww.microsoft.com/enable.
Narrator doesn't read notifications or the contents of some folders.Narrator
can't readnotifications 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 withcollapsed headings, tab to the Show alllink at the top of the topic and press Enterto expand all the topics. Then press Ctrl+Shift+Spacebar to have Narrator read the
window again.
Note
Narrator is not available in all languages.
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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 thedrivers are updated.
To check for a sound card
1. Open Audio Devices and Sound Themes by clicking the Startbutton, clicking
Control Panel, clicking Hardware and Sound, and then clicking Sound.2. Your sound card is listed on the Playbacktab.
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 Managerby clicking the Startbutton, clicking Control Panel, clicking
Systems and Maintenance, and then clicking Device Manager.
If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type thepassword or provide confirmation.
2. If the sound card has a yellow question mark next to it, the sound card might not beworking. Try reinstalling the sound carddriver.For more information, seeUpdate a
driver for hardware that isn't working properly,in Help.3. If the sound card appears twice in the list, you might have aghost 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 readthe 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.
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Text to speech: frequently asked questions
Here are some answers to common questions about text-to-speech programs.
Note thatNarrator 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'tsee 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, seeHear text read aloud with Narratorin Windows
Help.
Can any computer read text aloud?
Nearly any computer can be set up to read text aloud. Make sure your computer has afunctioning sound card, and that you meet the basic requirements. For more
information, seeTroubleshoot 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 MicrosoftAccessibility websitewww.microsoft.com/enable.
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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 box
Once 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, seeSet 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 SpeechRecognition, seeCommon 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
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Speech Recognition to edit text on your computer. For more information about
dictating text, seeDictate text using Speech Recognition in Windows Help.
NoteSpeech Recognition is available only in English, French, Spanish, German, Japanese,
Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese.
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Personalize Your ComputerYou 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 theWindows website.
Themes
A 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 alsofind more themes online.For more information, see
What is a theme? in Windows Help.
Components of a theme
Aero
Aero 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, seeWhat is the Aero desktop experience? in
Windows Help.
Window border colors that are available with Aero
To learn how to change colors in Windows, seeChange the colors on your computerin
Windows Help.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/downloads/personalizehttp://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/downloads/personalize?T1=tab01http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/What-is-a-themehttp://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/What-is-the-Aero-desktop-experiencehttp://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Change-the-colors-on-your-computerhttp://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Change-the-colors-on-your-computerhttp://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Change-the-colors-on-your-computerhttp://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Change-the-colors-on-your-computerhttp://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/What-is-the-Aero-desktop-experiencehttp://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/What-is-a-themehttp://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/downloads/personalize?T1=tab01http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/downloads/personalize8/11/2019 Accessibility in Windows7
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Sounds
You can change the sounds your computer makes when, for example, you receive email,
start Windows, or shut down your computer. For more information, seeChange computer
sounds in Windows Help.
Desktop background
The 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,andChange your desktop background (wallpaper).
Some of the desktop background choices in Windows
Screen saver
A screen saver is a picture or animation that appears on the screen when you haven't usedthe mouse or keyboard for a set period of time. You can choose from a variety of Windows
screen savers. For more information, seeChange screen saver in Windows Help.
Font size
You 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, seeMake 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,
seeChoose a picture for your user account and Start menu in Windows Help.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Change-computer-soundshttp://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Change-computer-soundshttp://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Create-a-desktop-background-slide-showhttp://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Change-your-desktop-background-wallpaperhttp://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Change-screen-saverhttp://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Make-the-text-on-your-screen-larger-or-smallerhttp://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Make-the-text-on-your-screen-larger-or-smallerhttp://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Choose-a-picture-for-your-user-account-and-Start-menuhttp://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Choose-a-picture-for-your-user-account-and-Start-menuhttp://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Make-the-text-on-your-screen-larger-or-smallerhttp://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Make-the-text-on-your-screen-larger-or-smallerhttp://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Change-screen-saverhttp://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Change-your-desktop-background-wallpaperhttp://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Create-a-desktop-background-slide-showhttp://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Change-computer-soundshttp://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Change-computer-sounds8/11/2019 Accessibility in Windows7
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Desktop gadgets
Desktop 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, seeDesktop gadgets: frequently asked questions and
Customize desktop gadgets in Windows Help.
Gadgets on a desktop
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TutorialsThe following step by step tutorials show you how toturn on and set some of the most commonly used
accessibility options in Windows 7.
The instructions show you how to use either themouse or keyboard to navigate, select options, andchange settings.
This information is presented in a side by sideformat 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 .................................................................................................. 42
Turn on Audio Descriptions..................................................................................... 43Turn off all unnecessary animations ......................................................................... 44
How long should Windows notification dialog boxes stay open? ................................... 45
Make the computer easier to see
Choose a High Contrast theme ................................................................................ 46
Turn on or off High Contrast when Left Alt+Left Shift+Print Screen is pressed .............. 47
Turn on Narrator ................................................................................................... 42
Turn on Audio Descriptions..................................................................................... 43
Change the size of text and icons............................................................................ 48
Turn on Magnifier .................................................................................................. 49
Adjust the color and transparency of the window borders ........................................... 50
Fine tune display effects ......................................................................................... 52
Make the focus rectangle thicker ............................................................................. 53
Set the thickness of the blinking cursor .................................................................... 54
Turn off all unnecessary animations ......................................................................... 44
Remove background images ................................................................................... 66
Use the computer without a mouse or keyboard
Use On-Screen Keyboard ....................................................................................... 55
Use Speech Recognition ......................................................................................... 57
More Information
Microsoft Accessibility website
More Microsoft product tutorials Windows 7 Help and How-To
online
http://www.microsoft.com/enable/http://www.microsoft.com/enable/training/default.aspxhttp://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/helphttp://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/helphttp://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/helphttp://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/helphttp://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/helphttp://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/helphttp://www.microsoft.com/enable/training/default.aspxhttp://www.microsoft.com/enable/8/11/2019 Accessibility in Windows7
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Make the mouse easier to use
Change the color and size of mouse pointers ............................................................ 58
Turn on Mouse Keys .............................................................................................. 60
Activate a window by hovering over it with the mouse ............................................... 59
Prevent windows from being automatically arranged when moved to the edge of thescreen .................................................................................................................... 63
Make the keyboard easier to use
Turn on Mouse Keys ............................................................................................. 60
Turn on Sticky Keys ............................................................................................... 67
Turn on Toggle Keys.............................................................................................. 69
Turn on Filter Keys ................................................................................................ 70
Underline keyboard shortcuts and access keys ......................................................... 62
Prevent windows from being automatically arranged when moved to the edge of thescreen .................................................................................................................... 63
Use text or visual alternatives for sounds
Turn on visual notifications for sounds ..................................................................... 64
Turn on text captions for spoken dialog .................................................................... 65
Make it easier to focus on tasks
Turn on Narrator .................................................................................................. 42
Remove background images .................................................................................. 66
Turn on Sticky Keys ............................................................................................... 67
Turn on Toggle Keys.............................................................................................. 69
Turn on Filter Keys ................................................................................................ 70
Turn off all unnecessary animations ......................................................................... 44
Prevent windows from being automatically arranged when moved to the edge of thescreen .................................................................................................................... 63
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Tutorial: Open the Ease of Access Center
The Ease of Access Center is located in Ease of Access in Control Panel. You can open theEase of Access Center using either the mouse or keyboard.
Mouse actions Keyboard actions
1 To open the Ease of Access Center, select:
Start
Control Panel Ease of Access Ease of Access Center
To open the Ease of Access Center, press:
Windows logo key +U
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Tutorial: Turn on Narrator
There are two ways to start Narrator: Start Narratorfrom Quick Access to common toolsfor use in the current
session, or Turn on Narratorso that it starts automatically each time you log on.
Start Narrator for the current session
Mouse actions Keyboard actions
1 To open the Ease of Access Center, select:
Start Control Panel Ease of Access Ease of Access Center
To open the Ease of Access Center, press:
Windows logo key +U
2 Under Quick access to common tools,
select:
Start Narrator
Under 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
Mouse actions Keyboard actions
1 Under Explore all settings, select:
Use the computer without a
display, by pressing TAB, thenENTER
Under Explore all settings, select:
Use the computer without a
display, by pressing TAB, thenENTER
2 Under Hear text read aloud, select:
Turn on Narrator Select OK
Under Hear text read aloud, select:
Turn on Narratorby pressing
ALT+U Select OKby pressing ALT+O
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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).
Mouse actions Keyboard actions
1 To open the Ease of Access Center, select:
Start Control Panel
Ease of Access Ease of Access Center
To open the Ease of Access Center, press:
Windows logo key +U
2 Under Explore all settings, select:
Use the computer without a display
Under Explore all settings, select:
Use the computer without a display
by pressing TAB, then ENTER
3 Under Hear text read aloud, select:
Turn on Audio Description Select OK
Under Hear text read aloud, select:
Turn on Audio Descriptionby
pressing ALT+I Select OKby pressing ALT+O
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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 actions Keyboard actions
1 To open the Ease of Access Center,
select:
Start Control Panel
Ease of Access Ease of Access Center
To open the Ease of Access Center,
press:
Windows logo key +U
2 Under Explore all settings, select:
Use the computer without a
display
Under Explore all settings, select:
Use the computer without a
displayby pressing TAB, then
ENTER
3 Under Adjust time limits and flashing
visuals, select:
Turn off all unnecessaryanimations (when possible)
Select OK
Under Adjust time limits and flashing
visuals, select:
Turn off all unnecessaryanimations (when possible)by
pressing ALT+W
Select OKby pressing ALT+O
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Tutorial: How long should Windows notification dialogboxes stay open?
You can adjust the time limits and flashing visuals including how long notification dialog
boxes stay open.
Mouse actions Keyboard actions
1 To open the Ease of Access Center,
select:
Start Control Panel
Ease of Access Ease of Access Center
To open the Ease of Access Center,
press:
Windows logo key +U
2 Under Explore all settings, select:
Use the computer without adisplay
Under Explore all settings, select:
Use the computer without adisplayby pressing TAB, thenENTER
3 Under Adjust time limits and flashing
visuals, select:
An interval from the list for Howlong should Windows
notification dialog boxes stayopenfrom 5 seconds to 5 minutes
Select OK
Under Adjust time limits and flashing
visuals, select:
An interval for How long shouldWindows notification dialog
boxes stay openfrom 5 seconds to5 minutes by pressing ALT+X andthe arrow keys
Select OKby pressing ALT+O
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Tutorial: Choose a High Contrast theme
High Contrast heightens the color contrast of some text and images on your computerscreen, making those items more distinct and easier to identify. Increasing the contrast incolors reduces eyestrain and makes things easier to read for many people.
Mouse actions Keyboard actions
1 To open the Ease of Access Center,
select:
Start
Control Panel Ease of Access Ease of Access Center
To open the Ease of Access Center,
press:
Windows logo key +U
2 Under Explore all settings, select:
Make the computer easier to see
Under Explore all settings, select:
Make the computer easier to see
by using TAB, then ENTER
3 Under High Contrast, select:
Choose a High Contrast theme
Under High Contrast, select:
Choose a High Contrast theme
by pressing ALT+R
4 On the Change the visuals and sounds
on your computer screen, under Basic
and High Contrast Themes, select:
A High Contrasttheme
On 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, thenENTER
Close the dialog box by pressingCTRL+W
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Tutorial: Turn on or off High Contrast when Left Alt+LeftShift+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.
Mouse actions Keyboard actions
1 To open the Ease of Access Center,
select:
Start
Control Panel Ease of Access Ease of Access Center
To open the Ease of Access Center,
press:
Windows logo key +U
2 Under Explore all settings, select:
Make the computer easier to see
Under Explore all settings, select:
Make the computer easier to see
by using TAB, then ENTER
3 Under High Contrast, to use the shortcut
to turn High Contrast on or off, select:
Turn on High Contrast when left
ALT + left SHIFT + PRINTSCREEN is pressed SelectOK
Under High Contrast, to use the shortcut
to turn High Contrast on or off, select:
Turn on High Contrast when left
ALT + left SHIFT + PRINTSCREEN is pressedby pressingALT+L.
SelectOK by pressing ALT+O
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Tutorial: Change the size of text and icons
Now you can make things larger and easier to see without losing graphic quality. You canchange the text size by choosing high DPI (dots per inch). Machines should be configured touse 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 yourspouse, and both of you have different resolution preferences, you can set up your
computer such that each user has their preferred resolution settings applied.
Mouse actions Keyboard actions
1 To open the Ease of Access Center,
select:
Start
Control Panel Ease of Access Ease of Access Center
To open the Ease of Access Center,
press:
Windows logo key +U
2 Under Explore all settings, select:
Make the computer easier to see
Under Explore all settings, select:
Make the computer easier to see
by pressing TAB, then ENTER
3 Under Make things on the screen
larger, select:
Change the size of text and
icons
Under Make things on the screen
larger, select:
Change the size of text and
iconsby pressing ALT+Z
4 Select the size you want (from the
available options):
Smaller - 100% (default)
Medium - 125%
Larger 150% Select Apply
Select the size you want (from the
available options):
Smaller - 100% (default) by
pressing ALT+S
Medium - 125%by pressingALT+M
Larger 150% by pressing ALT+L Select Applyby pressing ALT+A
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Note:This option requires administrator privileges on your computer. If you are authorized
to change settings, when the User Account Controldialog box appears, select Continue
(ALT+C).
Tutorial: Turn on Magnifier
There are two ways to start Magnifier:
Start Magnifierfrom Quick Access to common toolsfor use in the current
session, or
Turn on Magnifierso that it automatically starts each time you log on.
Start Magnifier for the current session
Mouse actions Keyboard actions
1 To open the Ease of Access Center,select:
Start Control Panel Ease of Access Ease of Access Center
To open the Ease of Access Center,press:
Windows logo key +U
2 Under Quick access to common tools,
select:
Start Magnifier
Under Quick access to common tools,
select:
Start Magnifierby pressing ALT+G
Turn on Magnifier so that it starts automatically each time you log on
to your computer
Mouse actions Keyboard actions
1 Under Explore all settings, select:
Make the computer easier to see
Under Explore all settings, select:
Make the computer easier tosee, by pressing TAB, then ENTER
2 Under Make things on the screen Under Make things on the screen
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larger, select:
Turn on Magnifier Select OK
larger, select:
Turn on Magnifierby pressing
ALT+N Select OKby pressing ALT+O
Tutorial: Adjust the color and transparency of the windowborders
You can change the color of windows, the Start menu, and the taskbar. Pick a color or makeyour own.
Mouse actions Keyboard actions
1 To open the Ease of Access Center,
select:
Start
Control Panel Ease of Access Ease of Access Center
To open the Ease of Access Center,
press:
Windows logo key +U
2 Under Explore all settings, select:
Make the computer easier to see
Under Explore all settings, select:
Make the computer easier to see
by pressing TAB, then ENTER
3 Under Make things on the screen easier
to see, select:
Adjust the color and
transparency of the windowborders
Note:If the Adjust the color and
transparency of the window borders
link is not active, your computer does notsupport this setting.
Under Make things on the screen easier
to see, select:
Adjust the color and
transparency of the windowborders, by pressing ALT+J
Note:If the Adjust the color and
transparency of the window borders
link is not active, your computer does notsupport this setting.
4 Under Change the color of your window
borders, Start menu, and taskbar,
Under Change the color of your window
borders, Start menu, and taskbar,
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select:
A color scheme from the available
options Enable transparencyto apply that
effect Adjust Transparencyby movingthe slider to the desired level
select:
A color scheme from the available
options by pressing TAB and thearrow keys
Enable transparencyto apply thateffect by pressing ALT+N Adjust Transparencyby moving
the slider to the desired level bypressing ALT+I, then the arrow keys
5 If you want to adjust hue, saturation, and
brightness, select:
Show color mixer, and move the
sliders to the desired levels Select theSave changes button
If 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, andthen the arrow keys
Select theSave changes button bypressing TAB, then ENTER
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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, showshadows under menus and the contents of windows while dragging.
Mouse actions Keyboard actions
1 To open the Ease of Access Center,
select:
Start
Control Panel Ease of Access Ease of Access Center
To open the Ease of Access Center,
press:
Windows logo key +U
2 Under Explore all settings:
Select Make the computer easierto see
Under Explore all settings, select:
Make the computer easier to see
by pressing TAB, then ENTER
3 Under Make things on the screen easier
to see, select:
Fine tune display effects
Under Make things on the screen easier
to see, select:
Fine tune display effects, by
pressing ALT+C
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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.
Mouse actions Keyboard actions
1 To open the Ease of Access Center,
select:
Start Control Panel
Ease of Access Ease of Access Center
To open the Ease of Access Center,
press:
Windows logo key +U
2 Under Explore all settings, select:
Make the computer easier to see
Under Explore all settings, select:
Make the computer easier to see
by pressing TAB, then ENTER
3 Under Make things on the screen easier
to see, select:
Make the focus rectangle thicker Select OK
Under Make things on the screen easier
to seeselect:
Make the focus rectangle thicker
by pressing ALT+K Select OKby pressing ALT+O
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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 cursoris located on screen.
Mouse actions Keyboard actions
1 To open the Ease of Access Center,
select:
Start
Control Panel Ease of Access Ease of Access Center
To open the Ease of Access Center,
press:
Windows logo key +U
2 Under Explore all settings, select:
Make the computer easier to see
Under Explore all settings, select:
Make the computer easier to see
by pressing TAB, then ENTER
3 Under Make things on the screen easier
to see, select:
A number from 1 to 20 from the
drop-down list to Set thethickness of the blinking cursor
Note:You can preview your selection in
the Previewbox.
Select OK
Under 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 thearrow keys
Note:You can preview your selection in
the Previewbox.
Select OKby pressing ALT+O
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Tutorial: Use On-Screen Keyboard
There are two ways to start On-Screen Keyboard:
Start On-Screen Keyboardfrom Quick Access to common toolsfor use in
the current session, or Turn on On-Screen Keyboardso that it automatically starts each time you
log on.
Start On-Screen Keyboard for the current session
Mouse actions Keyboard actions
1 To open the Ease of Access Center,
select:
Start Control Panel Ease of Access Ease of Access Center
To open the Ease of Access Center,
press:
Windows logo key +U
2 Under Quick access to common tools,
select:
Start On-Screen Keyboard
Under Quick access to common tools,
select:
Start On-Screen Keyboardbypressing ALT+K
Turn on On-Screen Keyboard so that it starts automatically eachtime you log on to your computer
Mouse actions Keyboard actions
1 Under Explore all settings, select:
Use the computer without a
mouse or keyboard
Under Explore all settings, select:
Use the computer without a
mouse or keyboardby pressing
TAB, then ENTER
2 Under Type using a pointing device,
select:
Under Type using a pointing device,
select:
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Use On-Screen Keyboard Select OK
Use On-Screen Keyboardby
pressing ALT+K Select OKby pressing ALT+O
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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, dictatetext into documents, and write and send emails. 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 Recognitionthe first time you use SpeechRecognition, and to set it to turn on each time you log on.
Mouse actions Keyboard actions
1 On the Start menu, select:
Control Panel Ease of Access Speech Recognition
Display the Startmenu by pressing the
Windows logo key , then select.
Control Panelby pressing the
arrow keys, then ENTER
Ease of Accessby pressing thearrow keys, then ENTER
Speech Recognitionby pressing
the arrow keys, then ENTER
2 In Configure your Speech Recognition
experience, select:
Start Speech Recognition
The first time you select Start Speech
Recognitionyou'll be taken throughsetting 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 Recognitionby
pressing ALT+S
The first time you select Start SpeechRecognitionyou'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.
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Tutorial: Change the color and size of mouse pointers
You can choose a mouse pointer scheme to increase visibility of the mouse pointer on yourscreen.
Mouse actions Keyboard actions
1 To open the Ease of Access Center,
select:
Start
Control Panel Ease of Access Ease of Access Center
To open the Ease of Access Center,
press:
Windows logo key +U
2 Under Explore all settings, select:
Make the mouse easier to use
Under Explore all settings, select:
Make the mouse easier to useby
pressing TAB, then ENTER
3 Under Mouse pointers:
Select a cursor and pointer
combination Select OK
Under 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 OKby pressing ALT+O
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Tutorial: Activate a window by hovering over it with themouse
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.
Mouse actions Keyboard actions
1 To open the Ease of Access Center,
select:
Start Control Panel
Ease of Access Ease of Access Center
To open the Ease of Access Center,
press:
Windows logo key +U
2 Under Explore all settings, select:
Make the mouse easier to use
Under Explore all settings, select:
Make the mouse easier to useby
pressing TAB, then ENTER
3 Under Make it easier to manage
windows, select:
Activate a window by hovering
over it with the mouse
Select OK
Under Make it easier to manage
windows, select:
Activate a window by hovering
over it with the mouseby
pressing ALT+W Select OKby pressing ALT+O
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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.
Mouse actions Keyboard actions
1 To open the Ease of Access Center,
select:
Start Control Panel
Ease of Access Ease of Access Center
To open the Ease of Access Center,
press:
Windows logo key +U
2 Under Explore all settings, select:
Make the mouse easier to use
Under Explore all settings, select:
Make the mouse easier to usebypressing TAB, then ENTER
3 Under Control the mouse with the
keyboard, select:
Turn on Mouse Keys
Under Control the mouse with the
keyboard, select:
Turn on Mouse Keysby pressingALT+M
To set up Mouse Keys
Mouse actions Keyboard actions
4 Under Control the mouse with the
keyboard, select:
Set up Mouse Keys
Under Control the mouse with the
keyboard, select:
Set up Mouse Keysby pressing
ALT+Y
5 Under Set up Mouse Keysselect:
Turn on Mouse Keys
Then, select from the following setting
Under Set up Mouse Keysselect:
Turn on Mouse Keysby pressingALT+M
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options: Then, select from the following setting
options:
6 Under Keyboard shortcut:
Turn on Mouse Keys with leftALT + left SHIFT + NUMLOCKif
you want to turn Mouse Keys on andoff by using this shortcut
Display a warning message
when turning a setting onif you
want a visual alert when MouseKeys is turned on or off
Make a sound when turning a
setting on or offif you want anaudio alert when Mouse Keys isturned on or off
Under Keyboard shortcut:
Turn on Mouse Keys with leftALT + left SHIFT + NUMLOCKif
you want to turn Mouse Keys on andoff by using this shortcut, bypressing ALT+K
Display a warning message
when turning a setting onif youwant a visual alert when Mouse
Keys is turned on or off, by pressing
ALT+A Make a sound when turning a
setting on or offif you want an
audio alert when Mouse Keys isturned on or off, by pressing ALT+U
7 Under Pointer speed:
Top Speedof the pointer bymoving the slider bar to the left (for
low), or to the right (for high) Accelerationof the mouse pointer
by moving the slider bar to the left
(for slow), or the right (for fast)
Hold down CTRL to speed up andSHIFT to slow downif you want
to use the CTRL and SHIFT keys tocontrol the pointer speed
Under Pointer speed:
Top Speedof the pointer bymoving the slider bar to the left (for
low), or to the right (for high), by
pressing TAB to select the bar, thenthe arrow keys
Accelerationof 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, thenthe arrow keys
Hold down CTRL to speed up and
SHIFT to slow downif you want
to use the CTRL and SHIFT keys tocontrol the pointer speed, bypressing ALT+W
8 Under Other settings, select:
To use Mouse Keys when NUMLOCK isOn, or Off
Display the Mouse Keys icon on
the taskbarif you want a visual
reminder when Mouse Keys isturned on
Under Other settings:
To use Mouse Keys when NUMLOCK isOn, press ALT+N
Display the Mouse Keys icon on
the taskbarif you want a visual
reminder when Mouse Keys isturned on, by pressing ALT+Y
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Select OK Select OKby pressing ALT+O
Tutorial: Underline keyboard shortcuts and access keysBy pressing keys that correspond to the underlined letters in menus, commands, or dialogbox 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 inWindows, generally with the ALT, TAB or arrow keys.
Mouse actions Keyboard actions
1 To open the Ease of Access Center,
select:
Start Control Panel Ease of Access Ease of Access Center
To open the Ease of Access Center,
press:
Windows logo key +U
2 Under Explore all settings, select:
Make the keyboard easier to use
Under Explore all settings, select:
Make the keyboard easier to useby pressing TAB, then ENTER
3 Under Make it easier to use keyboard
shortcuts, select:
Underline keyboard shortcutsand access keys
Select OK
Under Make it easier to use keyboard
shortcuts, select:
Underline keyboard shortcutsand access keys, by pressing
ALT+N Select OKby pressing ALT+O
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Tutorial: Prevent windows from being automaticallyarranged 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.
Mouse actions Keyboard actions
1 To open the Ease of Access Center,
select:
Start Control Panel
Ease of Access Ease of