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How to Turn Off Narrator in Microsoft

Turn off the voice and enjoy the quiet

By Karen Marcus Karen Marcus Writer University of Colorado at Denver Colorado State University Karen Marcus is a former Lifewire writer who has also written for companies like HP, Intel, IBM, Samsung, and others. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on December 2, 2020 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email

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Expand Jump to a Section Using the Keyboard Exiting the Narrator Window Using Windows Settings With Task Manager The Narrator function, which is accessible through Microsoft Windows, can help those with limited vision to “see” what’s on their computer screen. Narrator is a screen-reading app that uses a voice to read text that appears on the screen. If you use Narrator, but want to turn it off, say because someone who doesn’t need it wants to use your computer, there are several ways to do it. The instructions in this article differ for each version of Windows. Included are instructions for Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10.

How to Turn Off Narrator Using the Keyboard

There is a quick and easy keyboard shortcut to turn off Narrator. Simply press Win+Ctrl+Enter, that is, the following three keys at the same time: The Windows key (the Windows logo, likely on the bottom left or bottom right part of your keyboard)The Control key (labeled Ctrl, likely on the bottom left and bottom left parts of your keyboard)The Enter key In Windows 8, the key combination is Win+Enter. When you press this key combination, you should hear the Narrator voice say, “Exiting Narrator.” You may have your settings adjusted to not allow this shortcut. To change this, go to Settings > Ease of Access > Narrator, and check the box next to Allow the shortcut key to start Narrator.

Turn Off Narrator by Exiting the Narrator Window

When you start Narrator, a Narrator window opens. To close it and end Narrator, simply click the X in the upper-right corner or select Exit within the window. Again, you’ll hear the Narrator voice say, “Exiting Narrator.” Windows 8 may display an additional dialog box asking if you’re sure you want to exit.

Turn Off Narrator Using Windows Settings

Here’s how to access the Narrator settings (including the on-off toggle) in Windows 10. Click the Windows logo in the lower-left part of your screen, or press the Windows key on your keyboard. Click the Settings (gear) icon. On the Windows Settings screen, click Ease of Access. In the left column, in the vision section, select Narrator. Under Use Narrator, click the toggle switch to Off. The Narrator voice will say, “Exiting Narrator.” Here is the process for Windows 8. Right-click in the blank area of the start screen. Select All Apps on the menu bar, then select Control Panel. In the Control Panel window, choose Ease of Access > Ease of Access Center. Next, select Make the computer easier to see. Uncheck the box next to Turn on Narrator and click Apply, then OK. Here is the process for Windows 7. Click Start and select Control Panel. Choose Ease of Access > Ease of Access Center. On the next screen, click Use the computer without a display. Uncheck the box next to Turn on Narrator. Click OK. Finally, close the Narrator program icon in your taskbar and restart your computer for the setting to take effect. How to Turn On/Off Narrator in Windows 11

Turn Off Narrator With Task Manager

If you can’t turn off Narrator using any other method, try force-stopping it with Task Manager. Press Ctrl-Alt-Delete and select Task Manager. When Task Manager opens, select the Processes (on Windows 7, Applications) tab. Under Name, look for Screen Reader. Right-click anywhere in the row, and select End Task. How to Use Windows Text to Speech Feature Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Turn On/Off Narrator in Windows 11 How to Turn off Sticky Keys on Windows How to Zoom In or Out With Your Keyboard Switch Command Prompt and PowerShell on the Win+X Menu How to Use Quick Settings in Windows 11 How to Turn Off Auto Brightness in Windows How to Use Windows Text to Speech Feature What Version of Windows Do I Have? How to Enable or Disable the On-Screen Keyboard in Windows 10 How to Open Disk Management From Command Prompt How to Turn Off VoiceOver on a Mac How to Disable Taskbar Button Grouping in Windows How to Turn off the Narrator on the Xbox One How to Open Command Prompt (Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, etc.) How to Set up Parental Controls in Windows 10 How to Use the Windows Shortcut Alt + Underline Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies