How to use Accessibility Features in Windows 10 and 11.
- Admin
- Sep 9
- 3 min read
Accessibility in computing is about making technology usable for everyone, regardless of physical or cognitive abilities. Microsoft Windows now offers a robust suite of accessibility features designed to empower users with diverse needs. Whether you have visual, auditory, mobility, or cognitive challenges—or simply prefer a more customized experience—Windows provides tools to help you interact with your device more comfortably and efficiently.
Getting Started: Where to Find Accessibility Settings
All accessibility features in Windows are centralized under:
Settings > Accessibility
Or press Windows + U to open it directly.
Features are grouped into categories: Vision, Hearing, Interaction, and Other Accessibility Settings.
Vision Accessibility Features
Text Size and Display Scaling
Go to Accessibility > Text size.
Use the slider to adjust text size and click Apply.
For full display scaling, go to Display > Scale.
Magnifier
Press Windows + Plus (+) to activate.
Choose full-screen, lens, or docked mode.
Exit with Windows + Esc.
Colour (Color) Filters
Go to Accessibility > Colour filters.
Choose filters like grayscale, inverted, or colour blindness modes.
High Contrast Mode
Go to Accessibility > Contrast themes.
Select a theme and click Apply.
Narrator
Press Windows + Ctrl + Enter to start.
Customize voice, speed, and verbosity under Accessibility > Narrator.
Hearing Accessibility Features
Mono Audio
Go to Accessibility > Audio.
Toggle on Mono audio.
Audio Alerts and Visual Notifications
Go to Accessibility > Audio.
Enable Flash my screen during audio notifications.
Live Captions
Go to Accessibility > Captions.
Toggle on Live Captions and customize appearance.
Interaction Accessibility Features
Speech Recognition
Go to Accessibility > Speech.
Set up Windows Speech Recognition or use Voice Access (Windows 11).
On-Screen Keyboard
Go to Accessibility > Keyboard.
Toggle on On-screen keyboard.
Sticky Keys
Go to Accessibility > Keyboard.
Toggle on Sticky Keys.
Filter Keys
Go to Accessibility > Keyboard.
Toggle on Filter Keys.
Mouse Keys
Go to Accessibility > Mouse.
Toggle on Mouse Keys.
Making the Cursor Bigger and Easier to Find
Change Cursor Size and Colour
Go to Settings > Accessibility > Mouse pointer and touch.
Choose a style: white, black, inverted, or custom colour.
Use the size slider to enlarge the pointer.
Enable Pointer Trails
Open Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Mouse.
Under Pointer Options, check Display pointer trails.
Highlight Cursor with Ctrl Key
Open Control Panel > Mouse.
Under Pointer Options, check Show location of pointer when I press the CTRL key.
Touch Feedback (for Touchscreen Devices)
Go to Settings > Accessibility > Mouse pointer and touch.
Toggle on Show visual feedback around touches.
Optionally enable Make the feedback darker and larger.
Other Accessibility Features
Eye Control
Go to Accessibility > Eye control.
Requires compatible eye-tracking hardware.
Switch Access
Supports alternative input devices like switches or joysticks.
Accessibility Shortcuts
Windows + U: Open Accessibility settings
Windows + Ctrl + Enter: Start Narrator
Windows + Plus (+): Start Magnifier
Windows + Ctrl + M: Open Magnifier settings
Tips for Customizing Accessibility
Personalize voice, colours, and keyboard behavior.
Combine features for enhanced usability.
Use a Microsoft account to sync settings across devices.
Final Thoughts
Microsoft Windows continues to evolve its accessibility features, making it easier for everyone to use technology in ways that suit their needs. Whether you're customizing your own experience or supporting someone else, the Accessibility settings in Windows offer powerful tools to enhance usability, independence, and productivity.
Accessibility isn’t just about disability—it’s about making technology work better for everyone!