Making Computer talk using Windows Narrator in Windows 7

I want my computer to read text.

You can make your computer talk in a number of ways, which can be a valuable facility for people who have difficulties with reading, for someone who can't see very well or at all, and for those who need to give their eyes a rest.

This section explains how to use the in-built speech function in your operating system.

Making Computer talk using Windows Narrator in Windows 7

Ease of Access Center has replaced Accessibility Options in the ' Control Panel '.

To open the ' Ease of Access Center ' press ' Windows ' logo key + ' U ' or click ' Start button ' + ' Control Panel ' + ' Ease of Access ' + ' Ease of Access Center '.

Click to start ' Narrator ' under ' Quick access to common tools ' or press ' Alt ' + ' N '.

Fig 1

Quick access to common tools

To start Narrator when starting Windows, click to select or ' Tab ' to ' Use a computer without a display ' under Explore all settings.

Click on or press ' Alt ' + ' U ' to ' Turn on Narrator ' under ' Hear text read aloud ', see Fig 2.

Fig 2

Hear text read aloud window

Click on or press ' Alt ' + ' S ' to Save.

Once you turn on ' Narrator ' you are able to select what ' Narrator ' will read aloud, see Fig 3.

Click to select or press:

' Alt ' + ' K ' to select ' Echo User's Keystrokes ', if you want text to be read aloud as you type.

' Alt ' + ' M ' to select ' Announce System Messages ', if you want to have system messages read aloud.

' Alt ' + ' N ' to select ' Announce Scroll Notifications ', if you want to hear screen scrolls.

' Alt ' + ' Z ' to select ' Start Narrator Minimized ', if you want the settings box minimized at start up.

Fig 3

Narrator settings

Note: If this does not work it could be because your computer settings cannot be changed due to local IT policies - contact your local IT support for further help.