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NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access) is a free and open source screen reader for Microsoft Windows. This guide covers the essential operations you need to get started.

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What is NVDA?

NVDA allows blind and vision impaired people to access and interact with the Windows operating system and many third party applications. It provides feedback via synthetic speech and Braille, enabling access to computers for no more cost than a sighted person.

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Key Features

Speech Support

Built-in speech synthesizer supporting over 80 languages with automatic language switching

Braille Support

Support for refreshable braille displays with automatic detection and braille input

Web Access

Full support for modern web browsers including Firefox, Chrome, and Edge

Office Support

Complete access to Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and Outlook

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Starting and Stopping NVDA

1

Start NVDA

Press Control+Alt+N to start NVDA from anywhere in Windows. You can also:
  • Choose NVDA from the Start Menu under Programs
  • Type “NVDA” in the Run dialog and press Enter
2

Exit NVDA

Press NVDA+Q, then press Enter to confirm. NVDA will close and stop speaking.
When NVDA starts, you’ll hear an ascending set of tones telling you that NVDA is loading. The time it takes depends on your computer speed and storage media.

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The NVDA Modifier Key

The NVDA modifier key is used in combination with other keys to perform NVDA-specific commands. Default modifier keys:
  • Insert key (on most keyboards)
  • Numpad 0 (with Num Lock off)
  • Caps Lock (can be enabled in settings)
You can press the NVDA modifier key twice quickly to send it through to the application (e.g., to turn Caps Lock on when using it as a modifier).

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Reading Text

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Say All

To read continuously from the current position: Press Shift to pause speech, or Control to stop completely.

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Reading Current Information

Desktop: NVDA+Up Arrow
Laptop: NVDA+L
  • Press once: Reads the current line
  • Press twice: Spells the line
  • Press three times: Spells using phonetic alphabet (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie)
Keystroke: NVDA+Shift+Up Arrow (Desktop) or NVDA+Shift+S (Laptop)Reads any currently selected text. Press twice to spell, three times for phonetic spelling.
Keystroke: NVDA+CReads any text on the clipboard. Press twice to spell, three times for phonetic spelling.

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Getting Information

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Window and Focus Information

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Time and Date

Press NVDA+F12:
  • Once: Reports current time
  • Twice: Reports the date
The format matches your Windows system tray clock settings.

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Text Formatting

Press NVDA+F to report formatting of text at the cursor:
  • Font name and size
  • Bold, italic, underline
  • Text color
  • Alignment
  • Spelling errors
Press twice to show formatting in a browseable window.

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Speech Control

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Basic Speech Commands

Stop Speech

Press Control to immediately stop speaking

Pause Speech

Press Shift to pause. Press again to resume where it left off

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Speech Settings Ring

Quickly adjust speech settings without opening menus: Settings you can adjust:
  • Speech rate
  • Voice selection
  • Volume
  • Pitch
  • Inflection

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Input Help Mode

Input Help mode is perfect for learning NVDA commands.
1

Enable Input Help

Press NVDA+1 to turn on Input Help mode
2

Explore Commands

Press any key or perform any gesture. NVDA will announce the key name and describe what it does, but won’t execute the command.
3

Disable Input Help

Press NVDA+1 again to turn off Input Help and return to normal operation

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The NVDA Menu

Access NVDA’s menu to control settings and access help: Open the menu:
  • Press NVDA+N on the keyboard
  • Perform a 2-finger double-tap on touch screens
  • Right-click the NVDA icon in the system tray
Menu contents:
  • Preferences: Access all NVDA settings
  • Tools: Speech viewer, Python console, add-on store
  • Help: User guide, commands reference, website
  • Exit NVDA: Close the screen reader

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Sleep Mode

Sleep mode temporarily disables NVDA for the current application: Toggle sleep mode:
  • Desktop: NVDA+Shift+S
  • Laptop: NVDA+Shift+Z
Use sleep mode for applications that have their own speech or screen reading features. NVDA retains sleep mode only until restart.

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System Information

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Keyboard Layouts

NVDA supports two keyboard layouts:
Uses the numeric keypad extensively (with Num Lock off). Best for desktop computers with full keyboards.Advantages:
  • Efficient text review using numpad
  • Natural hand position for frequent commands
Designed for laptops without a numeric keypad. Uses alternative key combinations.Advantages:
  • Works on any keyboard
  • Doesn’t require Num Lock management
Change keyboard layout in Preferences > Settings > Keyboard (press NVDA+Control+K).

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Getting Help

NVDA provides multiple ways to get assistance:
1

User Guide

Press NVDA+N, then H for Help menu, then U for User Guide
2

Commands Reference

Access a quick reference of all NVDA commands from the Help menu
3

Context Help

Press F1 in any settings dialog to open help for that specific setting
4

Community Support

Join the NVDA users mailing list or visit community forums for peer support

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Next Steps

Now that you understand the basics, explore these guides:

Navigation

Learn advanced navigation techniques

Keyboard Commands

Complete reference of all keyboard shortcuts

Configuration

Customize NVDA to your preferences

Supported Applications

Discover application-specific features