Windows Accessibility Shortcuts to Enhance Options for All Users

Accessibility settings in Windows are often misunderstood as being solely for users with specific needs. However, they can greatly enhance the computing experience for everyone by offering customizable features that improve usability, comfort, and even allow for hands-free operation of your PC.

1 Enable Audio Alerts for Caps Lock, Num Lock, and Scroll Lock

Many of us have experienced the frustration of inputting a password incorrectly due to an activated Caps Lock or an unnoticed Num Lock setting. Windows provides a practical solution to these common annoyances.

By enabling audio alerts for the Caps Lock, Num Lock, and Scroll Lock keys, you’ll receive an audible notification every time one of these keys is toggled. This ensures you stay aware of your keyboard settings, reducing input errors.

To activate this feature, navigate to Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard and turn on the Toggle keys option. This setting will now produce a sound effect each time you press one of the Lock keys.

Windows 11 keyboard accessibility settings

2 Increase Text Size for Easier Reading

If you find yourself squinting at small text or leaning closer to your screen, it may be time to adjust your text size settings for improved readability.

Windows offers a built-in option that allows users to increase text size throughout the system, which can significantly alleviate eye strain by enlarging text in menus and documents while maintaining overall layout layouts.

To modify the text size, go to Settings > Accessibility > Text Size. Adjust the slider to your preferred size and review the live preview. Once you’re satisfied, click Apply, and Windows will instantly update the text throughout the interface.

Text size option in Windows Settings app

3 Turn on Visual Notifications for Alerts

While notifications in the center are generally easy to track, system sounds can sometimes go unnoticed, especially in noisy environments. For instance, alerts for USB connections or low battery warnings might not be heard when your PC is muted.

To ensure you’re always aware of such notifications, Windows allows users to enable visual alerts alongside sound notifications. This feature helps you remain alert without being overwhelmed by app notifications.

To set this up, visit Settings > Accessibility > Audio, then select your preferred option from the dropdown next to Flash my screen during audio notifications. You can choose to flash the active window, the title bar, or the full screen for alerts.

Windows 11 settings app showing visual notification option

4 Enable Live Captions for Any Audio or Video

While major streaming services like Netflix and YouTube provide built-in caption options, many online videos and shared clips lack this feature. Enter Windows’ Live Captions, which automatically generates subtitles for any audio or video playback.

This functionality is especially beneficial for videos played from websites or during video calls, dynamically displaying captions in real time. You can personalize the color, size, and style of the text.

To enable Live Captions, navigate to Settings > Accessibility > Captions, and toggle it on. You can select a caption style or create a new one, with live previews showing how the captions will appear. Use the shortcut Windows + Ctrl + L to toggle Live Captions on and off as needed.

Using live captions on a video in Windows 11

Live Captions also support multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, and German, making them an invaluable tool in multilingual contexts.

5 Enter Text Hands-Free With Voice Typing

When typing long documents feels tedious, Windows’ Voice Typing feature offers an effective alternative. This tool allows you to dictate text, making it not only faster but less physically demanding.

Unlike many other accessibility features, there’s no setup required for Voice Typing. Just press Windows + H to start dictating. You can pause at any time to make corrections manually and resume with the same shortcut.

Windows 11 voice typing menu in a Google Docs document

By default, automatic punctuation is disabled, but you can activate it by clicking on the gear icon in the Voice Typing pop-up and enabling Automatic punctuation. This feature is ideally suited for brainstorming or taking notes.

6 Control Your PC With Voice Commands

Taking voice input a step further, Windows empowers users to control their PC entirely through voice commands. This feature enables you to navigate applications, open documents, and perform common tasks without needing a keyboard or mouse.

To access this feature, go to Settings > Accessibility > Speech and enable Voice Access. The first use will prompt you to download a speech model for offline capabilities. After setup, quickly toggle Voice Access on or off with Windows + Ctrl + S.

Windows 11 voice commands list on desktop

Once enabled, you can issue commands such as “Open Start”or “Open Chrome”for instant access to your applications. Use the command “show grid”to enable mouse control, allowing you to click using a simple number selection.

7 Customize the Mouse Pointer

If personalization is what you seek, the Accessibility menu includes helpful options for customizing the appearance of your mouse pointer. Navigate to Settings > Accessibility > Mouse pointer and touch to explore the options.

Mouse pointer options in Windows 11 Settings app

You can enlarge the pointer size, which is particularly useful on large displays where the default cursor might be difficult to locate. Additionally, the Inverted option enhances visibility by switching to a high-contrast color against any background. Consider customizing the color to match your desktop theme.

8 Apply High Contrast Themes for Better Visual Accessibility

While Windows 11 offers standard light and dark themes, for users who spend extended periods on their computers, high contrast themes can significantly improve readability, especially in brightly lit environments.

To enable these preferences, go to Settings > Accessibility > Contrast themes. Options such as Aquatic, Desert, Dusk, and Night Sky are available. After selecting a theme from the dropdown menu, click Apply to see immediate effects. For further customization, the Edit function allows you to adjust colors for various screen elements.

Windows 11 settings app showing contrast themes

Windows boasts a wealth of accessibility options that cater to a broad audience, enhancing the user experience. From personalized text size and mouse pointer settings to hands-free voice input, these features not only save time but also create a more enjoyable computing environment.

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