Windows Magnifier is a built-in accessibility tool designed to assist users with visual impairments by enlarging on-screen content and reading text aloud. This feature enhances the usability of Windows for individuals who are blind, color blind, or have low vision.
Getting Started with Magnifier
To quickly activate Magnifier, press the Windows logo key and the Plus sign (+) simultaneously. To deactivate it, press the Windows logo key and the Escape key (Esc). Alternatively, you can enable Magnifier through the settings:
- Click on Start.
- Navigate to Settings.
- Select Ease of Access.
- Choose Magnifier.
- Toggle the switch to turn on Magnifier.
Magnifier can read text aloud from your screen, providing auditory assistance alongside visual magnification.
- Start Reading: To begin reading from the current cursor location, press Ctrl + Alt + Enter. This shortcut also pauses and resumes reading.
- Read from Mouse Pointer: Press and hold Ctrl + Alt, then click the left mouse button where you want to start reading.
- Stop Reading: Press any key to stop the reading.
- Read Previous Sentence: Press Ctrl + Alt + H.
- Read Next Sentence: Press Ctrl + Alt + K.
The default modifier keys for Magnifier's reading shortcuts are Ctrl + Alt. If you wish to change this:
- Open Settings.
- Go to Ease of Access.
- Select Magnifier.
- Under the Reading section, choose your preferred modifier key from the drop-down menu.
- Zoom In/Out: Press the Windows logo key and the Plus sign (+) to zoom in, and the Windows logo key and the Minus sign (-) to zoom out.
- Change Magnifier View: Press Ctrl + Alt + M to cycle through different views: full screen, lens, or docked.
- Invert Colors: Press Ctrl + Alt + I to invert colors, which can reduce eye strain.
Source: Microsoft Support How to use Magnifier reading - Microsoft Support