Getting Started with NVDA

This quick and accessible guide will help users to get started with NVDA which is a free screen reader that can be used on Windows devices.

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Getting Started with NVDA

NVDA is used on Microsoft Windows products – NVDA will read everything on the screen including text, links, and picture descriptions. Please note that not all texts and websites are accessible using a screen reader. The purpose of this guide is to help you get started with NVDA.

It is useful to know your keyboard. Take time to familiarize yourself with all the keys and key locations. These are helpful to know when using screen readers and keyboard shortcuts.

Downloading NVDA

Visit NV Access | Download NVDA (it’s free!)
For more in-depth support visit NVDA 2023.3.1 User Guide (nvaccess.org)

Turning NVDA On/Off

Turn on: ctrl + Alt + N
Turn off: Insert + Q

General Navigation

The Insert key is typically the NVDA key.

Read all: Insert + Down Arrow
Navigate through items: Arrow keys
Go to next focusable element: Tab (Shift + Tab goes back)
Select an item: Enter (or Spacebar)
Pause/Stop Reading: Ctrl

Helpful Shortcuts

NVDA Menu (Preferences, tools, help): Insert +N
Next Heading: H
To jump to links, headings, web spots, landmarks, and form controls: Insert + F7 (on a laptop it may be Insert + fn + F7)

For a more comprehensive list of NVDA keyboard commands on Windows devices, visit: NVDA 2023.3 Commands Quick Reference (nvaccess.org)

Assistive technology

Compensatory access