Despite the fact that smartphone operating systems have improved significantly, we still require PCs. Despite a possible fall in Windows PC sales, millions of people still utilise the Windows platform every day. With the increasing use of technology in our daily lives, it is crucial that everyone, even those with disabilities like low vision, can effectively use PCs for certain jobs.
Therefore, it makes sense that Windows 10, the most recent version of Windows, includes several incredibly helpful accessibility settings for people with visual impairment. So, here are some suggestions to make Windows 10 more accessible if you have limited vision or know someone who does:
1. Use Narrator (Screen Reader)
Windows 10 has a feature called Narrator that reads the screen to you. Therefore, you can use Narrator to make sure you are selecting the correct selections if you are having trouble viewing the display. By heading to Windows Settings > Ease of Access > Narrator and turning on the Narrator toggle, you may activate the narrator feature. By turning on the toggle labelled Start Narrator automatically, you may even guarantee that Narrator starts up automatically each time you turn on your computer.
Although the feature does a good job of informing you about the various UI elements in Windows 10, it is disappointing that it is incompatible with third-party applications and apps.
2. Set up Speech Recognition to control Windows 10
With the helpful Speech Recognition function built into Windows 10, you may issue a wide range of instructions to control the whole user interface. Go to Control Panel->Ease of Access and select the “Start Speech Recognition” option to configure speech recognition. Next, configure the microphone on your PC. Once you’ve configured it, you can experiment with different Windows 10 control commands. In fact, you can speak. How shall I put it? to at any time obtain a list of all the commands. Furthermore, we advise you to watch the Windows 10 tutorial to learn how to use the various speech recognition functions.
Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Mandarin (Chinese Simplified and Chinese Traditional), and English (United States and United Kingdom) are just a few of the languages supported by speech recognition in Windows 10.
3. Try Text to Speech and Use Cortana
Although Cortana, a component of Windows 10, isn’t specifically designed to increase accessibility, it nevertheless offers several useful capabilities for a hands-free experience. You can quickly wake up the virtual assistant by saying “Hey Cortana,” and then ask her to perform a variety of things like opening apps, setting reminders, alarms, and events; looking up the weather and news; and more. Additionally, you can shut down or restart your PC via Cortana.
Additionally, you can activate text-to-speech functionality in Windows 10 by going to Control Panel > Ease of Access > Speech Recognition. Once enabled, Narrator’s text-to-speech features are available for use. Use different Text to voice programmes for Windows instead, as they offer significantly more functionality and flexibility.
4. Change DPI
There is an option to raise the DPI of the interface if you think that Windows 10’s UI elements are a little bit on the small side. You may do this by going to Settings->System->Displayand then adjusting the text, app, and other sizes using the slider bar. If you have vision issues, this should unquestionably assist to make things more visible. Some applications, however, might not scale correctly to the DPI changes.
5. Enable Magnifier
You can briefly zoom into the UI with Magnifier to see text or other elements more clearly. Go to Settings > Ease of Access > Magnifier and switch on the Magnifier toggle to enable the magnifier. When activated, a floating magnifying glass will appear on the interface; clicking it will open the magnification dialogue box. By using the plus and minus buttons, you can then easily zoom in and out. Additionally, there are choices to zoom into the entire screen, a specific area of the screen, or to use a dock to display the zoomed-in material (as seen below).
Overall, Windows 10’s Magnifier feature is undoubtedly well designed and simple to use. It is simple to use and should be beneficial for those with low vision.
6. Turn On Audio Description
When accessible, Windows’ audio description capability will explain what is happening in a video. Go to Control Panel > Ease of Access and enter the Ease of Access Center to enable it. Then select the option to turn on audio description by clicking on Make the computer simpler to see. Despite the fact that this is undoubtedly a useful tool for those who have vision issues, there aren’t many videos that offer audio description, which is unfortunate.
7. Set High Contrast Themes
People with low eyesight may more easily discern between elements when they are either black or white, hence Windows 10 has four high contrast themes for them. Go to Settings->Ease of Access->High contrast to enable the high contrast themes. From the drop-down menu, choose one of the four themes, then click Apply.
While the Windows 10 UI’s high contrast themes are effective, poorly designed apps and websites make life considerably difficult for those who are blind.
8. Increase Pointer size and Cursor thickness
It comes as no surprise that the small size of the pointer can be a challenge for those with impaired eyesight because there are instances when we lose track of the mouse cursor. Thankfully, Settings->Ease of Access->Mouse in Windows 10 allows you to enlarge the pointer size. For greater visibility, you can even alter the pointer’s colour to black.
If you have trouble seeing the cursor while typing, you can also choose to increase cursor thickness. In Settings->Ease of Access->Other settings, you can thicken the cursor.
SEE ALSO: Windows 10 Software and Program Uninstallation
Improve the Windows 10 experience for low vision with these options
We really thank Microsoft for making an effort to include these wonderful accessibility features in Windows 10 and we hope that the Redmond behemoth never stops coming up with new ideas. Try out these alternatives, and do let us know if they made using the website easier for you or someone you know who has vision loss. Please share your thoughts in the comments box below.