Windows 11 Accessibility For The Blind And Vision Impaired

[@LuisHernandez001]

Appreciate you Sam! You're a pillar in the (blind) community

[@brianrunyon266]

Plan to upgrade to it eventually. Great to know most of the changes for the new operating system are visual.

[@LESTER7L1]

Thanks so much, Sam! I am looking forward to the upcoming videos on other windows 11 features. Happy new year Sam!

[@tomvanbaren7747]

Thanks Sam, I just upgrade to Window 11 a couple of weeks ago, but learned of a couple of controls that I might try to adjust to improve usage from your video.

[@theblindlife]

Great!

[@victorq7868]

Thaaaanks Here from Spain 🇪🇸

[@216cheri1]

Thanks for this video. I'm looking forward to the updates. I know it took awhile for me playing around with the contrast to get the look rightt. I liked that the pop up menu was in the middle, it made it easier for me to see, plus it all came up in dark mode which was a huge bonus since I am extremely light senseitive

[@user-jk4nz4oi6w]

Great video, so i've been liking windows 11 and agree that this new version was basically a visual update with the same windows 10 accessibility features.

[@andrewbarksdale1998]

I agree

[@darquequeen2323]

Thanks for showing us what’s in the accessibility menu, so people like me don’t turn on something we’d rather not. I’m glad MS changed the Ease of Access name to just Accessibility. As you said, makes more sense! Hope all is well with you and your family. ❤️

[@tony2001]

Microsoft seems to be having trouble deciding what to call this collection of features. Do you remember when they changed it from "Accessibility Options" to "Ease of Access"? and now they're back to "Accessibility." I'll admit that my first reaction when they changed it to "Ease of Access" was, "Why is this an option? Shouldn't ease of access be the default? Who prefers their computer to be hard to access?"

[@theblindlife]

LOL

[@theblindlife]

You’re very welcome, and thank you!

[@tehilatempelhof7994]

thank you sam - your channel is very good- Im dont have eye problems but i work everyday with ... i work in a company in israel that sales low vision and blind pepole technology and more - we import to israel all there is for them. so your chanal is very helpfull - glad i find you.

[@theblindlife]

Thank you very much, I’m glad you’re enjoying the videos!

[@browley9277]

Great timing! I just got a laptop with Windows 11

[@melissaslegallyblindworld]

Hey, Sam, I never heard of Wondow's 11 'til this video, the features are pretty nice, and the magnifier reader feature is kinda neat. I wonder for your video on Window's Narrator. Would things be improved with the lag as I tend to lag a tiny bit on certain sites if I go too fast with navigation, but it self-fixes after 1 sec. Hope Narrator gets a massive overhaul. The magnifier reader feature is kinda neat, that's like part magnifier, part screenreader which is nice.

[@theblindlife]

I’ll definitely check that out when I do the video

[@melissaslegallyblindworld]

@@theblindlife Thanks Sam dude, I pray Window's 11 gave Narrator a massive overhaul.

[@melissaslegallyblindworld]

@@theblindlife Also Sam I made a video showing what I mean feel free to watch it here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oou0qWifd5WSjJo

[@alexa-n-gramps]

While your video had some valid points, the most important was omitted: The TASKBAR. . Increasing the fonts, texts, etc. happen to be useless since you can't ENLARGE the taskbar, tray icons, pinned programs, folders, etc. everything is moot until that change is made. When I say make the taskbar BIGGER, I'm talking placed on the right side of the screen (vertical), and able to be expanded to 2 or 3 inches in width and able to stretch the full height of any monitor, easily, simply and with just a left-click and drag of the mouse. I don't need, nor want tiny fonts set to a MICRO size by some idiot with 20/20 vision staring at 9 foot monitor and calling it good. A nice hack to allow US to adjust the taskbar and ALL of its features to the location and sizes WE want/need would a great help to literally, millions of people. . Since words are displayed on/above the taskbar, BIGGER TEXT for the taskbar is also needed. Adjustable taskbar THUMBNAIL sizes would also be nice. These are just some the failures Win 10, 11, and soon, 12.1 all possess. Win7 got it right, MSNs redesign gets it all wrong. Want it to be better, allow the PURCHASER complete and total freedom to make ALL adjustments to all parts of the system, as they SEE fit just as Win7 did. Next, bring back the Aero Glass features for everyone that wants them, and MSN is off to a slow start to a true OS UPGRADE. Anything less, is still a delusion and poor excuse for charging a fee. . Perhaps a video showing us just how to accomplish these much needed adjustments, at NO COST to us, would be awesome! Thanks.

[@rafaeltorovip]

I still using Windows 10 and my current laptop can’t upgrade to 11, but it is nice to see the options available if I get a new PC with Windows 11. Thanks for the video. 👍

[@farelheart5031]

Sam, good video as always. I appreciate the assessment of Windows 11. I have not used PC for quite a number of years since I started using Apple products. Voiceover is such an excellent way to read things on the screen or have them read to you so I’m wondering how it would compare to the narrator that you talked about in Windows 11. I tried to learn fusion and jaws recently and find it very cumbersome and key stroke heavy. Not sure I would want to use it so I stick with my Apple devices. Could you possibly do a video comparing voiceover to fusion and windows narrator? I know that’s a big request but maybe at least talk about how the Windows reader would compare two jars or fusion. Thank you Sam as always.

[@mr-ladi617]

Than you for your video! Watching you from Albania! It hellps me

[@coderkind]

Great video! Do you know how popular Windows Narrator is (as opposed to something like JAWS)?

[@theblindlife]

Jaws is definitely the most popular screen reader around. Other than voiceover which is also very popular but not available on Windows machines. Narrator is capable and will get the job done, but it’s not the best one out there. It is free though, which does help!

[@tugberkayar6414]

Thanks for the content! I have a small question about magnifier narrator. When you click a text, it starts reading, but does it automatically detect the language it reads, or is it just reading in the default regardless the text?

[@karenmac7990]

G'day Sam Thanks for a window 11 video. Can't wait for the other videos on windows 11. It's great to watch a video that is nice and clear.

[@theblindlife]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ashleighpiccinino1849]

Is the key stroke for activating narrator, still control windows enter? Too bad it can’t be controlled windows and end, poor narrator. Thank you for the video, and thank you for living your best blindly, Sharon is happy to do the same. 3:03

[@emmydream5802]

Question: I want to use the largest scale and font options in Windows. But things get cut off (menus, text, taskbar, etc.). How do I make everything huge without this problem? I cannot use the zoom magnifier because the movement gives me headaches. If I choose smaller scale and fonts then I cannot read anything. Please help! Thanks!

[@draoosi]

Did you manage to solve this ?

[@JM-wu8bh]

Subscribed! Amazing video! My mother is losing her sight, and I have tons of questions. Should i go to reddit? Is there a better place?

[@KTHKUHNKK]

I also subscribed and I'm looking forward to your high contrast video

[@tarunag10100]

Can you recommend a shortcut or app that enables zooming in and out on a MacBook using the additional keys on an external mouse? I used to utilize an app on Windows that allowed configuration of the additional keys on an external mouse for zooming in and out of the screen.

[@lelanmiller4004]

I'm eager to learn more about the new contrast options because black letters just seem greyish and not black or bold enough.

[@KTHKUHNKK]

Very nicely done I have macular degeneration so I'm going to have to learn to use some of these features I'm currently using 10 and things are very difficult to see but perhaps if I upgrade to Windows 11 I can learn this thanks very much

[@kimberleesboxesmore671]

I have retinitis pigmentosa and find it very hard to use a computer. I use my iPhone most of the time but I really need a computer. I’m tired of being limited. I don’t know where to start. I just feel like I’m lost. Any suggestions on where to start how to start, what type of computer would be best etc.

[@Anthony_Lecoq]

Great video Sam. Are you still using ”X-mouse” program to magnify only with the mouse ? (without keyboard interaction)

[@theblindlife]

I am still using the mouse to zoom in and out with the windows magnifier, but I’m not using X mouse program anymore. I bought a logitech master series mouse which came with its own software to program the buttons. The X mouse program still works great, in fact I’m using it on my work computer.

[@blainerichard8055]

Have you ever used chrome vox is it good does it work closer to Joe’s or in VDE

[@blakjac852]

Are you using another program such as ZoomText during this demo to zoom in and out? If not, how do you get Windows Magnifier to zoom in and out with your mouse scroll wheel? Nothing seems to work as soon as Mac's Zoom feature. Hoping Windows does something similar soon.

[@jimtaylor9030]

I worked a computer and very efficiently until I lost my site entirely. I want to know if Windows 11 or any Windows works with a touch screen and a voice control such as the talkback on an Android system. That sounds like a plan to me. It has enabled me to use my phone very efficiently. But I want to get back into my computers but I'm not sure of what route to go so I can use them. Completely blind is a problem. A magnifier or any visual accessory is not going to help. Well what what's up.

[@NjoliMalaza]

Hi can you double tap a key on a keyboard to let you know with key it is like in the smartphone accessibility where you would press a key and it will tell you with key it is and then you will continue using it or not

[@corrine4247]

I would love a video about the narrator program.

[@mikemoore1650]

Windows 11 worked well for me with JAWS 19 and then again with JAWS 22 after I upgraded.

[@derekraines8175]

Hi Sam, thank you your video today could not have been more appropriate as I installed windows 11 last night and I am just totally lost. My other program is all set up for my Zoom text and everything else I wish Microsoft like how does it work

[@magnuswoo]

Hi, find video of the windows 11 accesabiltiy funcitons. Have you testet this witn fusion from freedom scientific?

[@ashleighpiccinino1849]

Am I getting this right that the transparency settings but good for if there is a glare behind the student, turning onto the monitor? Another words, those settings might help the glitter be reduced. I don’t know is, I cannot see at all, but I’m just guessing on my bread.

[@LeahDykema]

How do you zoom and have it follow the mouse? I absolutely hate using windows because I haven’t been able to figure out how to magnify like this and am an iPhone and iPad user primarily, but knowing how to magnify like this would be unbelievably helpful.

[@marciazuvanich79]

Hi Sam, I'm thinking about up-grading to Windows 11 but would like to know more about the magnifier. Currently, with Windows 10, the magnifier at higher numbers is blurry for me. I've turned on the "sharpen" key but it still looks ragged to me. Maybe it's me, but I'd like to know if they made the magnifier better in the W 11. Thanks, I really like your channel and videos.

[@theblindlife]

Honestly, I don’t see much of a difference between windows 10 and windows 11 magnifier. I’m thinking you would probably get pretty much the same experience.

[@idontknowyoubuddy]

is there a way to disable contrast themes from affecting a certain app? specifically Zotero, a bunch of buttons have disappeared. I really like it otherwise, i would like to keep using it

[@davepark1085]

Thanks Sam for the video & everyone for the comments. I have a friend who needs a new computer. He is looking for more of a custom build. Any ideas of where I might be able to send his list of components to see if they would work together & if so what the cost would be? All we have remotely close is Micro Center & Best Buy.

[@InspiredInsights4U]

Eva’s computing builds computers for disabled individuals they might be able to help you and your friend with the specific requirements you need

[@theblindlife]

There’s also I can connect based in California. They make computers for the blind and visually impaired. They may be able to answer your questions as well. When I built my own computer, which I made a video showing how I did it, I pretty much followed a tutorial on KZbin. I decided what I wanted and there were plenty of videos showing how to build a computer with those components. They make the process pretty easy these days.

[@magoo9981]

Sam, thanks for the Video. Question. For you. Have you tried 11 with Jaws, NVDA, and ZoomText yet to see how they interact? I know I’m missing some other programs from Dolphin but the ones I mentioned I work quite a bit with as an Assistive Technology Specialist. My rule of thumb has always been to wait at least 6 months before upgrading to the “Newest” version of a Major software update so it give the vendors time to catch up. Any thoughts on this idea?

[@faisal-pj2ei]

NVDA is working fine. Have been using Windows 11 for last 2 months.

[@magoo9981]

@@faisal-pj2ei thank you

[@theblindlife]

Thanks for the update!

[@theblindlife]

I’m not sure, I have windows 11 running on a laptop which is not my main computer. So I haven’t added any of the extra software on there yet. The few programs I’ve put on so far seem to be working fine though.

[@gameplayplanet5015]

Did you use the windows 11 magnifier to do this video or is it a different software?

[@theblindlife]

Yes, it’s the Magnifier. Built-in Windows magnifier is all I ever use.

[@vickneshsukumaran3277]

Hi may I know how are you zooming in and out on the computer using the school button? Thank you.

[@theblindlife]

I was using windows magnifier. I have the keyboard shortcut keys programmed to the extra buttons on my mouse.

[@manuelenriquemartinezgomez9251]

Hello I'm Manuel Martinesz and I have a curiosity, how does the zoom so fast forward and backward Thank you

[@mattphilipenko88]

You can program it to a mouse. I use a Microsoft wireless desktop 5000 set. I programmed the left side button to magnifier.

[@sfgfan63]

Does nvda work on windows 11

[@royalroseasmr2706]

Hi so I just want to ask and you guys personal opinion what’s more useful in school life MacBook or Microsoft I really need help because I’m planning to buy my first ever PC so I just wanted to ask what to get for accessibility and such

[@theblindlife]

Well, I’m not sure of your Schools requirement regarding what programs they use. For example, if you’re going to school for video editing, they might require a Mac. However, when it comes to accessibility, they both have pretty much the same. They both do a screen magnification, screen reader, the ability to adjust colors, etc. if you’re already using an iPad or iPhone, the Mac might be a better option just so everything works well together. If budget is a concern, you can get much more computer for the money if you go for a Windows machine. There’s a lot of factors that go into deciding which system to get, however, just know that with regards to accessibility, you’ll be good with whichever system you choose.

[@bethbeesley9575]

I am still learning the controls but have you found a setting to make websites and browsers black background? I have it set to night mode on my computer but it doesn't seem to carry over to websites, like what happened to yoy in this video with rhe bright white page. Even with the light brown tint it is still a but painful.

[@theblindlife]

You can use aan extension for the browser.. I show it in a video where I talk about making Chrome and other browsers more accessible.

[@janelleramdass98]

Great video. One question, how do you zoom in and out so fast?

[@mattphilipenko88]

Not sure if Sam has his set up like mine but I have my magnifier programmed to a Microsoft mouse. With this you can invoke magnifier with just a click of the side button. It makes it super fast!

[@janelleramdass98]

@@mattphilipenko88 oh ok, thats' cool. Thanks.

[@zog9]

Also, keyboard shortcuts are possible for Windows magnifier, which it sounds like Sam was using from the "minus" that narrator announced in the vid. I think the keyboard shortcut is Windows key & + to zoom in & Windows key & - to zoom out.

[@mattphilipenko88]

@@zog9 Orrery. You can do this by using Windows key and the + or - keys to zoom in and out.

[@mattphilipenko88]

Sorry about the typo

[@cerclesvicieux]

I wonder, does the mouse color stay the color you choose. In 10, I like mine to be black, and yet everytime i do an update or perhaps the windows waring pops up about changing something, or if I am simply waking it up from sleep mode, it alwyas reverts to back to white.

[@theblindlife]

Unfortunately, that annoying problem persists in Windows 11 as well! It doesn’t happen all the time, but yes, every now and then the mouse Poynter changes colors for no reason!

[@540frontier]

I am blind and I'm trying to adjust the settings for narrator but narrator doesn't read the settings when I use the arrow keys. I am fully blind, I cannot use the pointer to navigate through the settings. How can I get the narrator to read the settings when I use the arrow keys to navigate though them?

[@mckensieparker_g4p]

There's a screen reader for windows called NVDA if you're never downloaded it.

[@janelleramdass98]

Oh yes I think NVDA is actually better than JAWS and it's free, go figure...

[@mckensieparker_g4p]

@@janelleramdass98 I would probably agree. I have a feeling there will soon be a new speech synthesizer for NVDA called Amazon polly speech synthesis system. It would have all the Amazon Voices like Matthew, Joanna, and practically all of the Ivona voices. I hope that new synthesizer comes out for NVDA because some synthesizers are disappearing from NVDA and we want more like Amazon! And of course the default voice for that Synthesizer would be Matthew. Maybe Amazon will make their own speech s'ynthesizer for NVDA. Maybe in a later version like 2022.3 or something they'll add Amazon SpeeCh synthesis system to NVDA.

[@janelleramdass98]

@@mckensieparker_g4p oh ok, that’s great!

[@zog9]

Oh god, the start menu is in the middle! (Unhappy noises). Phew, it can be moved back!! Who thought that was a good design idea? Bleurgh

[@imtheblindiephoenix]

just a quick correction, not to be snoppy, but you wrote impairs, wrong english? Shouldn't be impaired? Anyway, awesome video! As a long-time user of 11 from its initial insider build, I agree with your views.

[@theblindlife]

No worries, probably just a typo, thanks for letting me know about it!

[@imtheblindiephoenix]

@@theblindlife No problem. :)) always glad to help!

[@ojmccaf63]

Miss Windows 10

[@anodysseyofsteven1985]

Hi Sam. Windows 11 accessibility settings looks a lot like Apples’s settings

[@janelleramdass98]

Exactly 😊

[@ashleighpiccinino1849]

Talk about narrator, try to keep this comment in mind. Have they done any improvement on the voices? They still seem a little bit Montone, like Microsoft, David, for example. Microsoft mark sounds too high-pitched, and I think more “eloquent or voices… Eloquent and Dawn, that is… Could be patched over. After all, iOS 16 has done this, but I don’t know hell. I thought the eloquence software was only freedom scientific property, but I guess not… Probably from the Nuance, or something like that. I’m not and never want to be a programmer, so I’ll just leave it there. However, both the elephant and vocalize it synthesizers work for a while, could be used answer forgot the ones from Microsoft. Marlene Matt, 9:19

[@blainerichard8055]

Do you think the narrator works as well as in VDH

[@theblindlife]

No, I think NVDA works better than Windows narrator

[@vinothinivino248]

How off Accessibility option in laptop?

[@theblindlife]

It’s the same on a laptop

[@KennethBSmith]

👍

[@davehodges7399]

we have yet too see a narrator video for windows 10. let alone windows 11

[@abdullahak2204]

Meanwhile I have windows 7 on my laptop with no support lol the Microsoft office stuff is outdated I need to get a new laptop soon lol

[@davidrichards6509]

My understanding is the "changes" that were made for Windows 11 are pretty much just Microsoft trying to make the Windows desktop experience look more like the Ubuntu or any number of Iother NCREDIBLY INFERIOR LINUX desktop experiences . As USUAL, Microsoft is trying to make one of its LONG established products more appealing to a group of non-Microsoft customers who made the decision DECADES ago that they were NEVER going to use a Microsoft product, while at the SAME time alienating more and more of the DECADES LONG Microsoft customers who were ENTIRELY responsible for the genesis of ENORMOUS and OBSCENE levels of wealth of people like Bill Gates, Paul Allen, and Steve Ballmer.

[@gillyboy1566]

I paid £2000 for a PC which is about $3250 and isn't capable of running Windows 11 Microsoft can shove itright where the sun doesn't shine

[@theblindlife]

Did you run the PC health checker program? It will tell you what part of your computer isn’t compatible. It’s probably the MPT security just hasn’t been enabled on your motherboard. That’s generally the problem with most peoples computers. That was the problem with both of mine. You can go into the bios and enable it which will fix the problem.

[@denialyehova7827]

That's for help us... Like you...🎉

[@denialyehova7827]

Hai I'm Daniel from India....