8 Windows accessibility shortcuts that unlock new options for everyone

When you think of accessibility settings, you might think they're just for specific needs, but that's simply not true. Windows offers a number of useful accessibility options that are great for customizing your PC's interface, improving comfort, and even operating things completely hands-free.

8. Enable sound alerts for Caps Lock, Num Lock and Scroll Lock

Windows has a simple feature that can save you from the hassle of accidentally pressing a key. You can enable alerts for the Caps Lock, Num Lock , and Scroll Lock keys , so that the system plays a sound whenever one of them is turned on. That way, you'll know immediately if you accidentally turn one of these keys on or off while you're typing.

To enable this feature, go to Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard and turn on the Toggle keys option . Windows will play a sound every time you press one of the Lock keys .

8 Windows accessibility shortcuts that unlock new options for everyone
Windows 11 keyboard accessibility settings

7. Increase text size for easier reading

To make the change, go to Settings > Accessibility > Text Size . Move the slider to the desired size and select a live preview in the Text size preview box . When the text is to your liking, click Apply . Windows will instantly update the text across your system, and you'll be able to work for long periods of time without straining your eyes.

8 Windows accessibility shortcuts that unlock new options for everyone
Text size options in Windows Settings app

6. Enable visual notifications for alerts

Go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio , then use the drop-down menu next to Flash my screen during audio notifications to select the option you want. You'll see three options: Flash the title bar of the active window , Flash the active window , and Flash the entire screen .

8 Windows accessibility shortcuts that unlock new options for everyone
Windows 11 Settings app shows visual notification options

5. Turn on live captions for any audio or video

Live Captions are automatically generated captions for any audio or video playing on your computer - be it a movie, a voice message, or even a video call. The captions appear in real time and you can customize the color, size, and font.

To turn on Live Captions, go to Settings > Accessibility > Captions and turn on the toggle. Then, choose your preferred caption style or edit an existing one.

From there, choose a caption style or customize an existing one, with a live preview showing how it will look. Once set up, use the Windows key + Ctrl + L shortcut to turn Live Captions on or off at any time.

8 Windows accessibility shortcuts that unlock new options for everyone
Use live captions on videos in Windows 11

4. Hands-free text input with Voice Typing

Unlike many other accessibility tools, Voice Typing doesn't require any additional setup. Just press Windows + H to activate and start speaking. If you need to pause and correct your keyboard errors, feel free to press the same shortcut to resume typing by voice.

8 Windows accessibility shortcuts that unlock new options for everyone
Windows 11 Voice Typing Menu in Google Docs Documents

By default, Windows won't add any punctuation, but you can enable it by clicking the gear icon in the Voice Typing window that appears and turning on Automatic punctuation . This is especially useful when you're brainstorming or trying to take notes while reading.

3. Control PC with voice commands

To enable this feature, go to Settings > Accessibility > Speech and turn on Voice Access . The first time you turn it on, Windows will prompt you to download voice samples for offline recognition. Once set up, use Windows + Ctrl + S to turn Voice Access on or off as needed.

8 Windows accessibility shortcuts that unlock new options for everyone
List of Windows 11 voice commands on desktop

Once you get used to all the voice commands for navigating and controlling your PC, it's hard to go back to the old way. This feature is ideal when you want to use your laptop remotely, for example.

2. Customize mouse cursor

If you like customizing your Windows PC, the Accessibility menu hides some useful options for changing the look of your mouse pointer. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Mouse pointer and touch to see all the available options.

8 Windows accessibility shortcuts that unlock new options for everyone
Mouse cursor options in Windows 11 Settings app

You can increase the cursor size, which is useful on large or high resolution screens where the default cursor can be easily lost.

1. Apply high contrast themes to improve visual accessibility

To enable this feature, go to Settings > Accessibility > Contrast themes . You'll see options like Aquatic , Desert , Dusk , and Night sky . Select a theme from the drop-down menu and click Apply to see the effect. For more control, use the Edit option to customize the colors for text, backgrounds, hyperlinks, and other elements.

8 Windows accessibility shortcuts that unlock new options for everyone
Windows 11 Settings app shows contrasting themes

Windows is packed with accessibility features that anyone can use. From customizing text size and cursor size to voice typing emails, you'll find plenty of Windows features that save you time and make your computer more fun to use.

Tags: #System
Sign up and earn $1000 a day ⋙

Leave a Comment

How to install and use VPN on Windows 11

How to install and use VPN on Windows 11

Installing a VPN will help keep your Windows 11 computer more secure.

Instructions for resetting utilities on Windows 11

Instructions for resetting utilities on Windows 11

If Windows 11 taskbar Widgets are not working, unavailable, not opening, frozen, or malfunctioning and restarting Widgets doesn't help, then you can reset the widgets on your computer.

Windows Sandbox: The Secret App That Lets You Open Anything Without Risk

Windows Sandbox: The Secret App That Lets You Open Anything Without Risk

Using this tool, you can safely check suspicious files, install suspicious software, or browse dangerous websites without risking damage to your main computer.

Instructions for fixing Task Manager has been Disabled by your Administrator

Instructions for fixing Task Manager has been Disabled by your Administrator

You may wonder why Task Manager is disabled? But don't worry! The following article will guide you through the best solutions to fix Task Manager when it is not working.

How to enable advanced settings on Windows 11

How to enable advanced settings on Windows 11

Microsoft introduces redesigned Advanced Settings page in Windows 11, adding system customization for developers and users with new features

How to fix “Docker: Invalid Reference Format” error

How to fix “Docker: Invalid Reference Format” error

Docker makes it easy to build, run, and manage containers. However, you may encounter an Invalid Reference Format error when running or building an image.

These safe alternatives to public Wi-Fi help protect your data

These safe alternatives to public Wi-Fi help protect your data

Whether you're working at a coffee shop or checking email at the airport, these more secure alternatives will keep your data secure without sacrificing your connection.

7 Smart Ways to Use Your Monitor Without a Computer

7 Smart Ways to Use Your Monitor Without a Computer

When you think of a monitor, you might imagine it connected to a PC or laptop. However, that monitor can actually work with many other devices.

How to turn off background applications on Windows

How to turn off background applications on Windows

Turning off background applications on Windows 10 will help your computer run less sluggishly and save system resources. The following article by WebTech360 will guide readers on how to turn off background applications on Windows 10.

How to Build the Perfect, Cheap Streaming System in a Tiny Dorm Room

How to Build the Perfect, Cheap Streaming System in a Tiny Dorm Room

After countless hours of using their college laptop and desktop speaker setup, many people discover that a few clever upgrades can turn their cramped dorm space into the ultimate streaming hub without breaking the bank.

8 hidden Windows touchpad gestures that make your workflow lightning fast

8 hidden Windows touchpad gestures that make your workflow lightning fast

A laptop's touchpad isn't just for pointing, clicking, and zooming. The rectangular surface also supports gestures that let you switch between apps, control media playback, manage files, and even view notifications.

How to fix Bad System Config Info error in Windows 10

How to fix Bad System Config Info error in Windows 10

Bad System Config Info is a common bug check error on Windows 10 systems. Let's look at some solutions to fix this issue.

How to make Taskbar transparent on Windows 11

How to make Taskbar transparent on Windows 11

Like Windows 10, you can also use third-party software to make Windows 11 Taskbar transparent.

How to invert screen colors using Magnifier Windows 11

How to invert screen colors using Magnifier Windows 11

Using the Magnifier inversion feature on Windows 11 can improve text readability, especially for people who are sensitive to light.

How to install and use VPN on Windows 11

How to install and use VPN on Windows 11

Installing a VPN will help keep your Windows 11 computer more secure.

8 Windows accessibility shortcuts that unlock new options for everyone

8 Windows accessibility shortcuts that unlock new options for everyone

Windows offers a number of useful accessibility options, ideal for customizing your PC's interface, improving comfort, and even operating things completely hands-free.

Instructions for resetting utilities on Windows 11

Instructions for resetting utilities on Windows 11

If Windows 11 taskbar Widgets are not working, unavailable, not opening, frozen, or malfunctioning and restarting Widgets doesn't help, then you can reset the widgets on your computer.

Windows Sandbox: The Secret App That Lets You Open Anything Without Risk

Windows Sandbox: The Secret App That Lets You Open Anything Without Risk

Using this tool, you can safely check suspicious files, install suspicious software, or browse dangerous websites without risking damage to your main computer.

Instructions for fixing Task Manager has been Disabled by your Administrator

Instructions for fixing Task Manager has been Disabled by your Administrator

You may wonder why Task Manager is disabled? But don't worry! The following article will guide you through the best solutions to fix Task Manager when it is not working.

How to enable advanced settings on Windows 11

How to enable advanced settings on Windows 11

Microsoft introduces redesigned Advanced Settings page in Windows 11, adding system customization for developers and users with new features

How to fix “Docker: Invalid Reference Format” error

How to fix “Docker: Invalid Reference Format” error

Docker makes it easy to build, run, and manage containers. However, you may encounter an Invalid Reference Format error when running or building an image.

These safe alternatives to public Wi-Fi help protect your data

These safe alternatives to public Wi-Fi help protect your data

Whether you're working at a coffee shop or checking email at the airport, these more secure alternatives will keep your data secure without sacrificing your connection.

7 Smart Ways to Use Your Monitor Without a Computer

7 Smart Ways to Use Your Monitor Without a Computer

When you think of a monitor, you might imagine it connected to a PC or laptop. However, that monitor can actually work with many other devices.

How to turn off background applications on Windows

How to turn off background applications on Windows

Turning off background applications on Windows 10 will help your computer run less sluggishly and save system resources. The following article by WebTech360 will guide readers on how to turn off background applications on Windows 10.

How to Build the Perfect, Cheap Streaming System in a Tiny Dorm Room

How to Build the Perfect, Cheap Streaming System in a Tiny Dorm Room

After countless hours of using their college laptop and desktop speaker setup, many people discover that a few clever upgrades can turn their cramped dorm space into the ultimate streaming hub without breaking the bank.

8 hidden Windows touchpad gestures that make your workflow lightning fast

8 hidden Windows touchpad gestures that make your workflow lightning fast

A laptop's touchpad isn't just for pointing, clicking, and zooming. The rectangular surface also supports gestures that let you switch between apps, control media playback, manage files, and even view notifications.

How to fix Bad System Config Info error in Windows 10

How to fix Bad System Config Info error in Windows 10

Bad System Config Info is a common bug check error on Windows 10 systems. Let's look at some solutions to fix this issue.

How to make Taskbar transparent on Windows 11

How to make Taskbar transparent on Windows 11

Like Windows 10, you can also use third-party software to make Windows 11 Taskbar transparent.

How to invert screen colors using Magnifier Windows 11

How to invert screen colors using Magnifier Windows 11

Using the Magnifier inversion feature on Windows 11 can improve text readability, especially for people who are sensitive to light.