How To Make The Most Of Your Windows Pc's Accessibility Features
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Loading... - Frieda Wagner
- 12 Jul 2022
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Windows 11 is the most inclusive version of recent Windows operating systems. It’s much easier to find and operate the accessibility features in this version than in its predecessor, Windows 10.
To begin with, the new Accessibility pane found in the menu options in Settings will lead you to the centralized list of assistive features. You can easily customize options using a minimum of clicks and bar slides that are available once you select the specific feature in the Accessibility pane.
Once activated, all features remain active throughout Windows 11 and on most Microsoft products such as apps and computing gear until you deliberately turn them off. This makes the accessibility features useful for both short-term and long-term assistance needs.
By the way, assistive features in Windows 11 are also designed to work in tandem with a new line of Microsoft adaptive accessories which Microsoft plans to launch in the fall of 2022. The lineup includes an adaptive mouse, hub, and buttons. These accessories are designed to adapt traditional PC gear, like a mouse or keyboard, or to replace them entirely with more helpful alternatives.
WHERE TO START
To begin to set up your accessibility features, click on the blue Windows Start icon on the taskbar and then on Settings (the cog icon). Look for Accessibility in the list on the left side of the settings window — it is marked by a human figure as its icon.
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You’ll then see the accessibility pane with a complete list of built-in features organized into three categories: Vision, Hearing, and Interaction. Select from the list and follow prompts to customize features to suit your needs and comfort level.
There are numerous improvements throughout Windows 11 that, while technically designed to aid access for those who need it, also have wide appeal as a matter of convenience or aesthetics. Expect to be pleasantly surprised even with tried-and-true, familiar functions. Examples include new sound schemes that indicate Windows startup is activated or that Dark or Light Themes are in use. There are also new color and contrast schemes that ease eye strain and sharply improve the clarity of the screen.
You can activate any accessibility tools at any time. However, it’s a good idea to walk through the setup process so that you can independently customize and use your device in the way you prefer or need. Keep in mind that a few accessibility features, such as eye-tracking, may require additional hardware to be installed first.
VISION ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES
Each feature, in this or any of the other categories, offers several customization options. Simply click on the desired feature and make your choices from the selections offered.
- Text size: the size of the text throughout Windows
- Visual effects: the ability to make some window backgrounds transparent, add (or shut off) animation effects, or adjust the brightness of the display
- Mouse pointer and touch: the size of the mouse pointer and the ability to add a circle on the screen where you touch it
- Text cursor: the appearance of the cursor
- Magnifier: the ability to increase the size of your screen content
- Color filters: adjustments for color blindness
- Contrast themes: the ability to adjust for low vision or light sensitivity. Read More...
