Windows 11 comes with strong built-in accessibility features — Narrator, Magnifier, high-contrast modes, speech support, and keyboard tools — enabling a blind or partially sighted person to set up a completely new computer independently.
Many users also receive specialist software through programmes like Access to Work, including Dolphin SuperNova (Magnifier & Screen Reader) and Dragon Professional v16 (speech recognition). This guide explains how to activate both the built-in features and install these commonly used assistive technologies.
1. Starting Up: Turning on Narrator Immediately
When powering on a new PC for the first time:
Method A — Quick Keyboard Shortcut
Press:
Windows key + Ctrl + Enter
→ Narrator launches and begins speaking everything on screen.
Method B — Voice Access (if offered)
You may hear:
“Would you like to use your voice?”
You can say:
“Turn on Narrator.”
Once Narrator is running, the entire Windows setup is spoken aloud.
2. Essential Narrator Commands During Setup
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Narrator + Left/Right Arrow — move between items
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Narrator + Enter — activate
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Narrator + Ctrl + Plus/Minus — speed up or slow down speech
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Narrator Key + H — list Narrator commands
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Windows + Plus/Minus — activate Magnifier
3. Core Windows Accessibility Settings
After completing the initial setup:
Go to:
Settings → Accessibility
Recommended adjustments:
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Text Size: Increase if needed
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Contrast Themes / Dark Mode
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Pointer Size & Colour
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Mono Audio
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Reduce Transparency
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Keyboard Options (Sticky/Toggle Keys)
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Magnifier Settings
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Colour Filters
These provide a strong foundation before installing specialist software.
4. Installing Common Assistive Software (SuperNova & Dragon)
Many blind and partially sighted computer users — particularly those supported through schemes like Access to Work — receive two widely used pieces of software:
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Dolphin SuperNova (Magnifier and Screen Reader)
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Dragon Professional v16 (speech recognition and voice control)
Below is a generic step-by-step guide showing how a blind user can install both independently.
4A. Installing Dolphin SuperNova (Magnifier & Screen Reader)
SuperNova is one of the most commonly provided specialist tools for users who need both magnification and a full screen reader.
Step 1 — Download the Installer
Suppliers typically send a link by email.
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Press Windows + R
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Type the website address provided (usually Dolphin’s download area)
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Press Enter
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Navigate using Narrator (or Tab/Arrows) to the download link
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Activate with Enter
Step 2 — Run the Installer
Windows will announce:
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“Do you want to allow this app to make changes?”
Press Alt + Y to confirm.
The installer is fully accessible with Narrator.
Step 3 — Follow On-Screen Prompts
Installer steps include:
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Accept licence
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Choose installation type
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Install voices
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Reboot if required
All steps speak automatically.
Step 4 — Launch SuperNova
After installation:
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Press Windows key, type “SuperNova”, then press Enter
SuperNova will:
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Speak all items
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Provide magnification
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Provide visual highlighting
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Offer multiple voice options
Step 5 — Configure Your Preferences
In the SuperNova Control Panel you can adjust:
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Speech (voice, rate, verbosity)
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Magnification level
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Colour scheme / high contrast
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Focus enhancements
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Mouse and cursor settings
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Braille settings
Step 6 — Set SuperNova to Start Automatically
Inside SuperNova settings:
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“Launch SuperNova when Windows starts” → On
This ensures you always have speech/magnification from login onwards.
4B. Installing Dragon Professional v16 (Speech Recognition)
Dragon Professional v16 is widely provided for users who need:
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Hands-free computer control
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Dictation into documents
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Voice commands for common tasks
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Faster text entry
Step 1 — Download the Installer
Suppliers will send a secure download link.
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Press Windows + R
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Paste the link
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Press Enter
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Save the file
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Open from the Downloads folder
Step 2 — Install Dragon
Dragon’s installer is accessible with Narrator.
Typical steps:
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Agree to licence
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Choose installation folder
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Install supporting components
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Restart the computer
Step 3 — First-Time Microphone Setup
Dragon will automatically walk through:
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Selecting your microphone
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Speaking sample lines to calibrate
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Testing audio quality
You must complete this process before dictation works.
Step 4 — Create Your Voice Profile
Dragon creates a personal profile that improves accuracy over time.
Step 5 — Basic Commands
Useful commands for new users include:
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“Open Microsoft Word.”
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“Start a new document.”
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“Press Enter.”
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“Correct that.”
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“Select the last sentence.”
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“Save document.”
Step 6 — Using Dragon with Screen Readers
Dragon is compatible with:
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Narrator
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SuperNova
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NVDA
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JAWS
If you use a screen reader, allow Dragon to run alongside it.
5. Optional: Installing NVDA as a Backup Screen Reader
Many blind professionals install NVDA as an additional screen reader.
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Free
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Very fast
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Works well with Microsoft Office, Teams, browsers
Download:
nvaccess.org
6. Third-Party Apps That Improve Accessibility
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Be My Eyes (web version)
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Seeing AI
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Microsoft Soundscape
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Voice Dream Reader (browser)
Useful for scanning text, identifying objects, reading PDFs, and navigating outdoor environments.
7. Accessibility Shortcuts to Set Up
Windows Quick Settings
Press Windows + A
Add:
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Magnifier
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Narrator
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High contrast
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Colour filters
Windows Accessibility Shortcut
Go to:
Settings → Accessibility → Accessibility Shortcut
Common options:
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Narrator
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Magnifier
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High Contrast
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Colour Filters
8. Sign-In Accessibility Tips
You can make logging in more accessible by:
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Enabling PIN login
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Using Windows Hello (if supported)
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Ensuring Narrator auto-starts at login screen (SuperNova does this once configured)
9. Safety and Backup
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Activate Find My Device
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Turn on OneDrive backup
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Set Windows Defender to scan automatically
10. Practical Tips for Supporting a Blind User Setting Up a Laptop
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Let the user explore the device tactually
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Explain gestures or keyboard commands verbally
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Avoid grabbing the device
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Install SuperNova early
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Install Dragon after SuperNova
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Reduce screen brightness if distracting
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Use Screen Curtain for privacy
Conclusion
Setting up a new computer as a blind or partially sighted user is completely achievable with the right tools, clear guidance, and the right accessibility software. Windows’ built-in features, alongside specialist solutions such as SuperNova and Dragon, give blind professionals the independence and efficiency they need from day one.
At Blind Ambition, we know that accessible technology is only one part of the picture — true inclusion comes from cultural awareness, confidence, and the willingness to remove barriers.
As Seema Flower says:
“Accessibility isn’t just about the software — it’s about people. We help businesses understand visual impairment, build inclusive cultures, and give their staff the skills to use accessible technology with confidence.”
Blind Ambition provides tailored training to organisations of all sizes — from improving awareness of visual impairment, to supporting customer-facing teams, to hands-on coaching that helps staff use accessible tools effectively.
If your organisation would like support in becoming more inclusive and accessible for visually impaired customers and employees, please reach out — we’d be delighted to help.
