To change the shortcut modifier used by Magnifier’s reading commands in Windows 11, go to Settings > Accessibility > Magnifier > Reading and select a modifier key. The documented default is Ctrl+Alt. Narrator can read and help you navigate this setting, but this does not change Narrator’s own keyboard shortcuts.
Change the Magnifier reading modifier with a mouse
- Open Start > Settings > Accessibility > Magnifier.
- Scroll to the Reading section.
- Choose the option you want from the modifier dropdown.
This setting determines the modifier used with Magnifier’s reading shortcuts. Microsoft documents Ctrl+Alt as the default. Microsoft’s Magnifier instructions list the available reading commands and settings.
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Change it using the keyboard and Narrator
- Press Windows logo key+Ctrl+M to open Magnifier settings.
- Press Tab until Narrator announces “Reading, choose a modifier key” and then the currently selected option.
- Press Enter to open the options.
- Use the Up and Down arrow keys to find the modifier you want.
- Press Enter to select it and close the menu.
Use Magnifier reading shortcuts
After choosing a modifier, use it with the applicable Magnifier reading commands:
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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Start, pause, or resume reading | Modifier+Enter |
| Start reading at the pointer | Modifier+left mouse click |
| Read the previous sentence | Modifier+H |
| Read the next sentence | Modifier+K |
| Stop reading | Press any key |
Here, “modifier” means the option selected in Magnifier’s Reading settings. To turn Magnifier on, press Windows logo key+Plus; to turn it off, press Windows logo key+Esc. Windows logo key+Ctrl+M opens Magnifier settings.
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Avoid conflicts with Narrator shortcuts
Keep the Magnifier reading modifier distinct from the key used for Narrator screen-reader shortcuts. Microsoft advises against selecting the same key for both. Narrator’s default keys are Caps Lock and Insert; on a Japanese 106 keyboard, the defaults are Insert and NonConvert. Narrator’s key can be changed in Narrator settings. Microsoft’s Narrator keyboard commands reference describes these defaults.
If you meant a Narrator command shortcut
Changing an individual Narrator command is a separate task and does not alter Magnifier’s reading modifier. In Narrator settings, choose the command, select Change command keyboard shortcut, and type the new key combination. Use Restore all default to return Narrator commands to their defaults. See Microsoft’s instructions for customizing Narrator.
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Magnifier also has an option to follow the Narrator cursor. That changes what Magnifier tracks, not the modifier for reading commands. Microsoft’s Magnifier instructions cover this option.
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