- Windows 11 offers specific tools to improve visual accessibility
- You can change the text size, activate high contrast themes and color filters.
- The Magnifying Glass, the subtitles Live and dark mode help reduce eye fatigue
Do you have vision difficulties and are looking to adapt your computer to make it easier to use? Windows Microsoft 11 incorporates a wide variety of accessibility features designed to help each person customize their experience to their visual needs. Even if you don't have a visual impairment, discovering and taking advantage of these options can make your daily life more comfortable and less tiring.
In this article I will explain in detail all the tools and settings that you can activate in Windows 11 to improve visual comfort.You will learn not only how to access them, but also what they are for, how to configure them and some Tricks so you can get the most out of your equipment. We'll also discuss the benefits of modifying certain parameters to reduce eye strain and adapt it even if you have low vision or some form of color blindness.
Where are the accessibility options in Windows 11?
Windows 11 makes it easier to access all your accessibility settings through a specific section within the system settings. To get there quickly, you can press the keys Windows + I and, in the left side menu, click on AccessibilityFrom there, you'll see all the categories and tools designed to improve the experience for those with low vision, hearing, or mobility issues.
Another easy way to get there is by using the integrated system searchJust type "accessibility" in the search bar and select the option that best matches the feature you need to modify.
Main visual accessibility tools in Windows 11
Windows 11 offers a wide range of options for people with low vision. Here are the most useful, detailed, and simply explained options:
Text size: Changing the font size can make a difference if you have difficulty reading. In the section Accessibility > Text Size You can significantly increase the displayed font both on the system itself and in third-party applications. This setting is useful even if you just want to rest your eyes. or if you notice that the default size is too small.
You can combine this setting with the screen scaling, which you will find in Settings > System > DisplayBy modifying both parameters, it's easier to achieve a comfortable and personalized environment for you.
Visual effects: If you want to reduce fatigue and avoid discomfort caused by animations and transparencies, you can disable visual effects from Accessibility > Visual EffectsThis not only helps people with visual impairments, but also improves the overall performance of the device.
High contrast themes: Activating a high contrast theme increases the color difference between different elements on the screen, making text, icons, and buttons more distinguishable. You can configure this by going to Accessibility > High Contrast and selecting the theme you like best. There are several options, and you can also customize the colors to suit your preferences.
Blue light filter: A highly recommended trick to take care of your vision, especially if you spend many hours in front of the computer or use the PC at night, is to activate the option of Night lightThis setting filters out blue light, reducing eye strain and helping you sleep better. You can find it at Settings > System > Display, where you can regulate the intensity and program its automatic activation according to the time of day.
Magnifier: Magnify parts of the screen easily
La Land This is an essential feature for people with low vision. It allows you to magnify the entire screen or just a selected section, making it easier to read small text or see details in images or icons.
You can quickly activate it with the key combination Windows + + (sum) and control it from Accessibility > Magnifying Glass. It also has options such as inverting colors or selecting the magnification mode (full screen, docked, lens).
- To zoom in: Windows + +
- To reduce: Windows + –
- To deactivate the magnifying glass: Windows + Esc
Mouse pointer and text cursor: Make them more visible
If you have difficulty locating the mouse pointer or cursor when typing, you can customize their size and color. Go to Accessibility > Mouse Pointer and Touch Input to select from different styles and sizes, and even apply a color that stands out from the background.
For the text cursor, activate the option Text cursor indicator, which adds colored markers at the top and bottom of the cursor, making it easier to find. This feature is especially useful if you tend to lose sight of it on the screen.
Color Filters: Help for Color Blindness
Windows 11 integrates color filters for people with different types of color blindness (deuteranopia, protanopia, and tritanopia). These filters alter the system's color palette so users can better identify visual elements.
To activate them, go to Accessibility > Color Filters and select the filter that suits your needs. You can quickly activate or deactivate the filter using the combination Windows + Ctrl + C.
Live Captions: Transcribe on-screen audio
One of the most useful new features in accessibility is the option to live subtitlesThis feature automatically transcribes any audio played on your computer, displaying it in a floating box that you can move around the screen. Although it was designed for people with hearing difficulties, it's also useful for those with low vision who prefer to read information rather than listen, thus adapting communication to their needs.
On-screen keyboard and mouse settings
For those who also have motor difficulties, Windows 11 allows you to activate an on-screen keyboard that you can use with a mouse or touch. From the section Accessibility > Keyboard You can activate this function, as well as adjust other parameters such as keystroke sensitivity or the Print Screen key assignment.
In the part of Mouse, you have the option to control the pointer with the numeric keypad, modify the appearance and speed of the pointer, achieving a personalized and adapted visual experience.
Tools and accessibility in Microsoft Office
The applications of Microsoft Office also include accessibility options Integrated for people with low vision. From the options menus, you can adjust multiple parameters according to your needs:
- Customize the size or color of the text en Become, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
- Use the Learning tools Word to improve understanding: you can change the column width, page color, text spacing, display syllables, or even activate the function read out loud.
- Zoom in or out of documents easily with Ctrl and the mouse wheel, or by using the zoom slider in the bottom bar.
Recommended shortcuts and keyboard shortcuts
To streamline the setup and everyday use of all these features, Windows 11 provides you with a series of keyboard shortcuts:
- Windows+U: Open the accessibility settings directly.
- Windows+I: Open the Windows settings panel.
- Windows + + / Windows + –: Activate the Magnifier and adjust the zoom level.
- Windows + Ctrl + C: Quickly activate/deactivate the selected color filter.
- Left Alt + Left Shift + Print Screen: Activate high contrast.
Additional tips for a more comfortable viewing experience
In addition to all the options mentioned, I recommend you try each function and adjust the values. until you find the most comfortable balance for your vision. All of these adjustments are reversible and free, so feel free to experiment with different combinations until you feel comfortable. If you use multiple screens, configure each one independently to maximize visual comfort in any environment.
Don't forget that if you have a specific need or doubts about how to configure any of these options, you can use the Microsoft accessibility support or consult the specific guides and videos on the official support channel. It may also be helpful to learn How to use Copilot Vision on Windows 11 to enhance accessibility features.
Remember that many third-party applications offer their own accessibility settings. If you use specific browsers, email managers, or programs, look for them in the settings to customize them to your preferences.
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