How to Use the Free NVDA Screen Reader on Windows
Install the free NVDA screen reader, practice keyboard navigation and read websites, PDFs and documents more accessibly.
Before you begin
A screen reader makes a computer's interface available through spoken output and, with compatible equipment, braille. NVDA, short for NonVisual Desktop Access, is free and open-source software made by NV Access for Windows. It can help blind and vision-impaired users browse websites, edit documents and manage email without buying expensive accessibility software. The first sessions can feel unfamiliar because keyboard focus, headings and controls become more important than the visual layout.
1Check device compatibility and choose the official download
Open nvaccess.org/download on the Windows computer. NV Access states that current NVDA releases support modern Windows versions and offers older downloads separately for legacy systems. Downloading NVDA itself is free; the website may invite voluntary donations or offer optional paid training and support. Do not confuse those optional services with a mandatory software purchase. Use a supported Windows environment for the best compatibility and security.
2Start with the talking installer or temporary run mode
Launch the installer from a location you trust and follow its spoken prompts. NVDA provides installation and portable or temporary-use workflows, depending on how it is packaged. If this is a shared or school computer, ask for authorization before installing software. During setup, choose a voice and speech rate comfortable enough to understand, rather than immediately maximizing speed. Keep a keyboard and headphones available so practice does not disturb nearby people.
3Learn the NVDA modifier key and basic navigation
NVDA uses an NVDA modifier key, commonly Insert or Caps Lock depending on keyboard layout and settings, combined with other keys. Start with NVDA's own getting-started materials, then practice Tab and Shift+Tab to move through interactive controls, Enter and Space to activate elements, and arrow keys for reading text. Use the built-in help mode to discover gestures rather than memorizing an outdated list copied from a random blog.
4Read websites by landmarks and headings
Open a familiar website in a supported browser and practice jumping between headings, links and form fields using the shortcuts documented in NVDA's user guide. The software supports browse mode for reading documents and focus mode for interacting with input controls. Well-structured websites should expose headings and labels to assistive technology. If a control is unlabeled or behaves unpredictably, the website itself may have an accessibility issue rather than NVDA being broken.
5Work with Word documents, PDFs and email
Try a short document with actual headings and selectable text. NVDA supports widely used Windows applications and can interact with many PDF readers. A scanned PDF that contains only page images may require OCR, and recognition quality varies. Test reading a sample paragraph and confirm important numbers against the document when possible. For email, use standard folder and message navigation, and keep phishing precautions in mind when screen readers announce suspicious links.
6Customize and keep the system maintained
Adjust voice, punctuation verbosity, speech rate and braille configuration as needed. NVDA includes an add-on ecosystem, but unfamiliar add-ons can affect privacy or stability; install only from trusted sources and keep them updated. Review NV Access release notes before major upgrades, especially on managed computers. Consider optional training material if you need structured instruction, and keep access to a second support method in case the computer's audio stops working.
Frequently asked questions
Is NVDA free for business and personal use?
NV Access distributes the screen reader free and open source, while separately offering optional services and support.
Will NVDA work on a Mac or iPhone?
NVDA is a Windows screen reader. Apple devices have their own built-in VoiceOver accessibility technology.
Official sources and further reading
Interface labels, availability and policies may change. Confirm current details with the relevant service before taking action.