Whether you just got a brand new laptop or you’re setting up a fresh install of Windows 11, this guide will walk you through the entire setup process using either a screen reader or magnification. You won’t need sighted assistance for any of this. The guide assumes you’re using a laptop, sometimes referred to as a notebook, but the same steps apply to a desktop as well.
Before You Begin
Before you power on that shiny new machine, have a few things ready. You’ll need your Wi-Fi network name and password. Windows 11 requires an internet connection during setup, so there’s no way around this one. If you can plug in an Ethernet cable instead, even better, because it connects automatically and you skip the Wi-Fi password dance entirely.
You will also need a Microsoft account. Windows 11 requires you to sign in with a Microsoft account during setup. If you do not have one, you can create one ahead of time on another device, or you can create one during setup if you already have an internet connection.
Have your Microsoft account email and password handy before you begin. If you use two-factor authentication, have your phone or authenticator app nearby as well.
Power On and Activate Accessibility
Turn on the computer and wait a moment. Windows 11 will play a brief audio cue on the very first screen to let you know that accessibility features are available.
For screen reader users, press WINDOWS+CTRL+ENTER to start Narrator, the built-in Windows screen reader. Narrator will begin reading the screen and will guide you through each step.
For magnification users, press WINDOWS+PLUS to start Magnifier. Increase the zoom level by pressing WINDOWS+PLUS again, and decrease it by pressing WINDOWS+MINUS.
There’s also an Accessibility icon in the bottom-right corner of each setup screen. Clicking or tapping it opens a menu where you can toggle Narrator, Magnifier, high contrast themes, and other accessibility features.
Step-by-Step Setup
Select Your Region
The first screen asks you to select your country or region. Use the UP/DOWN ARROW keys to find your country, then press ENTER or TAB to the Yes button and press ENTER.
Keyboard Layout
Next, Windows asks about your keyboard layout. If you’re using a standard US keyboard, just select Yes and move on. If you need a different layout, arrow through the list, select the one you want, and press Yes.
Windows will then ask if you want to add a second keyboard layout. Most people can just select Skip here.
Connect to Wi-Fi
If you’re plugged in via Ethernet, Windows will detect your connection automatically and you can skip this screen. For Wi-Fi, TAB to the list of available networks, use your ARROW keys to find your network, and press ENTER. Then TAB to the password field, type your Wi-Fi password, and press ENTER to connect.
Accept the License Agreement
Well, as they say, if you don’t agree to the terms, no Windows. TAB to the Accept button and press ENTER.
Name Your Device
Windows asks you to name your computer. Type whatever you like, or select Skip to let Windows assign a name. This can always be changed later.
Sign In with Your Microsoft Account
Enter your Microsoft account email address and press ENTER. On the next screen, enter your password and sign in. If you have two-factor authentication enabled, complete that verification now.
Create a PIN
Windows will ask you to create a PIN for faster sign-in. Press TAB to the Create PIN button and press ENTER. Type a numeric PIN, confirm it, and press ENTER. Narrator will read back what you type so you can confirm it’s correct.
Restore from a Previous Device
If you have used a Microsoft account on a previous Windows device, you may be asked if you want to restore settings and apps from that device. Choose to restore or set up as a new device based on your preference.
Privacy Settings
Windows presents a screen with several privacy toggles for things like location services, diagnostic data, and advertising. Review each one with TAB and toggle them with SPACEBAR as you see fit. When you’re done, TAB to Accept and press ENTER.
Device Customization
Windows may ask how you plan to use the device, such as for entertainment, gaming, school, or business. This helps Windows suggest apps and settings. You can select options that apply or skip this step entirely.
Final Configuration
After completing these steps, Windows will spend a few minutes applying your settings and installing apps. You’ll see a screen that says something like “This might take a few minutes.” Just sit back and wait. If you activated Narrator earlier, it should start automatically once the desktop loads. You’ll hear “Starting Narrator” when Windows is ready.
After You Reach the Desktop
Congratulations, you made it! Here are a few things to do right away.
If you plan to keep using Narrator, open Narrator settings by pressing WINDOWS+CTRL+N. Turn on the option to start Narrator before sign-in so that Narrator is available at the login screen every time you restart your computer.
If you prefer a different screen reader like NVDA, you can download and install it now. Narrator is fully capable of getting you through the download and installation. If you are new to NVDA, check out my getting started with NVDA guide to get up and running quickly.
If you want to fine-tune your Windows settings for accessibility, check out my guide to optimizing Windows for assistive technology users for practical tips on notifications, startup apps, visual effects, and more.
Accessibility Shortcuts During Setup
Here’s a quick reference for the accessibility shortcuts that work during Windows 11 setup.
WINDOWS+CTRL+ENTER: Start or stop Narrator.
WINDOWS+PLUS: Start Magnifier or zoom in.
WINDOWS+MINUS: Zoom out in Magnifier.
WINDOWS+ESC: Close Magnifier.
LEFT ALT+LEFT SHIFT+PRINT SCREEN: Toggle high contrast mode.
WINDOWS+CTRL+O: Open the on-screen keyboard.
Press SHIFT 5 times: Toggle Sticky Keys, which lets you press modifier key combinations one key at a time.
Tips
Use TAB to move forward between elements, SHIFT+TAB to move backward, ENTER to activate or select, and ARROW keys to navigate lists. These four controls will get you through every single screen.
If you have an Ethernet cable available, use it. It eliminates the Wi-Fi step entirely and also allows you to use Voice Access during setup if you want to navigate the screens by voice.
Narrator’s default speech rate may be too fast or too slow for you. Press CAPS LOCK+PLUS to speed it up or CAPS LOCK+MINUS to slow it down.
FAQ
Does Windows 11 still use Cortana during setup?
No. Cortana was removed from the Windows 11 setup experience. Narrator and Voice Access have taken over accessibility duties during setup. The system plays a brief audio cue on the first screen to let you know Narrator is available.
Can I set up Windows 11 without an internet connection?
No. Windows 11 requires an internet connection during setup. You’ll need either a Wi-Fi connection or an Ethernet cable.
Can I create a local account instead of using a Microsoft account?
Microsoft has removed the built-in option to create a local account during setup. A Microsoft account is required. You can convert to a local account after setup is complete if you prefer, but you’ll need a Microsoft account to get through the initial setup.
Do I need sighted assistance to set up a new Windows 11 computer?
No. Between Narrator, Magnifier, and the other accessibility features available during setup, you can complete the entire process independently. Just have your Wi-Fi password and Microsoft account credentials ready before you start.
Can I use Voice Access to set up my computer by voice?
Yes, but only after you’re connected to the internet. Voice Access requires a language model download, so it isn’t available on the first few screens. Once you’re connected to Wi-Fi or Ethernet, you can open the Accessibility menu in the bottom-right corner and enable Voice Access for the remaining steps.
Conclusion
Setting up a new Windows 11 computer without sighted assistance is entirely doable. Press WINDOWS+CTRL+ENTER for Narrator or WINDOWS+PLUS for Magnifier right from the very first screen, and you’re off to the races. Have your Wi-Fi password and Microsoft account ready, and the whole process takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
Until next time, Qapla!
Dude, this is AWESOME! I’m totally gonna try this next time I’m due for a new PC. I’ve never been a huge fan of Cortana in general, but this is one feature I gotta try. You can’t beat that. I’ve set up more PCs than I care to remember, but this sounds like the best thing since Windows 7.
Oh, and by the way, I’m not fluent in Klingon (I skate the fine line between geek and nerd, but I haven’t gone that far over it yet lol). So please correct me if I’m wrong, but for those of you who don’t know Star Trek, I found out “qapla” means “success”, and is also a goodbye. So what a fitting way to end a post so full of web-friendly goodness! Yes, Casey, Qapla!
PS: Of course now I’m gonna have to look up “Mountain Dew” in Klingon too :)
Hey , just read this, on a Greyhound bus of all places, and I just gotta say this is awesome! I’ve never used Cortana for setting up a PC before, but that’s great news for people who are blind or vision impaired! How amazing is that, just turn it on, answer her questions and grab a… what’s Klingon for Mountain Dew? 😋