Microsoft has released an update to its Narrator feature in Windows 11, which uses artificial intelligence to provide detailed descriptions of images, charts, and graphs.
This update is designed to improve digital accessibility for blind and low-vision users who often encounter inaccessible visuals due to missing or inadequate alt text. The new feature allows users to generate rich, detailed descriptions of images by pressing Narrator key+Ctrl+D. These descriptions can include information about people, objects, colours, text, and numbers in the image.
For example, if a user encounters a graph showing stock prices, the Narrator will provide a detailed description of the graph, including the trend of the stock prices over a specific period.
The feature is currently available on Copilot+ PCs, with support for AMD and Intel-based systems coming soon.
When users first try the image descriptions feature, the necessary models will be downloaded, and they can check the download status via Settings > Windows Update.
Once set up, users can navigate through images and graphs using the G or Shift+G commands in scan mode, allowing them to focus on specific elements of the visual content.
For more information, please read about Narrator on Microsoft Support.