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Overview

NVDA’s keyboard settings control how keyboard input is handled, which keys act as NVDA modifier keys, what feedback you receive when typing, and how NVDA responds to various keyboard events. Access Keyboard Settings: Press NVDA+control+k or navigate to Preferences > Settings > Keyboard in the NVDA menu.

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Keyboard Layout

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Keyboard layout
dropdown
default:"Desktop"
NVDA offers two keyboard layouts optimized for different hardware configurations.
Recommended for: Desktop computers with full keyboards including a numeric keypadCharacteristics:
  • Makes extensive use of the numeric keypad
  • Numlock must be OFF for NVDA commands
  • More commands available
  • Easier access to review commands
Modifier key defaults: NumpadInsert and InsertExample commands:
  • Numpad8: Read current line
  • Numpad7/9: Previous/next word
  • Numpad1/3: Previous/next character
You can switch layouts at any time. The change takes effect immediately without restarting NVDA.

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NVDA Modifier Keys

The NVDA modifier key is used in combination with other keys to execute NVDA-specific commands.
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NVDA modifier keys
multiselect
default:"Insert, NumpadInsert"
Select which keys can act as NVDA modifiers.Available options:
  • Insert - Standard Insert key (above arrow keys)
  • NumpadInsert - Insert on numeric keypad (Numpad0 with Numlock off)
  • CapsLock - Caps Lock key
Default configuration:
  • Desktop layout: Insert + NumpadInsert
  • Laptop layout: CapsLock + Insert
You can enable multiple modifier keys for flexibility. For example, use Insert when at a desk and CapsLock when using a laptop.

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Using Modifier Keys Normally

When a key is set as an NVDA modifier, you can still use it for its original purpose: Press the key twice quickly to pass it through to the system. Examples:
  • CapsLock as modifier: Press CapsLock twice quickly to toggle caps lock
  • Insert as modifier: Press Insert twice quickly to use insert mode in applications
This double-press feature ensures you don’t lose access to these keys’ normal functions.

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Typing Echo

Typing echo controls what feedback NVDA provides as you type.

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Character Echo

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Speak typed characters
option
default:"Only in edit controls"
Controls when NVDA announces individual characters as you type them.Options:Off - Don’t speak characters
  • Quietest option
  • Minimal feedback
  • Best for: Experienced users who don’t need character confirmation
Only in edit controls (Default) - Speak in text fields only
  • Speaks when typing in edit boxes, documents, text areas
  • Silent for command keys and navigation
  • Best for: Most users, general typing
Always - Speak in all contexts
  • Maximum feedback
  • Announces characters everywhere
  • Best for: Learning keyboard layout, password entry (with speak passwords enabled)
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Speech interrupt for characters
boolean
default:"true"
When enabled, speaking a new character interrupts speech for the previous character.Benefit: Faster, more responsive typing experienceWhen disabled: Characters may queue up, causing delays

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Word Echo

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Speak typed words
option
default:"Off"
Controls when NVDA announces complete words after you type them.Options:Off (Default) - Don’t speak words
  • Quieter
  • Only character feedback
Only in edit controls - Speak in text fields only
  • Confirms words in documents and edit boxes
  • Silent for other contexts
Always - Speak in all contexts
  • Maximum confirmation
  • Helpful for ensuring accuracy
Word echo is triggered by pressing:
  • Space
  • Enter
  • Most punctuation marks

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Command Key Announcement

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Speak command keys
boolean
default:"false"
When enabled, NVDA announces modifier and command keys as you press them.Announces:
  • Ctrl, Alt, Shift, Windows keys
  • Function keys (F1-F12)
  • Other command keys
Does NOT announce: Letter, number, and symbol keysUse cases:
  • Learning keyboard shortcuts
  • Ensuring correct modifier keys are pressed
  • Training and demonstrations

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Capital Letters

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Beep for lowercase with Capslock
boolean
default:"true"
When enabled, NVDA beeps if you type a lowercase letter while Caps Lock is on.Purpose: Alert you that Caps Lock is unexpectedly activeExample: Typing a password with Caps Lock accidentally on

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Typing Behavior

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Speech Interruption

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Speech interrupt for Enter
boolean
default:"true"
When enabled, pressing Enter stops current speech.Benefit: Submit forms or execute commands without waiting for speech to finish

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Say All Features

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Allow skim reading in Say All
boolean
default:"false"
When enabled, you can use navigation commands during Say All (continuous reading) without stopping speech.Allows:
  • Move to next/previous heading while reading continues
  • Jump to specific elements
  • Navigate through document structure
Without this: Any navigation command stops Say All

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Spelling Errors

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Alert for spelling errors
boolean
default:"true"
When enabled, NVDA plays a sound when you type a word that has a spelling error.Requirements:
  • Application must support spelling checking
  • Spelling must be enabled in the application
Affected applications:
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Windows Mail
  • Other applications with spell checking

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Key Processing

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Injected Keys

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Handle injected keys
boolean
default:"true"
Controls whether NVDA processes keys injected by other software.Injected keys come from:
  • On-screen keyboards
  • Macro programs
  • Remote control software
  • Accessibility tools
When enabled: NVDA treats injected keys like physical keyboard inputWhen disabled: May improve performance or avoid conflicts with certain software
Some security features in Windows may prevent processing of injected keys on secure screens.

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Multi-Press Timeout

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Multi-press timeout
integer
default:"500"
Range: 100-20000 millisecondsThe maximum time between key presses for NVDA to recognize them as a multi-press gesture.Affects commands like:
  • Double-pressing NVDA modifier keys to pass them through
  • Triple-tapping keys for extended functions
  • Rapid key sequences
Adjustment guide:
  • Shorter (100-300ms): For fast typists, prevents accidental multi-presses
  • Default (500ms): Good for most users
  • Longer (1000-2000ms): For users who press keys more slowly

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Input Gestures

The Input Gestures dialog allows you to customize keyboard shortcuts for NVDA commands.

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Accessing Input Gestures

Open Input Gestures:
  • NVDA menu > Preferences > Input Gestures
  • Or navigate to Input Gestures in NVDA Settings
Input gesture changes are saved immediately and take effect without restarting NVDA.

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Customizing Gestures

1

Open Input Gestures dialog

From NVDA menu: Preferences > Input Gestures
2

Find the command

Commands are organized by category:
  • Braille
  • Browse mode
  • Configuration profiles
  • Document formatting
  • Focus
  • And many more…
Expand categories with arrow keys or by typing the first letter.
3

Add a new gesture

  1. Select the command
  2. Click Add
  3. Press the key combination you want to assign
  4. Click OK
4

Or modify existing gesture

  1. Select the command showing current gesture
  2. Click Remove to delete it
  3. Click Add to create a new one
  4. Or click Reset to factory defaults to restore the original
5

Save changes

Click OK to save all gesture changes.
Be careful not to assign a gesture that conflicts with:
  • System shortcuts (Windows, Alt+F4, etc.)
  • Application shortcuts you use frequently
  • Other NVDA commands
NVDA will warn you if there’s a conflict.

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Input Help Mode

Input Help mode helps you learn NVDA commands: Toggle Input Help: Press NVDA+1 When active:
  • Press any key to hear its name and description
  • Commands are NOT executed
  • Perfect for exploring the keyboard
  • Shows what each key does
Use cases:
  • Learning NVDA commands
  • Finding forgotten shortcuts
  • Training new users
  • Exploring add-on commands
Press NVDA+1 again to exit Input Help mode and resume normal operation.

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Special Key Behaviors

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Pass Next Key Through

Command: NVDA+f2 Purpose: Sends the next key press directly to the application, bypassing NVDA command processing. Use case: When an application uses a key that NVDA also uses, and you need the application’s function. Example: 
1. Press NVDA+f2
2. NVDA says "Pass next key through"
3. Press the key you want to send to the application
4. The key is sent to the application, not processed by NVDA

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Sleep Mode

Command: NVDA+shift+s (Desktop) or NVDA+shift+z (Laptop) Purpose: Temporarily disables NVDA commands for the current application. When active:
  • All NVDA commands are ignored
  • NVDA is silent
  • Application receives all keyboard input normally
Use cases:
  • Applications with built-in screen reader support
  • Games or software with extensive keyboard controls
  • Applications that conflict with NVDA commands
Exit sleep mode: Press the sleep mode command again
Sleep mode is per-application. Switching to another app will restore normal NVDA functionality.

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Common Keyboard Shortcuts

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Essential Navigation

CommandDesktopLaptopDescription
NVDA MenuNVDA+nNVDA+nOpen NVDA menu
SettingsNVDA+control+gNVDA+control+gOpen NVDA Settings
Stop speechControlControlStop speaking immediately
Pause speechShiftShiftPause/resume speaking
Say allNVDA+downArrowNVDA+aRead from current position to end
Input helpNVDA+1NVDA+1Toggle input help mode
Report focusNVDA+tabNVDA+tabAnnounce current focus
Report titleNVDA+tNVDA+tAnnounce window title
Read windowNVDA+bNVDA+bRead current window

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Review Cursor

CommandDesktopLaptopDescription
Previous lineNumpad7NVDA+uReview previous line
Current lineNumpad8NVDA+iReview current line
Next lineNumpad9NVDA+oReview next line
Previous wordNumpad4NVDA+jReview previous word
Current wordNumpad5NVDA+kReview current word
Next wordNumpad6NVDA+lReview next word
Previous characterNumpad1NVDA+mReview previous character
Current characterNumpad2NVDA+commaReview current character
Next characterNumpad3NVDA+periodReview next character
You can customize any of these shortcuts using the Input Gestures dialog.

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Troubleshooting Keyboard Issues

Check:
  1. Input Help mode is OFF (toggle with NVDA+1)
  2. Sleep mode is OFF (toggle with NVDA+shift+s)
  3. NumLock is OFF (for desktop layout with numeric keypad commands)
  4. Application hasn’t captured focus
  5. NVDA is actually running (look for system tray icon)
Try: Restart NVDA with add-ons disabled (NVDA+control+q, choose restart with add-ons disabled)
Reduce feedback:
  1. Disable “Speak command keys”
  2. Set “Speak typed characters” to Off or “Only in edit controls”
  3. Set “Speak typed words” to Off
  4. Check if an add-on is providing extra announcements
Increase feedback:
  1. Enable “Speak typed characters” (set to Always)
  2. Enable “Speak typed words”
  3. Enable “Speak command keys” for learning
  4. Check that speech isn’t being interrupted too aggressively
Symptoms:
  • Commands don’t work as expected
  • Numeric keypad commands don’t function
  • Key combinations seem wrong
Solution:
  1. Open Keyboard Settings (NVDA+control+k)
  2. Check “Keyboard layout” setting
  3. Switch to the appropriate layout for your hardware
  4. Verify NumLock state (should be OFF for desktop layout numpad commands)
Problem: NVDA modifier interferes with normal key functionSolutions:
  1. Use a different modifier key (e.g., switch from CapsLock to Insert)
  2. Remember to double-press modifier to pass it through
  3. Increase multi-press timeout if double-pressing too slowly
  4. Disable problematic modifier and use alternative
Check:
  1. Gesture was actually saved (reopen Input Gestures to verify)
  2. No conflict with other commands (NVDA should have warned)
  3. Application isn’t capturing that key combination
  4. Your keyboard physically supports that key combination
  5. Try using Pass Next Key Through (NVDA+f2) to see if app receives it

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