[
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "How%20do%20I%20get%20in%20and%20out%20of%20Scan%20Mode%20using%20the%20Narrator%20screen%20reader%20on%20Windows%3F"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Here\u2019s how to turn *Scan Mode* on and off in Windows Narrator, plus tips for recognizing its state and using it across apps. This applies to recent Windows 10 and 11 versions.\n\n---\n\n## What is Scan Mode?\n\nScan Mode (also called Browse Mode or Virtual Mode) lets you navigate through apps, websites, emails, etc., using your arrow keys plus additional keyboard navigation (e.g. through headings, links, tables). When scan mode is **off**, input keys (arrows, letters, numbers) mostly go directly to regular use (like typing or app navigation) rather than navigation by Narrator. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/chapter-3-using-scan-mode-7b2af804-5a2f-90fd-b0e0-672f7cbbf2da?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## How to Toggle Scan Mode On/Off\n\n- Press **Narrator Key + Spacebar**.  \n  - \u201cNarrator Key\u201d is either **Caps Lock** or **Insert** (you can choose which one in settings). ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/chapter-3-using-scan-mode-7b2af804-5a2f-90fd-b0e0-672f7cbbf2da?utm_source=openai))  \n  - You\u2019ll hear your PC say *\u201cScan mode on\u201d* when enabling it, or *\u201cScan mode off\u201d* when disabling. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/chapter-3-using-scan-mode-7b2af804-5a2f-90fd-b0e0-672f7cbbf2da?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## How to Tell Whether Scan Mode Is On\n\n- After pressing **Narrator + Spacebar**, listen for voice feedback saying \u201cScan mode on\u201d or \u201cScan mode off.\u201d ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/office/turn-off-virtual-or-browse-mode-in-screen-readers-in-windows-10-fall-creators-update-a1863abe-3904-49ba-96ad-8d7632b85e7c?utm_source=openai))  \n- When Scan Mode is **on**, pressing the **Up/Down arrow keys** will read through lines of text, headings, links, etc. Press **Enter** or **Spacebar** to activate items. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/chapter-3-using-scan-mode-7b2af804-5a2f-90fd-b0e0-672f7cbbf2da?utm_source=openai))  \n- When it\u2019s **off**, the arrow keys will work more like regular keyboard navigation (focus moves based on app behavior, character-level movement, or text editing), and Narrator won\u2019t intercept key presses the same way. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/chapter-3-using-scan-mode-7b2af804-5a2f-90fd-b0e0-672f7cbbf2da?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## Automatic Behavior & Per-App Settings\n\n- Scan Mode **turns on automatically** in certain apps/web browsers (Edge, Chrome, Firefox, Mail, Outlook) or in any app where you had it enabled before. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/chapter-3-using-scan-mode-7b2af804-5a2f-90fd-b0e0-672f7cbbf2da?utm_source=openai))  \n- Scan Mode **turns off automatically** when you're in an edit field (text box, search box, etc.) so you can type normally. Once you leave that field (e.g., arrow up/down), it resumes. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/chapter-3-using-scan-mode-7b2af804-5a2f-90fd-b0e0-672f7cbbf2da?utm_source=openai))  \n- If you disable Scan Mode in a specific app, that setting will stick for that app. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/chapter-3-using-scan-mode-7b2af804-5a2f-90fd-b0e0-672f7cbbf2da?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## Additional Tips\n\n- Make sure Narrator is **running first**. Use **Win + Ctrl + Enter** to toggle Narrator on or off. ([servicemanual.gov.scot](https://servicemanual.gov.scot/checking-website-accessibility/checking-accessibility-with-a-screen-reader?utm_source=openai))  \n- In Narrator settings, you can choose which key acts as the Narrator key (Caps Lock or Insert). ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/chapter-7-customizing-narrator-ce950246-c915-0d44-9be6-fb474387a285?utm_source=openai))  \n- If you're unsure whether scan mode is enabled, try navigating with arrow keys: if every line/element reads out as you move, scan mode is *on*. If not, likely *off*.\n\n---\n\nIf you let me know your Windows version (10 or 11) I can give you screenshots or settings steps tailored for your system."
    }
]