Narrator is a screen reader software utility included with every version of Microsoft Windows since Windows 2000. Developed by professor Paul Blenkhorn in 2000, it is a utility that made Windows more accessible for the blind and visually impaired users.
Narrator uses a text-to-speech voice to read text and other elements on the screen out loud, allowing the user to interact with the system even if they cannot see the screen (or if there is no display), as long as speakers are plugged into the computer. Along with interface elements the user interacts with, Narrator can be set to speak keys the user types on the keyboard, as well as system messages and scroll notifications.
Narrator can be set to open when a user logs on to Windows, and it can be set to automatically minimize when it is opened.
The speed, volume, and pitch for the voice of Narrator can be changed in the program's settings, as can the voice itself if you have more than one voice installed. In Windows XP, Narrator uses the Microsoft Sam voice by default. In Windows Vista and Windows 7, Narrator uses the Microsoft Anna voice by default. In Windows 10, Narrator uses the Microsoft David voice by default.
Narrator is part of the Ease of Access category of programs.