Customization is important in creating an inclusive IT environment. Users have varying needs, and for some, small adjustments like changing the keyboard shortcuts for accessibility tools can drastically improve their computing experience.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to change the Magnifier reading keyboard shortcut using three different methods. Keep reading to learn more about how the Windows Magnifier tool works.
Step-by-step guide to changing the Magnifier keyboard shortcut
Before you start, make sure the following requirements are met:
- You’re using Windows 11 version 22H2 or later.
- Your Magnifier tool is running.
- You don’t plan on using custom key bindings. Windows only allows users to choose from three predefined combinations.
Otherwise, the methods we have outlined below won’t work as expected.
Method 1: Change the Shortcut via Settings App (GUI)
- Open Settings > Accessibility > Magnifier.
- Scroll down to the Reading section.
- Under the Reading shortcut, choose whichever combination suits your needs:
-
- Ctrl + Alt + Enter
- Caps Lock + Enter
- Insert + Enter
The changes will be applied immediately; no need to restart your computer.
Method 2: Change the Shortcut via Registry Editor
- Press Win + R, type in regedit, and click Enter to open the Registry Editor.
- Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\ScreenMagnifier
- Create or modify a DWORD (32-bit) value:
- Name: MagReadShortcut
- Value
- 0 = Ctrl + Alt + Enter
- 1 = Caps Lock + Enter
- 2 = Insert + Enter
- Sign out and back in or restart the Magnifier tool for the changes to take effect.
Method 3: Configure Using a .reg File
Example: Set reading shortcut to Caps Lock + Enter
- Open Notepad and paste the following:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\ScreenMagnifier]“MagReadShortcut”=dword:00000001 - Save the file with a .reg extension (e.g., Set_MagShortcut_CapsLock.reg)
- Double-click the file and accept the prompt to merge it into the registry.
- Sign out or restart your system to apply the change.
Change the value to 00000000 if you want to use the default Magnifier keyboard shortcut or to 00000002 for the Insert + Enter combination.
Additional Considerations to note when changing the Windows Magnifier
There are additional considerations you should note before you choose which method to use.
- User Scope: The Registry stores these settings under the HKCU, meaning you need to apply these changes to each user profile.
- Application: The GUI and Registry methods are available to both standard and administrative users.
- Group Policy Settings: There is no Group Policy setting for changing the Magnifier reading keyboard shortcut. You will need to use .reg or scripting methods to deploy the changes at the enterprise level.
Why should you change the Magnifier reading keyboard shortcut?
You should consider changing the Windows Magnifier keyboard shortcut if:
- You’re having trouble using the Ctrl + Alt + Enter shortcut.
- You have third-party applications that use the same key combination.
- You want to configure your Windows fleet for educational, kiosk, or enterprise use.
- You want to align the screen reader setup across your IT infrastructure..
A quick overview of the Magnifier Tool in Windows 11
Windows 11’s Magnifier tool allows users with visual impairment to zoom into parts of their screen. It can enlarge texts, images, and icons up to 16x and has a text-to-speech (TTS) function that reads on-screen text aloud.
It’s a game-changing feature for people with low vision or reading difficulties. But as useful as the tool may be, its Ctrl + Alt + Enter keyboard shortcut doesn’t always work for everyone.
Enhance the Windows experience with personalized shortcuts
Changing the Magnifier reading keyboard shortcut is one of the easiest ways you can make your IT environment more welcoming to users of all abilities.
The Magnifier’s read-aloud function is a useful tool for people with vision and cognitive impairments. Customizing its key shortcuts will make it even more accessible for users with other disabilities.
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