NVDA and Windows 10

Last update: 5 April 2016 00:25 UTC

Summary: Although NVDA functions well in most areas of Windows 10 and the experience is similar to that in Windows 7 and 8.1, we recommend that most users delay upgrading to or purchasing a computer with Windows 10 until further notice. Advanced users who wish to test NVDA with Windows 10 should consider installing on a computer other than their primary computer and should carefully consider the information below.

  • Users should always use the latest release of NVDA.
  • Users should ensure that all available Windows updates are installed. This should normally happen automatically. In particular, there was a fix for major accessibility performance problems several months after Windows 10 was released.
  • Windows 10 introduces a new web browser and browsing engine called Microsoft Edge. NVDA has some experimental support for Edge, but there are major problems and this is far from ready for everyday web browsing. These issues are due to deficiencies in Edge’s accessibility support. We are working with Microsoft to ensure that these issues are rectified in future Windows updates.
  • In some cases, Microsoft Edge will be set as the default web browser. Due to the problems with Microsoft Edge, users should choose an alternative default web browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Internet Explorer.
  • In some cases, Microsoft Edge will be set as the default PDF reader. PDF reading in Microsoft Edge is entirely inaccessible at this time. Users should use Adobe Reader instead.
  • Aside from the Microsoft Edge browser itself, the Edge engine is used in other features of Windows such as Cortana and for Windows Store applications designed for Windows 10. Because of the problems with Microsoft Edge, users may experience problems when using these features and applications.
  • The Mail application that comes with Windows 10 is not currently accessible. Users should use an alternative email application.
  • After the upgrade is initiated, NVDA cannot be run to complete the final stages of the upgrade. However, users can start Narrator to complete the upgrade independently by pressing Windows key+enter. Once the upgrade completes, NVDA can be used as normal.