NVDA Screen Reader

NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA) is a free, open-source screen reader for Windows. It's an essential tool for accessibility testing, used by both testers and real users worldwide.

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Tool Overview

Attribute Details
Developer NV Access (Australian nonprofit)
Tool Type Screen reader (assistive technology)
Platform Windows 8.1, 10, 11
Pricing Free and open source (donations encouraged)
Market Share Approximately 30-40% of screen reader users
Website nvaccess.org
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What is NVDA?

NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access) is a free, open-source screen reader that enables blind and vision-impaired people to use Windows computers. Created by NV Access in 2006, NVDA has grown to be one of the most popular screen readers worldwide.

Unlike commercial alternatives like JAWS, NVDA is completely free to download and use, making it accessible to users who cannot afford expensive assistive technology. This has made it particularly popular in developing countries and among users who are newly blind.

For accessibility testing, NVDA is an excellent choice because it's free, regularly updated, and represents a significant portion of real-world screen reader usage. Many accessibility professionals recommend testing with both NVDA and JAWS to ensure broad compatibility.

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Key Features & Capabilities

Core Functionality

  • Text-to-speech output with multiple voice options
  • Braille display support (refreshable displays)
  • Runs from USB drive (portable version available)
  • Support for over 50 languages

Web Browsing Features

  • Browse Mode: Navigate web content as a flat document
  • Focus Mode: Interact with forms and controls
  • Single Letter Navigation: Jump by heading, link, form field, etc.
  • Elements List: View links, headings, form fields, landmarks
  • ARIA Support: Excellent support for WAI-ARIA roles and properties
  • Speech Viewer: Visual display of speech output for testing

Browser Compatibility

  • Firefox: Excellent support (recommended)
  • Chrome: Very good support
  • Edge: Good support
  • Works with most Windows applications
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Essential Keyboard Commands

Command Action
INSERT + DOWN ARROW Say all (start reading)
CTRL Stop speech
H / SHIFT + H Next / Previous heading
1-6 Jump to heading level 1-6
K / SHIFT + K Next / Previous link
F / SHIFT + F Next / Previous form field
T / SHIFT + T Next / Previous table
D / SHIFT + D Next / Previous landmark
INSERT + F7 Open Elements List
INSERT + SPACE Toggle Browse/Focus mode
ENTER Activate link or button
INSERT + Q Exit NVDA

Note: INSERT is the default NVDA key. It can be changed to CAPS LOCK in settings.

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Installation & Setup

Standard Installation

  1. Go to nvaccess.org/download
  2. Click "Download" (donation is optional but encouraged)
  3. Run the downloaded installer
  4. Choose "Install NVDA on this computer"
  5. Follow the prompts to complete installation
  6. NVDA will start automatically after installation

Portable Version

NVDA can run from a USB drive without installation:

  1. During setup, choose "Create Portable copy"
  2. Select the USB drive as the destination
  3. Run NVDA from the USB drive on any Windows PC

Recommended Testing Settings

  • Enable Speech Viewer: Tools > Speech Viewer (shows spoken text on screen)
  • Adjust Speech Rate: INSERT + CTRL + UP/DOWN arrow
  • Use Firefox: Best NVDA compatibility
  • Enable Sounds: Audio feedback for modes and navigation
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What to Test With NVDA

Test Area What to Check
Navigation Can users navigate efficiently using headings and landmarks?
Reading Order Does content read in a logical, meaningful sequence?
Forms Are labels announced? Are errors clearly communicated?
Links Do link texts make sense out of context?
Images Is alt text present and meaningful?
Dynamic Content Are live regions announced? Is focus managed correctly?
Custom Controls Are ARIA roles and states announced correctly?
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Quick Facts

Best For: Free screen reader testing on Windows

Skill Level: Intermediate (requires learning commands)

Time to Learn: 1-3 hours for basic testing

Output: Audio feedback with optional Speech Viewer

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Pricing

100% Free

  • Free to download and use
  • Open source (GPL license)
  • No time limits or restrictions
  • Donations support development

Support NV Access

Consider donating to NV Access to support continued development.

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Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • Completely free
  • Open source and transparent
  • Portable version available
  • Excellent ARIA support
  • Regular updates
  • Used by many real users
  • Speech Viewer for testing

Limitations

  • Windows only
  • Learning curve for commands
  • Some differences from JAWS
  • Community support (no paid tier)
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Best Practices for Testing with NVDA

Getting Started

  1. Enable Speech Viewer: Helps you see what NVDA is announcing
  2. Use Firefox: Best compatibility with NVDA
  3. Learn Browse vs Focus Mode: Understand when each applies
  4. Start with the Basics: Practice with simple pages first

During Testing

  1. Navigate Like Users: Use headings and landmarks, not tab key alone
  2. Test Forms Thoroughly: Focus on label associations and error handling
  3. Check Dynamic Content: Verify live regions work correctly
  4. Document Issues: Record what NVDA announces vs. what's expected

Pro Tip: Use Speech Viewer

Enable NVDA's Speech Viewer (Tools > Speech Viewer) during testing. It displays all spoken output in a window, making it easier to document issues and share findings with developers.

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