Navigate and explore the Windows taskbar

Start

The Start button is the first element on the taskbar, located on the left side. It gives you access to apps, settings, and files. To open the Start menu:​​​​​

1. Press the Windows logo  key or look for the Windows  icon on the taskbar. If using a screen reader, you'll hear the “start button" to access the menu.

2. Once open, you can type the name of any app, setting, or document you want in the search box. Use the Down or Up arrow key to navigate through the suggestions and press Enter to select.

   • Alternatively, use the arrow keys to navigate the Pinned apps and Recommended items.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​For detailed information, go to Use a screen reader to explore and navigate the Start menu in Windows.

Search

The Search  icon, located to the right of the Start button, helps you quickly find files, apps, and settings. With a screen reader, you'll hear the “search button off.” Follow these steps to use Search:

• Press the Windows logo  key+S or look for the Search  icon on the taskbar to type your query in the search box. Then, press Tab to navigate to search categories and results.

​​​​​​​For more details, go to Search for anything, anywhere.

Task view

​​​​​​​Task view lets you organize your workspace by creating multiple desktops, helping you focus on applications or tasks on a specific desktop. You can switch between them using the Task view button.

1. Press the Windows logo  key+Tab. If using a screen reader, you'll hear "task view button off, number of desktops."

2. Use the Tab key to navigate the options and arrow keys to explore the desktops. Press Enter to switch.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​For more information, go to Multiple desktops in Windows and Keyboard shortcuts in Windows.

System tray​​​​​​​

The System tray is at the right end of the taskbar and displays system notifications and app icons. You’ll find OneDrive, Internet access, Audio output device and volume, Battery status, Clock, and Notifications in the System tray. To navigate, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows logo  key+B to access the Show hidden icons  or Windows logo  key+N to open the Notification center.

   • Use the Tab key to navigate through the elements in the System tray such as Internet access, Audio output device and volume, Battery power, and System clock. Press Enter to expand the menu.

2. Use the arrow keys to move between icons or notifications, and press Enter to interact with them.

To learn how to customize the system tray, go to Customize the taskbar notification area.

Accessibility flyout​​​​​​​

The Accessibility flyout provides quick access to settings such as Magnifier, Color filters, Narrator, Mono audio, Live captions, and Sticky keys. It is part of the Quick settings menu on the right side of the taskbar. To access these settings:

1. Press the Windows logo  key+A to open quick settings.

2. Use the arrow keys to navigate the Accessibility button and press Enter or Spacebar to select. This will open the Accessibility flyout menu.

3. To adjust settings, navigate to the More Accessibility settings button and press Enter.

For detailed information, go to Use a screen reader and keyboard to navigate and use the Windows Accessibility flyout ​​​​​​​and Find your notifications and quick settings / actions.

On-Screen Keyboard

​​​​​​​​​​​The On-Screen Keyboard (OSK) offers an alternative way to type without a physical keyboard. It displays a visual keyboard with standard keys, allowing you to use your mouse or another pointing device to select keys.

• To open the On-Screen Keyboard, press the Windows logo  key+Ctrl+O.

For more information, go to Use the On-Screen Keyboard (OSK) to type.

​​​​​​​