Use a screen reader to explore and navigate Skype for Windows
As part of the Skype Accessibility content set, this article is specifically aimed at people who use an audio reading program with Skype and are people with visual impairments. Visit the Skype Support home page for more general information and help.
In order to explore and navigate the app’s main views and elements, and move between views and functions, you can use your keyboard and a screen reader such as Narrator, the Windows built-in screen reader, or NVDA to navigate the app with your keyboard and a screen reader. This article contains information for users of the latest version of Skype that can be used with the methods mentioned in this article. Click here to find out how to update Skype for more information.
Notes:
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There are some keyboard shortcuts that you can use in Skype. If you want to find out what they are, click here.
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NVDA is the recommended screen reader for Skype for Windows on Windows 10 and Windows 11 (version 15), while Narrator, the built-in screen reader for Windows 7 is recommended for Skype for Windows 10 and 11.
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What accessibility features are available for Skype? Is a good place to start learning more about what accessibility features are available for Skype.
Get to know the Skype layout
An important part of Skype is the main content pane which consists of a list and a content pane. As you select a view from the list pane, the elements that are included in it change based on what view you selected.
List pane
In the main content pane, you can find a list pane that is located to the left. Build a mental model of the Skype list pane if you have low vision, or if you have a visual disability, or if you have limited mobility as a result of these conditions. Below is a table which describes the areas of the list pane as well as the specific elements within it.
| Area | Elements you'll find in this area |
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| First row: A description of yourself and a button for options | Name displayed Balance of Skype credit Message about mood. The mood message is displayed if one has been set. A button with more options will appear. Signing out of the app, accessing settings, and getting help for the app are all available here. |
| Second row: Dial pad and search bar access | Messages, groups, and people search box. A contact and chat search feature is available. To use the dial pad, press the button. You can make a phone call by entering a phone number on the dial pad |
| Third row: The list pane can be customized by using a tab group | Tab for chats. Your participation in chats is shown here. Tab for calls. Your recent calls are displayed here. Tab "Contacts". Your contacts are displayed here. Tab Notifications. A list of Skype usage tips and whether you've been mentioned in a chat is displayed. |
| Variable number of rows: The tab that you selected contains information related to it | The following information is displayed when you click on the Chats tab: The sort menu can be found here. It is possible to sort the chats list based on the most recent message, unread status, hidden chats, or just by the most recent message. The chat menu has been updated. There is also the option of creating a new group chat, chat, or SMS conversation by using the option below. An overview of the conversations and chats you have had with others. The following information is displayed if you select the Calls tab on the left hand side of the screen: The menu can be viewed here. In the call list, you are able to filter your calls so that all calls, Skype calls, or phone calls are displayed. There has been a new menu added to the call menu. Provides you with the option of searching for people or entering a phone number so that you can place a call. Your recent phone calls are listed below. You will find a list of potential contacts on this page. It is possible to see the following information on the Contacts tab if you select it: Click here to view the menu. The Contacts list can be filtered in such a way that you can see my contacts, all contacts, or active contacts in real time. The menu for contacts has been added. It provides you the option of searching for people in your contacts to add them to your list, inviting them to use Skype or adding a phone number to your contacts as well. Here is a list of the contacts you have. The following information is shown when you choose the Notifications tab from the menu: You can view the menu by clicking here. A lot of these notifications can be filtered by notification type, marked as read or changed by simply clicking on the settings button. Your notification list is displayed below. |
Content pane
On the Skype screen, there is a content pane that can be found on the right side.
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The chat history for the selected contact or chat will appear in the content pane when you select the contact or chat in the list pane.
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A row at the top of the content pane is devoted to offering a variety of options, such as accessing shared media and links, searching within a certain conversation, starting a video or audio call with other chat participants, or adding new participants to a conversation.
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It is possible to send messages and type notes under the chat history. This field is located under the chat history.
Navigate using the keyboard
There are keyboard shortcuts that you can use to use Skype. Find out more about keyboard shortcuts and how to use them in Skype by reading What are keyboard shortcuts and how do I use them? Here are some keyboard shortcuts that are frequently used when using Skype:
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By pressing either the Tab key or the Shift+Tab key, you will be able to move forward through the elements within Skype, or you will be able to move backwards.
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There is an arrow key at the top and bottom of the list pane that allows you to move between tabs.
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Using the Up and Down arrows on your keyboard, you can move from one list item to the other in a list pane.
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You can select an item by pressing Enter after you have selected it. Using the Esc key will close the dialog or return the focus to the previous window.
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The main window can be opened by clicking on each tab as follows:
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You can open the Chats tab by pressing Alt+1 on your keyboard.
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The Contacts tab can be accessed by pressing Alt+2 on your keyboard.
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The Notifications tab can be opened by pressing the Ctrl+I key combination.
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Using the Ctrl+D keyboard shortcut will bring up the main dial pad.
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Using Ctrl+N, you can start a new conversation.
Special considerations for Skype
Change the text size
You can adjust the font size displayed in Skype by following the steps below:
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If you want to enlarge the text display size, you should press Ctrl+Shift+equals sign (=) together.
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Using Ctrl+minus sign (-), you will be able to decrease the size of the displayed text.
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Pressing Ctrl+0 will reset the text display size to its default value.
Operate Skype with speech recognition
People with limited mobility may find it helpful to use speech recognition tools to operate Microsoft products, including Skype, such as those who have limited mobility, who may have difficulty using a keyboard or mouse, or who may prefer to use voice commands.
Speech recognition tools can be purchased online or included with the Windows operating system as part of the Speech Recognition functionality. Refer to Use speech recognition for instructions on how to enable Speech Recognition on your computer.
Technical support for customers with disabilities
For all of our customers, Microsoft strives to provide a great experience. The Microsoft Disability Answer Desk can provide technical assistance if you have disability or accessibility questions. Providing support in English, Spanish, French, and American Sign Language is one of the specialties of the Disability Answer Desk support team. You can find the contact details for your region on the Microsoft Disability Answer Desk website.
Enterprise Disability Answer Desks are available to government, commercial, and enterprise users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I share a screen with Skype?
In the meeting window, you will find a Share button at the bottom of the screen. You can share your desktop view by clicking on Share Screen or you can share a specific program on your computer by clicking on Share Program.
How do I use 2 screens on Skype?
On the desktop version of Skype, how do I use the split window mode?
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Select the. More menu.
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Make sure that split view mode is enabled by selecting it.
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There are now separate windows for your contacts and conversations. You are now able to move your contact window wherever you like.
How do I share my screen on Skype with Windows 10?
You will need to open Skype in order to use it. You can select a contact from the list of contacts on your computer. You are able to start a video call or an audio call by clicking the appropriate button.
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In case you’re using more than one monitor, select the display you’d like to share from your multi-monitor setup.
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In order to share computer sound, you will need to turn on the toggle switch for Share computer sound.
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You can share your screen by clicking on the Share screen button.
Why won’t Skype let me share my screen?
If you wish to share your screen with someone else, you should be on a voice or video call with them. The screen sharing function will not be available to you if you are not in a call. Make sure you are using a version of Skype that allows screen sharing between you and the person you are sharing your screen with. Make sure that Skype is the most up-to-date version you can get.
Where is Share Screen Skype?
On the mobile device, here are some instructions on how to share your screen via Skype
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Use the Skype app on your Android device to make a call.
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You can find more options at the bottom-right of your call by tapping on the “…” button. A menu option can be found in the mobile version of the app that hides the screen sharing option. …
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In this menu, you will see a screenshare button at the top right of the screen.
Can you Share Screen on Skype for business?
The whole desktop of your computer or just a specific program can be shown to everyone if you are part of a Skype for Business Meeting, call, or instant messaging (IM) conversation. As you work on files from different programs, it may be necessary that you share your desktop when you need to switch between them.
Can Skype Share Screen and Audio?
On your screen, you will find an icon that will allow you to make a video call. Your device’s speaker is turned off by default when you use Skype. It can be turned on by tapping the speaker off button at the bottom of the screen. Next, tap the ellipsis (three small dots) in the corner of the screen and on “Share Screen.” Now it will be enabled.
How do I turn off screen sharing on Skype for Business?
You have the choice of presenting your desktop, presenting programs, or presenting PowerPoint files. If you want to share a screen, a program, or a file, you will need to select it first. At the top of your screen, there is a sharing bar where you can control your sharing activity. In order to finish sharing, click the Stop Sharing button.
All images and contents credit goes to supportskype.com
