14 DAY TRIAL // Windows 11 has already been confirmed to come with plenty of big improvements, including a new Start menu, support for Android apps, and Microsoft Teams integration in the taskbar, but the new operating system actually packs so many more updates overall.
Including in terms of accessibility, that is, with Microsoft details all these changes in a blog post earlier this week.
Microsoft explains that Windows 11 is obviously based on the efforts started by Windows 10, but needless to say, there are major improvements in the accessibility sector, including redesigned Closed Caption Themes, Windows Voice Typing, a new Accessibility Settings page, and easier to use features like the Narrator.
Even the sounds and the themes that are part of the Windows 11 experience have been improved to do better in terms of accessibility.
“People who are blind, and everyone, can enjoy new sound schemes. Windows 11 includes delightful Windows start-up and other sounds, including different sounds for more accessible Light and Dark Themes. People with light sensitivity and people working for extended periods of time can enjoy beautiful color themes, including new Dark themes and reimagined High Contrast Themes. The new Contrast Themes include aesthetically pleasing, customizable color combinations that make apps and content easier to see,” Microsoft says.
WSL accessibility
Microsoft says it worked hard to make even Linux apps running on WSL to be accessible through the supported technologies bundled with the OS.
“Windows 11 will also support Linux GUI apps like gedit through the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) on devices that meet the app system requirements. And, we enabled these experiences to be accessible. For example, people who are blind can use Windows with supported screen readers within WSL. In some cases, the assistive technology experience is seamless. For example, Color Filters, “just work.” Importantly, the WSL team prioritized accessibility from the start and committed to enable accessible experiences at launch. They are excited to share more with Insiders and to get feedback to continue to refine the usability of their experiences” it says.
Windows 11 is already in preview as part of the Windows Insider program, while the production version of the operating system is projected to land for devices in the fall of the year.