Use a screen reader to work with files in Microsoft Teams
Applies ToMicrosoft Teams

This article is for people who use a screen reader program such as Windows Narrator, JAWS, or NVDA with Windows tools or features and Microsoft 365 products. This article is part of the Accessibility help & learning content set where you can find more accessibility information on our apps. For general help, visit Microsoft Support.

Use Microsoft Teams with your keyboard and a screen reader to open files shared by your team and upload your files for team members to view. We have tested it with JAWS and NVDA, but it might work with other screen readers as long as they follow common accessibility standards and techniques.

Notes: 

In this topic

Open a file

  1. In a channel, press the Tab key until you hear "Posts," and then press the Right arrow key to move to Files. Press Enter to open the Files tab.

  2. The focus moves to the first file or folder in the list. Use the Down and Up arrow keys to find the file you'd like to open.

  3. To open the file in an Microsoft 365 app, press the Right arrow key until you hear "Show actions button," and press Spacebar. You hear: "Open submenu." Press the Right arrow key to expand the menu, press the Down arrow key until you hear "Open in app," and press Enter.

    You can now navigate inside the file, hear the screen reader read the contents and edit if you like. For more information about using the Microsoft 365 apps with a screen reader, refer to Use a screen reader with Microsoft 365 apps.

  4. When you're done with the file, save and close it in the app as you would normally do, and press Alt+Tab to switch the focus back to Microsoft Teams.

Upload a file

See also

Use a screen reader to create and modify teams in Microsoft Teams

Use a screen reader to chat in Microsoft Teams

Keyboard shortcuts for Microsoft Teams

Basic tasks using a screen reader with Microsoft Teams

Set up your device to work with accessibility in Microsoft 365

Use a screen reader to explore and navigate Microsoft Teams

Technical support for customers with disabilities

Microsoft wants to provide the best possible experience for all our customers. If you have a disability or questions related to accessibility, please contact the Microsoft Disability Answer Desk for technical assistance. The Disability Answer Desk support team is trained in using many popular assistive technologies and can offer assistance in English, Spanish, French, and American Sign Language. Please go to the Microsoft Disability Answer Desk site to find out the contact details for your region.

If you are a government, commercial, or enterprise user, please contact the enterprise Disability Answer Desk.

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