September 05, 2023

With their touchscreens, intuitive displays, and assistive technology, the Microsoft Surface line of accessories, Laptops, 2-in-1s, and all-in-one devices are inclusive by design. Add in the built-in accessibility features in Windows 11, and it’s clear that Surface is designed to cater to your needs. Get to know the different assistive tools and features available on your Surface to make the most of your device.

Accessibility features available on Surface devices with Windows 11

The latest Microsoft Surface Laptops and 2-in-1 PCs come equipped with Windows 11 and preloaded Microsoft 365 apps¹ that include a range of accessibility features to make your device more user-friendly. These can include the following:

• Narrator. Reads text on your screen out loud, making it easier for users with visual impairments to navigate their devices, webpages, and documents.
• Magnifier. Enlarges parts of your screen, based on your cursor location, to make it easier to see text and view images.
• High contrast. Changes the color and contrast of your screen, making it easier for users to read text.
• Speech recognition. Allows you to control your device using your voice, so those with mobility impairments can use their device without a keyboard or mouse.
• Eye trackers.² The built-in camera on your Surface Pro 9 with 5G tracks the motion of your eyes, allowing you to operate your device hands free.

Assistive technology for Surface devices

Assistive technology are hardware devices and tools that can be connected to your Surface Laptop or 2-in-1 PC to enhance their functionality. These tools can help people who have disabilities. Some examples of assistive technology you can use with your Surface device include the following:

• Adaptive Kit. This kit contains openers that provide additional leverage and flexibility for you to open the lid or kickstand of your Surface device. It also has bump labels that help you visually and tactically locate keys, ports, and more in a quick manner. Its keycap labels and applicator help you better highlight keys and place them consistently. The port locator empowers you to locate ports and manipulate them so you can easily insert them in the correct locations.
• Surface Pen. This digital pen allows you to navigate, draw, and write directly onto your touchscreen with the motion of a pencil.
• Joystick Button. This can be used to control the cursor on your screen in new ways. It's wireless, includes eight customizable digital inputs, and puts you in control based on your needs.
• Adaptive D-Pad Button. You can augment your keypad with eight programmable digital inputs.
• Adaptive Mouse. This portable tool allows you to personalize your mouse with Tail and Thumb Support to build a customized mouse that’s comfortable for you.
• Adaptive Dual Button.² Easily control your Surface device with these eight digital inputs packaged in an easy-to-press design.
• Microsoft Adaptive Hub. Customize how you use your Surface device and paired accessibility tools in one central hub. Pair your Surface device with up to four wireless buttons and standard wireless connections.³

Making your Surface device more adaptable to you

Windows 11 includes many additional vision, hearing, and interaction accessibility tools. Find them in Settings > Accessibility. From changing the size of your cursor and turning on live captions to setting the sensitivity of your keyboard so it will ignore repeated keystrokes, these options are designed to improve accessibility and performance.

Surface offers a range of accessibility and assistive technology so you can get the most out of your devices. Compare Surface devices and explore the features, screen sizes, and functionalities that can enhance your user experience.