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Get started using a screen reader in the Classic Exchange admin center in Exchange Online

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You can use a screen reader with the Classic Exchange admin center (Classic EAC) in Exchange Online to carry out administrative tasks. The EAC works with Narrator, the built-in screen reader in Windows, or JAWS, a third-party screen reader. These screen readers convert text to speech to read the contents of the EAC window.

Get started

Navigate with Internet Explorer and keyboard shortcuts, and make sure that you have the appropriate Office 365 or Microsoft 365 subscription and admin role to work in the EAC. Then, open the EAC and get started. For more information about the EAC, see Exchange admin center in Exchange Online.

Use your browser and keyboard to navigate in the EAC

Exchange Online, which includes the EAC, is a web-based application, so the keyboard shortcuts and navigation may be different from those in Exchange 2016. Accessibility in the Exchange admin center.

For best results when working in the EAC in Exchange Online, use Internet Explorer as your browser. Learn more about Internet Explorer keyboard shortcuts.

Many tasks in the EAC require the use of pop-up windows. In your browser, be sure to enable pop-up windows for Microsoft 365 or Office 365.

Confirm your Office 365 or Microsoft 365 subscription plan

Exchange Online is included in several different business and enterprise subscription plans, but capabilities may differ by plan. If your EAC doesn't include a function described in this article, your plan might not include it.

For more information about the Exchange Online capabilities in your subscription plan, go to What Office 365 business product or license do I have? and Exchange Online Service Description.

Open the EAC, and confirm your admin role

Use a screen reader to open the Exchange admin center and check that you've been assigned to any admin role groups, for example, Organization Management. You know you are assigned to at least one admin role group if you can open the EAC. Learn how to Use a screen reader to identify your admin role in the Exchange admin center.

Work with screen readers

The EAC works with the Narrator and JAWS screen readers, among others. These screen readers convert text to speech and read you commands, locations, alt text on images, and the contents of EAC screens and pop-up windows.

  • To turn Narrator on or off on a PC, in Windows, press Windows logo key+Enter.

  • To turn Narrator on or off on a tablet, press Windows logo button+Volume Up.

  • If Narrator doesn't read a newly opened window, press F5. Refreshing the browser window resets the focus and Narrator reads the window.

  • If your screen reader stops reading, press Alt+Tab to leave the current window, and then press Alt+Tab again to return to it. This resets the focus on the current window to get your screen reader to read the window properly.

For more information about Narrator, refer to Hear text read aloud with Narrator. For more information about JAWS, refer to the JAWS Screen Reader documentation.

Do more tasks with the EAC and a screen reader

Explore specific tasks that use the screen reader to work in the EAC.

Get started with the EAC

Work with mailboxes and recipients

Manage distribution groups and collaboration

Administer mail flow and security

Set up permissions and compliance

Technical support for customers with disabilities

Microsoft wants to provide the best possible experience for all our customers. If you have a disability or have 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 visit the Microsoft Disability Answer Desk site to find the contact details for your region.