In 2016, Microsoft developers made a surprise for their users - free distribution of Windows 10. Everyone could download a full-fledged OS or upgrade to it from previous versions completely free. However, in the summer the action was closed. But the company left Windows 10 for people with disabilities, which can be used for its intended purpose, or as an ordinary operating system, since they are practically no different. In this article we will consider a special Windows 10, where to download it and what features it has.
Where can I download?
All actions are performed on the official Microsoft website. You can also download the update program from the corresponding page. On it you should click the "Update Now" button and wait for the download to complete.
Users have two options for installing Windows 10 for people with disabilities - download the distribution kit and burn to a USB flash drive, or download the update of the current version using a special wizard. Consider both options.
First method
Microsoft removed the ability to download the regular version for free, but added an OS with special features and promises that this version will always be available for free download on the official website. Download MediaCreationTool.exe and run it. Wait until the wizard prepares the program for work. Next, follow the steps:
- On the first screen, confirm the license agreement with the "Accept" button.
- Next, select "Create installation media."
- Set the necessary parameters (operating system language, release, and architecture).
- Select the type of device that will be recorded to (flash drive or disk).
- Connect the media to the computer. Select it from the list in the wizard.
- Next, the program will start downloading system files and copying to external media.
Now you need to remove the USB flash drive and restart the computer. In the BIOS menu, set the boot priority to the USB flash drive, or boot from it manually. Next, installation of Windows 10 for people with disabilities will begin. Then follow the instructions. Installation will begin after selecting all the options. Installation will not take more than half an hour:
- On the initial screen, select "Installation."
- Next, you need to decide on the hard disk partition. If necessary, you can "break" the media into sections and format them.
- Next, select the version and architecture of a future version of the OS. All presented in the installer are Windows with special features.
- Next, the program will begin to copy system files to the hard drive. During the operation, the computer may restart several times.
- After the installation is complete, you need to select a name for the PC, set a password, configure a protector, and so on.
Remember that you are installing a licensed version of Windows. Activation occurs only if you upgraded from a license from a previous version of the operating system. If you use a pirated copy, then for the "tens" you have to look for an activator.
Second method
To upgrade to Windows 10 for people with disabilities, you will need a program that is downloaded from the official site. Run the upgrade wizard and wait for it to scan for an upgrade. After that, the program will start downloading files and install them. At the end, restart your computer and perform the initial system settings. As you can see, the second option is more convenient if you use Windows 7 or 8, or an earlier version of Windows 10.
Using each method, you install the latest build at the moment - 1703. Further updates are already installed through the update center in the operating system settings.
Differences from the regular version
At first glance, you will not notice the differences in the standard and special versions. Therefore, Windows 10 for people with disabilities can be used instead of a regular OS. In the latest build, the developers tried to improve the set of accessibility features, eliminate bugs associated with their stable operation, and expand the functionality. All of it is listed below:
- Screen magnifier.
- Screen keyboard.
- Contrast.
- Subtitles
- Narrator.
Cortana’s voice assistant is also partly a special feature. Unfortunately, you can’t use it in the Russian version of the operating system, so Cortana will be useful only to people who know at least basic English. After upgrading to Windows 10 for people with disabilities, go to Settings, open the Time and Language section, then Region and Language, and then change the language settings to English. Click on "Use as the main language", after which the system will download the necessary language files. Reboot the computer. Now you can start Cortana from the Start menu and use it.
Now you know the difference between Windows 10 for people with disabilities and the usual one, and you can decide whether to install this or that version on your computer. Consider the special functionality in more detail - how to enable, configure and use.
Screen magnifier
The first feature in Windows 10 for people with disabilities is the on-screen helpers. They can be launched from the Start menu in the Special Features section. After starting the screen magnifier, a small window with settings appears in which you can:
- Change the zoom scale.
- Change the type of magnification (window or full screen).
When you remove the cursor from the application window, it takes the form of an almost imperceptible magnifier on the screen. Thus, a running program does not interfere with working with a computer from a visual point of view.
Narrator
This assistant comments on everything that happens on the screen and speaks out your actions. It has many settings and hotkey combinations that can be configured through the "Options" and found in Windows Help.
In addition to the screen reader, it became possible to connect a braille display. For correct operation, you need to download the driver and connect the device to "Settings" - "Narrator" - "Enable Braille." Select the manufacturer of the display and the type of connection to the computer.
Screen keyboard
A feature that migrated to the version of Windows 10 for people with disabilities from previous generations of the OS. When turned on, a large window appears that copies the keyboard layout. The window can be resized. Detailed settings are also in the "Parameters".
A separate item in the parameters is the mouse settings. In them you can change the color of the pointer, enable the ability to move the cursor using the numeric keypad and configure the related parameters.
Other functions
Here you can set subtitles that duplicate the soundtrack from the videos. They can be customized by language, letter size, color, and so on. Contrast applies to the entire operating system interface, including the cursor. There is a preview window for a contrasting theme.
Also, if necessary, you can enable / disable the display of standard animations of the operating system interface, switch stereo / mono sound, set up Windows notifications and more.
Total
Switching to Windows 10 for people with disabilities won't take you more than an hour. If you need special OS features, then use our installation instructions. In the event that you need a licensed version of the OS - this option is the only way to get it. Without including the features described, the version of Windows 10 for people with disabilities is no different from the usual one, so you will not notice the difference in everyday use.
In future versions of the OS, developers promise to develop functionality and add new features that allow users with health restrictions to work comfortably with a computer or laptop.