What is the JAWS Startup Visit?

The JAWS Startup Visit is a configuration wizard that appears after installation, helping you optimize the screen reader for your needs. This guide walks you through each screen with keyboard-only instructions.

How to Access the Startup Visit

1. After installation: Automatically launches on first run
2. If skipped:
   • Press Alt+Tab or Insert+J to focus JAWS window
   • Press Alt+H then Z to launch manually

Step-by-Step Configuration

Screen 1: Data Collection Preferences

Options:

• Participate in anonymous usage data collection
• View Anonymous Data Collection Policy
• View Privacy Policy

Navigation: Use Tab to choose option and press Enter

Screen 2: Speech Settings

Customizable options:

• Rate: Default 95 (adjust with arrow keys)
• Punctuation: Default “Most”
• Typing Echo: Choose between Off, Characters, Words, or Both
• Voice Assistant: Enable/disable voice commands

Action: Configure settings then press Enter to continue

Screen 3: Run JAWS Options

Configuration:

• Spacebar to toggle options:
  • Start at logon screen (default on)
  • Start after logon for all users
  • Run from System Tray
  • Prompt to confirm when exiting (default on)

Tip: Disable confirmation prompts if you frequently restart JAWS

Screen 4: Common Options

Key Settings:

• Smart Navigation: Default “Off” (change to Controls/Tables)
• Keyboard Layout: Change from Desktop to Laptop if needed
• Virtual Ribbon Menus: Spacebar to enable
• Forms Mode: Default “Auto” (set to Semi-Auto/Manual)
• NumLock State: Configure startup behavior

Screen 5: Verbosity Settings

Recommended:

• Beginner: Highest verbosity
• Advanced: Lowest verbosity
• Access Key announcements: Customize for menus/dialogs

Note: Beginners should keep default settings

Screens 6-7: Braille Settings

Most users can press Enter twice to skip these screens

Finalizing Setup

When prompted for user account settings:

• Press Alt+Y to confirm
• JAWS will save all configurations

Post-Setup Recommendations

• Test speech rate in different applications
• Adjust verbosity later via Insert+V
• Remember you can always revisit these settings

Pro Tip: Bookmark this page (Ctrl+D) for future reference!