How to Download NVDA from NV Access

Updated

NVDA (Non-Visual Desktop Access) is a free screen reader you can download directly from the NV Access website at nvaccess.org. On the homepage, look for the "Download the NVDA Screen Reader" link — that's the entry point for getting the software. The screen reader itself is free; NV Access also sells optional training materials and certification separately, so you don't need to pay anything to download and use NVDA.

What NVDA Is and Who It's For

NV Access describes NVDA as a screen reader: software that translates visual information on a computer screen into speech, so blind and vision-impaired users can understand and navigate what's displayed. According to NV Access, computers "don't work straight out of the box" without sight, and a screen reader is the tool that bridges that gap.

The organization states there are 285 million blind and vision-impaired people worldwide, and that many commercial screen readers cost thousands of dollars — often more than the computer itself. NVDA is positioned as the free alternative, developed over more than 15 years, and NV Access says it has already enabled 250,000+ people to gain "freedom, education and employment."

Steps to Download NVDA

  1. Go to nvaccess.org. The homepage is the starting point.
  2. Find the download link. Look for the text "Download the NVDA Screen Reader" in the main content area.
  3. Follow it to the download page. From there you can get the installer for NVDA.
  4. Run the installer. Once downloaded, launch it to install NVDA on your Windows computer.
  5. Verify it works. After installation, NVDA should start speaking as you navigate — that's your confirmation the screen reader is active.

The download itself requires no payment. NV Access's pricing signals on the homepage relate only to training products, not the screen reader.

What's Free vs. What Costs Money

It's worth separating the free software from the paid extras, because the homepage lists both side by side:

Item Cost Notes
NVDA screen reader Free The core download; no payment required
Basic Training for NVDA (eBook) AUD $32.00 Optional training material
NVDA Expert Certification AUD $100.00 Optional certification
NVDA Productivity Bundle AUD $199.00 (was $225.00) Optional bundle, currently on sale

So if your goal is simply to get NVDA running, you can ignore the paid items entirely. They exist for users who want structured training or formal certification.

Getting Support and Staying Connected

Beyond the download, NV Access points to several ways to get help and connect with other users:

  • Support — NV Access offers support resources for NVDA users.
  • Training & Support Materials — the paid training products listed above.
  • Official NVDA user email list — join for community discussion and help.
  • NVDA Communities worldwide — local and regional user groups.
  • Social media — follow @NVAccess on Mastodon, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, and BlueSky, plus RBlind and Discord.

One user quoted on the site, Reina Brown from the United States, says NVDA "has really changed my life" because she no longer has to spend extra money on third-party software — she can buy any new computer and use it "for the same cost as a sighted person."

Common Questions

Do I need to pay to download NVDA? No. The screen reader is free. Only the training and certification products carry a price.

Where exactly is the download link? On the nvaccess.org homepage, under the heading "How to get involved," alongside "Support" and "Training & Support Materials."

Is NVDA only for Windows? The homepage describes NVDA as a screen reader for accessing a computer generally; the download link on nvaccess.org is the official source for the current version.

What if I need help after installing? Use the official NVDA user email list or one of the NVDA Communities, or consider the paid training materials if you want structured guidance.