Instant Access 2026.3

Instant Access for NVDA

• Author: Kamal Yaser
• Version: 2026.3
• Compatibility: NVDA 2024.1 and later

Overview

Instant Access is a powerful productivity add-on for NVDA that allows you to create your own custom shortcut layer. Instead of memorizing dozens of complex shortcuts, you can activate "Instant Access mode" with a single key, then press a simple gesture to launch applications, run mini-workflows, insert text, and much more.

This add-on goes beyond simple launchers by allowing you to chain multiple actions into a single, sequenced item, turning a single shortcut into a powerful macro.

Key Features

• Multi-Action Items: Assign a sequence of actions to a single shortcut.
• Timing Control: Set a custom delay before each action and a shared interval between all actions in an item.
• App-Specific Shortcuts: Make a shortcut global or restrict it to a specific application.
• Wide Range of Actions:
  • Launch websites, programs, folders, and files.
  • Execute NVDA commands from a filterable list.
  • Insert, copy, or paste reusable text snippets.
• Centralized Management: A comprehensive settings panel to add, edit, test, and organize your items.
• Import & Export: Back up and share your configuration in JSON format.
• Adjustable Verbosity: Choose between detailed feedback (Beginner) or concise tones (Advanced).

Built-In Shortcuts

• NVDA+E: Toggle Instant Access mode on or off.
• NVDA+Shift+E: Announce the name of the currently focused application. This is useful for creating app-specific shortcuts.
• NVDA+Shift+E (pressed twice quickly): Copy the app name to the clipboard.
• Escape (while Instant Access mode is active): Deactivate the mode without running a command.

Configuration

You can configure the add-on from the NVDA settings panel:

1. Open the NVDA Menu (NVDA+N).
2. Go to Preferences -> Settings.
3. Select the instant Access category.

The main settings panel lists all your configured items, showing their name, type, shortcut, and a summary of their actions. From here, you can Add, Edit, Delete, and Test your items.

Understanding Items and Actions

The add-on is built around two core concepts: Items and Actions.

• An Item is the main unit you create. It has a name, a shortcut (gesture), and a list of one or more actions to perform. It can also be restricted to an app and have a pause interval between its actions.
• An Action is a single step within an item. When you trigger an item, it executes its actions in order.

Creating and Editing an Item

When you add or edit an item, a dialog appears with the following options:

• Name: A unique, descriptive name for your item.
• Actions List: A list of all the actions this item will perform. You can Add, Edit, Delete, Move up, and Move down actions to define the sequence.
• Interval between actions (seconds): A pause (in seconds) that occurs after each action in the sequence (except the last one).
• Restrict this shortcut...: A checkbox to make the shortcut app-specific.
  • App name: If the restriction is checked, you must provide the exact app name (use NVDA+Shift+E to find it).
• Shortcut: A button to capture the key combination for this item.

Action Types

When you add or edit an action, you can choose from several types:

• Website: Opens a URL in your default browser.
• Program: Launches an executable file (.exe). You can also provide optional Arguments.
• Folder: Opens a folder in File Explorer.
• File: Opens any file using its default associated application.
• NVDA Command: Executes an NVDA script. A dialog appears allowing you to filter and select from all available NVDA and add-on commands.
• Text Snippet: Inserts reusable text. This action has three modes:
  • Type: Simulates typing the text. You can set a custom Typing delay (in seconds) between characters.
  • Copy: Puts the text on the clipboard.
  • Paste: Puts the text on the clipboard and then simulates a Ctrl+V paste.
• Delay before executing this action: A pause (in seconds) that occurs before this specific action runs.

Examples of Use

Here are a few examples to inspire you and show how to combine actions into powerful workflows.

Example 1: Morning News Briefing

This item opens your three favorite news websites in sequence, with a short pause between each one.

• Name: Morning News
• Shortcut: N
• Interval between actions: 1.5 (seconds)
• Actions:
  1. Type: Website, Path: https://www.bbc.com/news
  2. Type: Website, Path: https://www.reuters.com
  3. Type: Website, Path: https://www.apnews.com

When you trigger this item (e.g., NVDA+E, then N), it will open the BBC News website, wait 1.5 seconds, open Reuters, wait another 1.5 seconds, and finally open AP News.

Example 2: Project Startup Workflow

This item gets you ready to code by opening your project folder, your main code file in your editor, and your local development server in a browser.

• Name: Start Project X
• Shortcut: P
• Interval between actions: 3 (seconds, to give apps time to load)
• Actions:
  1. Type: Folder, Path: C:\dev\project-x
  2. Type: Program, Path: C:\Users\YourName\AppData\Local\Programs\Microsoft VS Code\Code.exe, Arguments: C:\dev\project-x\src\main.js
  3. Type: Website, Path: http://localhost:3000

This workflow gives you a fully prepared development environment with a single command.

Example 3: Paste a Standard Reply

This item is for quickly pasting a common response into an email or chat window. This example uses an app-specific shortcut for Microsoft Teams.

• Name: Teams Greeting
• Shortcut: G
• Restrict to App: Yes, App Name: teams
• Actions:
  1. Type: Text Snippet
     • Snippet Action: Paste
     • Text: Hello team, I will be available to review this after 2 PM. Thanks!

Now, when you are in Microsoft Teams, you can press NVDA+E` then `G to instantly paste that message into the chat. The same shortcut (G) can be used for a different global item or for an item in another app.

Example 4: Quick Accessibility Testing Setup

This item prepares your environment for testing websites and applications with accessibility tools.

• Name: A11y Testing Kit
• Shortcut: A
• Interval between actions: 1.5 seconds
• Actions:
  1. Type: Website, Path: https://wave.webaim.org
  2. Type: Website, Path: https://www.axe-core.org
  3. Type: Folder, Path: C:\Users\YourName\Documents\A11yTests

Result:
Press NVDA+E then A to instantly open WAVE accessibility checker, axe DevTools documentation, and your testing notes folder in one action.

Example 5: Open Teaching Tools (for Online Lessons)

This item prepares your teaching environment by opening several tools used during an online class.

• Name: Start Teaching Session
• Shortcut: T
• Interval between actions: 2 seconds
• Actions:
  1. Type: Website, Path: https://zoom.us
  2. Type: Website, Path: https://wordwall.net
  3. Type: Folder, Path: C:\Users\Teacher\Documents\LessonNotes

Result:
With one command you open the meeting platform, your interactive activity site, and your lesson materials.

Example 6: Insert Frequently Used Phrase

This item types a phrase that you frequently use in communication.

• Name: Thank You Message
• Shortcut: Y
• Actions:
  1. Type: Text Snippet
     • Snippet Action: Type
     • Typing delay: 0.02 seconds
     • Text:
       Thank you for your message. I will review it and reply shortly.

Result:
Press NVDA+E then Y to instantly type the message in any text field.

Example 7: System Utility Launcher

This item opens several Windows system tools used for troubleshooting.

• Name: System Tools
• Shortcut: U
• Interval between actions: 1 second
• Actions:
  1. Type: Program, Path: C:\Windows\System32\taskmgr.exe
  2. Type: Program, Path: C:\Windows\System32\control.exe
  3. Type: Program, Path: C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe

Result:
This quickly opens Task Manager, Control Panel, and Command Prompt.

Example 8: Focus Mode Setup

This item prepares a distraction-free work environment.

• Name: Focus Mode
• Shortcut: F
• Interval between actions: 2 seconds
• Actions:
  1. Type: Program, Path: C:\Program Files\Notepad++\notepad++.exe
  2. Type: Website, Path: https://pomofocus.io
  3. Type: NVDA Command
     • Command: toggleSpeechMode

Result:
This opens your editor, starts a Pomodoro timer, and adjusts NVDA feedback for focused work.

Additional Practical Examples

Example 9: Email Productivity Setup

This item opens your email account and productivity tools in sequence.

• Name: Email Station
• Shortcut: E
• Interval between actions: 1 second
• Actions:
  1. Type: Website, Path: https://mail.google.com
  2. Type: Website, Path: https://calendar.google.com
  3. Type: Folder, Path: C:\Users\YourName\Documents\EmailTemplates

Result:
Press NVDA+E then E to open Gmail, Google Calendar, and your email templates folder.

Example 10: Quick Backup Status Check

This item verifies backup status and opens relevant backup tools.

• Name: Backup Check
• Shortcut: K
• Interval between actions: 2 seconds
• Actions:
  1. Type: Folder, Path: C:\Users\YourName\AppData\Local\Packages
  2. Type: Program, Path: C:\Windows\System32\control.exe
  3. Type: Website, Path: https://myaccount.google.com/security

Result:
Open backup locations, Control Panel settings, and Google account security in one command.

Example 11: Code Documentation Quick Start

This item prepares your documentation workspace for coding projects.

• Name: Doc Session
• Shortcut: O
• Interval between actions: 2 seconds
• Actions:
  1. Type: Program, Path: C:\Users\YourName\AppData\Local\Programs\Microsoft VS Code\Code.exe
  2. Type: Website, Path: https://github.com
  3. Type: Folder, Path: C:\Users\YourName\Documents\ProjectDocs

Result:
Launch VS Code, GitHub, and your documentation folder for collaborative coding work.

App-Specific Shortcuts

You can make a shortcut behave differently depending on the application you are in.

• A global shortcut has no app restriction and works everywhere.
• An app-specific shortcut is only active when the target application is focused.

To create an app-specific shortcut:

1. Check the "Restrict this shortcut..." box in the item dialog.
2. Go to the target application.
3. Press NVDA+Shift+E twice quickly to copy its name to the clipboard.
4. Paste the name into the "App name" field.

If a global shortcut and an app-specific shortcut use the same gesture, the app-specific one will always take priority when its app is active.

Verbosity Levels

You can change how much feedback the add-on gives you from the main settings panel:

• Beginner (Default): Provides full, spoken messages (e.g., "Instant Access On. 10 commands loaded.").
• Advanced: Uses short sounds and tones for speed and efficiency (e.g., a "bip" for on/off).

Import and Export

You can back up your entire configuration or move it to another computer using the Import settings and Export settings buttons. The configuration is stored in a config.json file.
Note: Importing a configuration will overwrite your existing settings.

Super User Recipes (Argument-Driven Workflows)

Instant Access supports passing command-line arguments to applications, which allows advanced automation. This enables users to open specific files, trigger program features, run scripts, or execute system tasks directly from a shortcut.

The following examples demonstrate practical, specialized workflows that showcase different argument patterns:

1. Start a Website in "Application Mode"

Many Chromium browsers can open a site as a standalone app window without browser UI.

Name: Open WhatsApp Web App
Shortcut: W

Program

Path:

C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe

Arguments:

--app=https://web.whatsapp.com

Result:
The website opens like a native desktop application.

2. Open Explorer Highlighting a Specific File

Windows Explorer can directly select a file when opened.

Name: Locate Project Config
Shortcut: L

Program

Path:

explorer.exe

Arguments:

/select,"C:\dev\project-x\config.json"

Result:
Explorer opens the folder and focuses on the file.

3. Run Windows Disk Cleanup Automatically

Run cleanup without opening the full interface.

Name: Quick Disk Cleanup
Shortcut: C

Program

Path:

cleanmgr.exe

Arguments:

/verylowdisk

Result:
Runs disk cleanup automatically.

4. Launch Firefox in Private Mode

Open a secure browsing session immediately.

Name: Private Browser
Shortcut: P

Program

C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe

Arguments:

-private-window

Result:
Firefox starts directly in private browsing.

5. Open a Folder in VS Code

Purpose: Launch Visual Studio Code directly inside a project folder.

Name: Open Project in VS Code
Shortcut: V

Program

C:\Users\YourName\AppData\Local\Programs\Microsoft VS Code\Code.exe

Arguments:

C:\dev\myproject

Result:
VS Code launches with the specified project folder already loaded.

6. Open Command Prompt in a Specific Directory

Purpose: Start a terminal already positioned in a project directory.

Name: Dev Terminal
Shortcut: T

Program

C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe

Arguments:

/k cd C:\dev\project-x

Result:
Command Prompt opens and automatically changes to the project directory.

7. Run PowerShell Script Automation

Purpose: Execute a PowerShell script that performs automated tasks.

Name: Run Backup Script
Shortcut: B

Program

C:\Windows\System32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\powershell.exe

Arguments:

-ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File "C:\Scripts\backup.ps1"

Result:
Runs a predefined backup automation script.

8. Launch Windows Settings Pages

Windows settings pages can be opened using ms-settings arguments.

Name: Open Bluetooth Settings
Shortcut: S

Program

explorer.exe

Arguments:

ms-settings:bluetooth

Other examples:

ms-settings:display
ms-settings:network
ms-settings:sound
ms-settings:windowsupdate

Result:
Instantly opens the selected settings page.

9. Open Multiple Browser Tabs for Research

Purpose: Start Firefox with several tabs simultaneously for a research workflow.

Name: Research Session
Shortcut: R

Program

C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe

Arguments:

https://scholar.google.com https://arxiv.org https://github.com

Result:
Opens Firefox with three research resources in separate tabs.

10. Open Windows Registry Editor with Specific Hive

Purpose: Launch Registry Editor directly to a specific location.

Name: Open NVDA Registry Settings
Shortcut: O

Program

C:\Windows\System32\regedit.exe

Arguments:

/m

Result:
Opens Registry Editor in read-only mode for safe browsing.

11. Launch System Event Log Viewer

Purpose: Open Event Viewer directly for system diagnostics.

Name: View System Events
Shortcut: E

Program

C:\Windows\System32\eventvwr.exe

Arguments:

/c system

Result:
Opens Event Viewer focused on system events for troubleshooting.

12. Run Batch File with Admin Privileges

Purpose: Execute a batch script that requires elevated privileges.

Name: Admin Batch Script
Shortcut: H

Program

C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe

Arguments:

/c call C:\Scripts\system_maintenance.bat

Result:
Executes a batch script for system maintenance tasks.

13. Launch Git Bash in Project Directory

Purpose: Open Git Bash terminal in a specific project folder.

Name: Git Project Terminal
Shortcut: G

Program

C:\Program Files\Git\git-bash.exe

Arguments:

--cd=C:\dev\my-repo

Result:
Opens Git Bash in your project directory, ready for version control commands.

14. Open Windows Performance Monitor

Purpose: Launch Performance Monitor for system monitoring.

Name: Performance Monitor
Shortcut: M

Program

C:\Windows\System32\perfmon.exe

Arguments:

/res

Result:
Opens Performance Monitor in Reliability Monitor view for resource tracking.

15. Launch VLC Media Player with Specific Folder

Purpose: Open VLC with a media directory.

Name: Music Library
Shortcut: U

Program

C:\Program Files\VideoLAN\VLC\vlc.exe

Arguments:

C:\Users\YourName\Music

Result:
Launches VLC with your music library ready to play.

16. Open Windows Network Settings

Purpose: Quick access to network configuration.

Name: Network Config
Shortcut: I

Program

explorer.exe

Arguments:

ms-settings:network-wifi

Result:
Opens Windows network settings for Wi-Fi configuration.

Best Practices

These workflows illustrate different automation patterns:

Pattern

Purpose

Application mode

Turn websites into standalone apps

File selection

Navigate to and select specific files

Silent utilities

Run maintenance tools without UI

Browser modes

Open browsers with specific features

Development setup

Launch IDE with project folder

Script execution

Automate system tasks with PowerShell

Settings pages

Open specific Windows configuration

File associations

Open files directly in target applications

Finding Your Own Arguments

Command-line arguments can come from many sources:

• Application documentation or help pages
• --help or /? command output
• Windows shell commands and documentation
• PowerShell command specifications
• URI schemes (ms-settings:, shell:, etc.)

Experiment with these arguments to create custom workflows tailored to your specific needs!

License

Copyright (C) 2026 Kamal Yaser.
This add-on is licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL) Version 2 or any later version.