RE: [NVDA] Urgent: Accessibility regression in new WhatsApp Desktop & How to fight back
Steve Nutt
Also Joseph, some blind people want software to be like an old pair of slippers, never changing.
That won’t happen I’m afraid.
All the best
Steve
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From: nvda-...@nvaccess.org <nvda-...@nvaccess.org> On Behalf Of joseph....@gmail.com
Sent: 27 December 2025 19:07
To: nvda-...@nvaccess.org
Subject: RE: [NVDA] Urgent: Accessibility regression in new WhatsApp Desktop & How to fight back
Hi,
While blindness is one of the most visible disabilities around the world, the blindness experience is not taken into account when designing most products, including computer software user interfaces unless designers and developers are aware of disability issues and accessibility/usability barriers. Further, a product such as WhatsApp should also be viewed from the perspective of its developers (in this case, Meta) because when we send feedback like the effort described in this thread, we won’t reach the people responsible for maintaining the WebView2 version of WhatsApp unless our feedback is forwarded to appropriate places WITHIN Meta. In other words, think about who we are interacting with in the first place to make sure the words we use do reflect our thinking.
One strategy I recommend for a feedback effort like this thread is framing accessibility and usability issues as beneficial to Meta as an organization (this strategy might not work in some cases though). Think about it this way: if people send feedback messages without thinking about what Meta would think within its boardrooms and discussions among developers, the chances of the feedback being implemented would not be quite high. However, if the feedback is framed as an opportunity for Meta, then folks at Meta would see feedback as a chance to evaluate the accessibility of its products and at least say something, or if they can do so, find someone or a team to tackle accessibility and usability issues. Perhaps Meta then can say that they are focusing on accessibility, or if they want, market accessibility as a differentiating point for WhatsApp against similar services like GroupMe (Microsoft). IN other words, present the feedback not just as a collection of issues, but treat it as proposing a case to be considered to improve the standing of the organization (in NVDA terms, this means some of the most practical and persuasive GitHub issues and emails are content that address the question, “why should NV Access and the NVDA community care and what benefits can result from implementing the suggested idea”; if folks want, I can revisit an old topic from somewhere discussing what to think about when writing GitHub issues or emails to NV Access).).
Cheers,
Joseph
From: nvda-...@nvaccess.org <nvda-...@nvaccess.org> On Behalf Of leoba...@gmail.com
Sent: Saturday, December 27, 2025 11:24 AM
To: nvda-...@nvaccess.org
Subject: RE: [NVDA] Urgent: Accessibility regression in new WhatsApp Desktop & How to fight back
Accessible means it can be access, usable that it can be functionally used on a daily basis, there could be improvements, shortcut keys, but the definition of accessible is not threatened by any means. Meta is not going to pay a few dudes to continue to supporting an interface to satisfy a quite a small segment of the users only because they complain to the wind for hitting a few more keystrokes. Market doesn’t revolve around you!
Cheers,
Leo Bado
“We don't rise to the level of our expectations, we fall to the level of our training.” Archilochus.
From: nvda-...@nvaccess.org <nvda-...@nvaccess.org> On Behalf Of Mujtaba Merchant
Sent: Saturday, December 27, 2025 9:50 AM
To: nvda-...@nvaccess.org
Subject: RE: [NVDA] Urgent: Accessibility regression in new WhatsApp Desktop & How to fight back
To open the context menu, focus on the message and use your right arrow key it will read context menu; then use spacebar to expand the context menu and the down arrow to read the options in it. How accessible! First you had to just use one keystroke now 3, brilliant and so damn productive
From: nvda-...@nvaccess.org <nvda-...@nvaccess.org> On Behalf Of azhar...@gmail.com
Sent: Saturday, December 27, 2025 9:14 PM
To: nvda-...@nvaccess.org
Subject: RE: [NVDA] Urgent: Accessibility regression in new WhatsApp Desktop & How to fight back
I can’t even open the context menu using application key.
I wonder if Sarah and others are talking about the same application.
Azhar
From: nvda-...@nvaccess.org <nvda-...@nvaccess.org> On Behalf Of Hettie
Sent: December 27, 2025 9:07 AM
To: nvda-...@nvaccess.org; Mujtaba Merchant <mujt...@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [NVDA] Urgent: Accessibility regression in new WhatsApp Desktop & How to fight back
I agree with all who have problems with the webpage layout of Whatsapp. Reading and sending messages present no problems for me.
Deleting or saving a single message is fine.
When it comes to deleting multiple messages, it is night
If someone can write an add-on to enable NVDA to mark messages, that will help all of us. I think that sighted users will also welcome a "delete all" function as they are also complaining.
Hettie
Hettie
On 12/27/2025 8:34 AM, Mujtaba Merchant wrote:
I completely agree with Azhar on this one. My experience has been identical—the transition to the new version was sudden and the layout feels like a significant step backward in terms of intuitive accessibility. It’s a very different environment compared to the previous version we were all comfortable with.
I have to respectfully disagree with Sarah’s take. While I’m glad it’s working better for some, for my workflow, it’s been a major struggle. No hard feelings at all, but it just hasn’t been the improvement I was hoping for.
From: nvda-...@nvaccess.org <nvda-...@nvaccess.org> On Behalf Of Sarah Alawami
Sent: Saturday, December 27, 2025 8:40 AM
To: nvda-...@nvaccess.org
Subject: Re: [NVDA] Urgent: Accessibility regression in new WhatsApp Desktop & How to fight back
I just stay in focus mode and tab from area to area or in browse mode if I need to grab a code or copy a message. the app is not perfect but it gets the job done and is much more accessible than prior versions.
On 12/26/2025 2:26 PM, azhar...@gmail.com wrote:
Hi All,
I am little lost about all this discussion about WhatsApp. Are we talking about the same thing.
I was using WhatsApp Windows Desktop App and it was working perfect until one fine morning I was logged out and when I got back in it was the new version and I found it absolutely terrible. The whole layout and accessibility is nothing like the pervious version.
Can someone suggest a solution.
Regards,
Azhar
From: nvda-...@nvaccess.org <nvda-...@nvaccess.org> On Behalf Of Sarah Alawami
Sent: December 26, 2025 11:43 AM
To: nvda-...@nvaccess.org
Subject: Re: [NVDA] Urgent: Accessibility regression in new WhatsApp Desktop & How to fight back
Odd, I'm not having any such issues. I don't use any keyboard shortcuts mind you but it seems like it has become more accessible and a lot easier to use. I can finally get the code to work over m when I add my desktops and so much more. The interface does not appear to be missing any tab elements. it's not perfect, however it is a lot better than even a few months ago when I was struggling. No,I'm not using any add ons for nvda and what's app as far as I'm aware. I read about some of the issues , and i hope they do get solved.
On 12/25/2025 10:46 PM, Mujtaba Merchant wrote:
Hi everyone,
I am writing to the group to highlight the significant accessibility challenges many of us are facing with the latest WhatsApp Desktop interface update for Windows. As many of you have noticed, Meta has transitioned the desktop application to a web-based wrapper (WebView2), which has unfortunately broken many established screen reader workflows, keyboard shortcuts, and overall stability.
Where to report the issue: Please take a moment to file a formal ticket with Meta. Even if you feel it is a drop in the bucket, volume matters for their accessibility metrics. You can report the technical challenges here: WhatsApp Accessibility Support Form
A Note of Caution (Managing the AI Response): When you submit your ticket, please be prepared: you will almost certainly receive an automated, AI-generated reply. This is currently typical behavior for Meta’s support teams. Do not let this discourage you or make you feel that your report has been ignored.
How to effectively "Mark" your feedback: To ensure our voices are actually heard and recorded as a failure in their system, please follow this strategy:
1. Prepare in Advance: Before you even open the support link, write down all the details of your issue in a Notepad file. Include your OS version, the Screen Reader you use (NVDA, JAWS, etc.), the steps to reproduce the bug, and a detailed description of the challenge.
2. The Survey is the Key: Once the ticket is "closed" or you receive that initial AI response, you will eventually be sent a survey asking how they did. Mark them as negative on every single parameter.
3. Use the Edit Box: At the end of the survey, if there is a text box asking for additional comments, paste your entire challenge from your notepad into that box.
4. The Checkbox Rule: Anywhere else you encounter a text box that is triggered by a checkbox, ignore their prompt and instead type: "Support did not address my accessibility challenge".
By marking them negatively across the board and re-pasting our technical issues into the survey boxes, we force these failures into their quality-control data, which is harder for them to ignore than a standard support ticket.
Let’s make sure they understand that "new" shouldn't mean "broken" for the accessibility community.
Sincerely,
Mujtaba Merchant
Bangalore | INDIA
Mail: mujt...@gmail.com
Website: The Somebody, Nobody, Anybody & Everybody Blog!
Sent from Outlook ® for Windows 10
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Steve Nutt
Hi,
Here are the WhatsApp for Windows shortcut keys:-
All the best
Steve
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From: nvda-...@nvaccess.org <nvda-...@nvaccess.org> On Behalf Of Mujtaba Merchant
Sent: 28 December 2025 03:37
To: nvda-...@nvaccess.org
Subject: RE: [NVDA] Urgent: Accessibility regression in new WhatsApp Desktop & How to fight back
Hi Leo,
While "accessible" technically means something can be reached, in the digital world, accessibility is inextricably linked to usability. If a task that used to take one keystroke now takes three or four, that isn't just a "minor inconvenience"—it is a functional regression that compounds hundreds of times a day for a power user. For those of us using screen readers, these changes often feel like a well-paved road suddenly being replaced with gravel; you can still travel it, but the friction is significantly higher.
You mentioned that the market doesn’t revolve around us, but I would argue that the market is us. According to the World Health Organization, 16% of the world's population—about 1 in 6 people—experience a significant disability. This is not a "small segment"; it represents over 1.3 billion people with an estimated annual spending power of over $13 trillion.
Companies like Meta don't just "satisfy a few dudes"; they respond to market data and user feedback. If we "complain to the wind" by staying silent, we effectively disappear from their metrics. By using the formal channels at our disposal, we turn that "wind" into actionable data that helps product teams understand that their "improvements" are actually breaking efficient workflows for millions of users.
If we don't speak up, we shouldn't be surprised when the products we rely on daily continue to drift toward being unusable. 16% is too large a voice to keep quiet.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/a/nvaccess.org/d/msgid/nvda-users/004201dc77ab%2445846610%24d08d3230%24%40gmail.com.
Steve Nutt
As I say, it’s the old slippers syndrome, and you’re right, it’s not just blind people.
All the best
Steve
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From: nvda-...@nvaccess.org <nvda-...@nvaccess.org> On Behalf Of Mujtaba Merchant
Sent: 30 December 2025 04:06
To: nvda-...@nvaccess.org
Subject: RE: [NVDA] Urgent: Accessibility regression in new WhatsApp Desktop & How to fight back
Noelia, I completely agree with your sentiments. My only intention in bringing this up was to report a genuine accessibility challenge through the proper support channels.
The idea that "getting used to it" is a solution feels dismissive, as it is not a luxury we all have. Transitioning to these new layouts involves a significant amount of time, effort, and—quite frankly—frustration, especially when you are trying to complete tasks as efficiently as you were previously able to. My goal is to ensure that the support team understands that changes making an application more challenging to use should not be ignored or brushed aside.
To give you a concrete example of how this affects productivity: just yesterday on my desktop, I prompted Meta AI within the WhatsApp application. When I tried to SHIFT+TAB to copy the response, I couldn't even reach it. I actually had to switch to browse mode just to copy the text. While this might be a workaround for some, it is certainly not a productive or intuitive way of doing things for me.
Another member significantly bought up the issue of not being able to select multiple messages in a chat and delete them, this too is another example. I tried helping them by suggesting a work around but I myself was surprised that I could not get the job done. This example has multiple implications in the communication sent and what kind of control we have over it. If the platform was able to support such actions/ features earlier and is now broke; is it not fair for us to report it to the appropriate team through the channels we have at our disposal?
We should be advocating for "new" to mean "better," not just "different" at the cost of our efficiency.
Having said that, I wish all the members of the mailing list a great year ahead, lets together build towards an accessible experience for all!
From: nvda-...@nvaccess.org <nvda-...@nvaccess.org> On Behalf Of Noelia
Sent: Tuesday, December 30, 2025 9:10 AM
To: nvda-...@nvaccess.org
Subject: Re: [NVDA] Urgent: Accessibility regression in new WhatsApp Desktop & How to fight back
Hi Davy and all:
Firstly, happy new year 2026!
You say:
> Blind people must learn once that things in life are always changing!
I don't think that this applies specifically to blind people. Sometimes we all may have difficulties with some changes, and I think that it's not right nor fair to mention specifically blind people.
Blind people are different persons, and mentioning just a group of people and a particular characteristic may contribute reenforzing negative stereotypes, so please let's avoid it.
Kind regards,
Noelia
El lun, 29 dic 2025 a las 19:45, <davyc...@gmail.com> escribió:
Sarah
Contexting with arrow right is a really good finding.
I totally agree with you, yeah right this version is different but only different not inaccessible at all!
Blind people must learn once that things in life are always changing!
Regards to you and already a happy newyear!
Davy
Van: nvda-...@nvaccess.org <nvda-...@nvaccess.org> Namens Sarah Alawami
Verzonden: zondag 28 december 2025 18:41
Aan: nvda-...@nvaccess.org
Onderwerp: Re: [NVDA] Urgent: Accessibility regression in new WhatsApp Desktop & How to fight back
I personally don't mind. It feels much more quicker for me but I'm a tab wizard anyway. Hehahahaha. and once you get used to the layout it is not bad, not perfect, and at the same time not as bad as the prior layout we had to deal with.
On 12/27/2025 7:29 PM, Mujtaba Merchant wrote:
Hi Azhar,
Yes, the interface is easier to navigate and read messages as long as you stay in the NVDA Focus mode. It seems like staying in that mode is the only way to keep the workflow somewhat efficient.
I also found out that pressing Control + 1 will take you back to the chats list in the main window. However, if you want to filter your chats by groups, unread, or all, you actually need to do a Shift + Tab until you reach the filter tabs and hit Enter. Once you've selected your filter, you have to Tab all the way back to the chat message list.
It is a lot of extra keystrokes compared to what we are used to, and it definitely takes some getting used to! It's frustrating that simple tasks now require so much more navigation.
From: nvda-...@nvaccess.org <nvda-...@nvaccess.org> On Behalf Of azhar...@gmail.com
Sent: Saturday, December 27, 2025 10:12 PM
To: nvda-...@nvaccess.org
Subject: RE: [NVDA] Urgent: Accessibility regression in new WhatsApp Desktop & How to fight back
Thanks Mujtaba, it worked, but did you notice that there is no Clear Chat option.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/a/nvaccess.org/d/msgid/nvda-users/03a301dc774f%24c0a31ff0%2441e95fd0%24%40gmail.com.
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Mujtaba Merchant
Dear Steve,
Thank you for sharing the WhatsApp for Windows keyboard shortcut list. I have reviewed them, but I’ve encountered some significant usability issues on the desktop application that I wanted to highlight.
Firstly, I find it very strange that when navigating the message list, NVDA does not report whether a chat message is unread. This is a major functional gap for screen reader users, as we lose the primary indicator of new activity without this verbal feedback.
Secondly, I have to comment on the shortcut to start a new chat: Ctrl + Alt + N. I think it is absolutely "brilliant"—it must have taken a genius to choose the exact same shortcut used to start or exit NVDA itself. It’s an incredible oversight to have a core application shortcut conflict directly with the primary command for the screen reader required to use it.
And please, don't suggest that I simply change the NVDA shortcut to fix this. It’s the principle of the design; it makes me wonder if anyone at the development team actually tried using these shortcuts with a screen reader active.
I appreciate you providing the link, but these regressions in the desktop app's "WebView2" wrapper are making the experience increasingly difficult.
Mujtaba Merchant
Hi Steve,
I think you’ve misunderstood the analogy. This isn't about blind people wanting software to be like an "old pair of slippers." It’s about not wanting our slippers to be replaced with a pair of concrete boots and being told it’s an "upgrade."
Efficiency and usability aren't "comfort" features we can grow out of; they are requirements. When a functional workflow is replaced by a convoluted one, it isn't "evolution," it’s a design failure. Suggesting that we should just accept a degraded experience because "things change" ignores the fact that change is only progress when it actually works better.
I’m all for new slippers, Steve—as long as they don't trip me up every time I try to take a step.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/a/nvaccess.org/d/msgid/nvda-users/020501dc7e50%2411401c90%2433c055b0%24%40comproom.co.uk.
davyc...@gmail.com
I had hoped to use an older version to get back to the old normal.
I have always blamed Apple as being a jail I mean, you cannot get back to older versions whenever you update an app.
Sure you can but then you should jailbreak or go back to a previous version via Itunes which for most people is a huge difficulty.
I’ve always argued that maybe for windows or Android this is much easier to fulfil you simply connect the device to your phone and install an older version of an app with no accessibility regressions.
However, even with windows and whatsapp this is nolonger possible.
I have tried this but immediately after installing you are prompted to use the latest update and you cannot cancel this button.
This is a new policy which for one reason I can understand from software developers and that is security.
If major updates are released you have to update or stop using the program.
As we all know this can have negative influence for us as accessibility users.
The only thing to fight back is report, report and report again and again!
But I must admit: sure there are regressions but the usability of Whatsapp Web App is still there.
Davy
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Steve Nutt
Hi,
But to be fair, the Microsoft team wouldn’t assume you are using NVDA, so control alt N is quite valid, and perfectly easy to change the shortcut key.
JAWS is also Control Alt J, but you can still change it. That’s the beauty in freedom of shortcuts. Just because NVDA hijacked Control Alt N, doesn’t mean you can’t use it for other stuff.
All the best
Steve
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From: nvda-...@nvaccess.org <nvda-...@nvaccess.org> On Behalf Of Mujtaba Merchant
Sent: 05 January 2026 14:58
To: nvda-...@nvaccess.org
Subject: RE: [NVDA] Urgent: Accessibility regression in new WhatsApp Desktop & How to fight back
Dear Steve,
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Noelia
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Mujtaba Merchant
Sincerely,
Mujtaba Merchant
Bangalore | INDIA
Steve Nutt
I wonder why they didn’t use Control N, rather than Control Alt N, like a new message in Outlook would be?
All the best
Steve
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Mujtaba Merchant
Sincerely,
Mujtaba Merchant
Bangalore | INDIA
Sent from iPhone ®
Steve Nutt
Ah, answering my own question, because Control N is a new tab in browsers.
See, it’s quite difficult for web applications to assign keystrokes that are not used.
All the best
Steve
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From: nvda-...@nvaccess.org <nvda-...@nvaccess.org> On Behalf Of Noelia
Sent: 15 January 2026 11:37
To: nvda-...@nvaccess.org
Noelia
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/a/nvaccess.org/d/msgid/nvda-users/01a301dc8632%2462d00900%2428701b00%24%40comproom.co.uk.
Mujtaba Merchant
Hi Steve,
It seems there might have been some confusion in my previous note, so I’d like to clarify a few points—especially regarding how these shortcuts interact with focused applications and screen readers.
Focus and Application Specificity
The core of the issue is that these shortcuts are application-specific. For instance, Ctrl + N should only trigger a "New Chat" if the WhatsApp desktop app is the active, focused window. My testing confirmed this: when I used the shortcut, it didn't mistakenly open a new email or a browser tab because those specific applications weren't in focus.
The NVDA Conflict
There is a potential accessibility overlap we need to look into. Currently:
• Ctrl + Alt + N is the default shortcut to start or restart NVDA.
• Even when the WhatsApp desktop application is focused, pressing this combination triggers the NVDA restart rather than an app-specific function.
Redundancy in Shortcuts?
Interestingly, during my testing, I found that Ctrl + N (for a new chat) essentially yields the same result as Ctrl + F (the "find a chat" function). Given that the behaviors are nearly identical, we should evaluate if a dedicated "New Chat" shortcut is actually necessary, or if it’s just adding clutter.
I'm concerned we might have a deeper accessibility miss here if the global screen reader commands are colliding with our app-specific intent.
Have a good one!
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/a/nvaccess.org/d/msgid/nvda-users/01a301dc8632%2462d00900%2428701b00%24%40comproom.co.uk.
Sarah Alawami
I actually disabled control alt N. I have windows plus the number 1 on the number row as i have nvda pined to my task bar. for me that is a lot easier than control alt N.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/a/nvaccess.org/d/msgid/nvda-users/8D020DC0-05AF-44FF-9CAA-B9C42C697B40%40gmail.com.
Devin Prater
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Noelia
1. Give the possibility to change keyboard shortcuts.
2. By default, please consider shortcuts used by default by readers like NVDA and do not use them in WhatsApp. control+alt+n is a WhatsApp shortcut, and it is also used to restart NVDA. In general, control+alt+character can be used as a shortcut for shortcuts on Windows, and I would like WhatsApp to use other shortcuts.
3. In the help of keyboard shortcuts, mention the j and k keys to navigate between chats.
4 Make it easier to find keyboard shortcuts, for example with a link to access this information.
Thank you so much.
1. Dar la posibilidad de cambiar los atajos de teclado.
2. Por defecto, por favor, considerar atajos usados de forma predeterminada por lectores como NVDA y no usarlos en WhatsApp. control+alt+n es un atajo de WhatsApp, y también sirve para reiniciar NVDA. En general, control+alt+carácter se puede usar como atajo para accesos directos en Windows, y me gustaría que WhatsApp utilizara otros atajos.
3. En la ayuda de atajos de teclado, mencionar las teclas j y k para navegar entre chats.
4 Facilitar la búsqueda de atajos de teclado, por ejemplo con un enlace para acceder a esta información.
Muchas gracias.
Mujtaba Merchant
Dear Noelia,
Thank you for the effort and for sharing these insights; it is much appreciated.
Regarding the CTRL + ALT + N shortcut to start a new chat, as per my last communication on this subject, we honestly do not need to use it. We can already use the following alternatives to achieve the same result:
• CTRL + N (New Chat)
• CTRL + F (Find/Search command, which effectively functions as starting a new chat)
Given these existing options, the conflict with the NVDA restart command is even more avoidable.
However, a few significant challenges remain for screen reader users:
1. Deleting Messages: Selecting and deleting multiple messages in a chat conversation is still a struggle. It currently requires constantly switching between Browse and Focus mode just to select messages. I am hoping for a more streamlined way to handle this.
2. Group Tags: Tagging a contact within a group chat remains cumbersome and needs a more accessible implementation.
Mujtaba Merchant
Hi Devin,
Very well said. While we certainly appreciate software updates that aim to improve functionality, those improvements should never come at the cost of breaking accessibility.
For many in our community, especially those who may not be "techies" or are just beginning their journey with screen readers, these tools are a literal lifeline. When an application update hijacks a core command like the one to restart NVDA, it doesn't just create a minor inconvenience—it creates a wall.
Muscle memory is powerful. Expecting users to relearn shortcuts or troubleshoot deep settings just to keep their screen reader from crashing is asking too much. When a program starts "messing with the lifeline," many users will simply walk away, and that is a failure of inclusive design.
Have a good one!
Noelia
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/a/nvaccess.org/d/msgid/nvda-users/001801dc869e%244235a940%24c6a0fbc0%24%40gmail.com.
Noelia
Ravindran V.S.
Hi,
Would you mind giving any steps through which I could forward more than 1 message please?
Can the below step be used to select them and goto forward button?
Thanks,
Ravi.
Steve Nutt
Thanks for that, and I don’t think I was thinking clearly when I wrote that last Email.
I should have realised that if the app is in focus, then the stroke should be specific to that app.
That then, I would suggest, is either a problem with Windows itself, or NVDA for responding to that keystroke when it isn’t in focus.
But if NVDA didn’t respond to Alt Control N globally, how would you refresh it?
It’s a difficult one.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/a/nvaccess.org/d/msgid/nvda-users/004001dc8636%2492db16e0%24b89144a0%24%40gmail.com.
Gene Asner
see the short cut command in the properties of the icon on the desktop.
It would make no sense to limit the short cut to when NVDA has focus.
the point is to either run NVDA or have NVDA close and run again if it
freezes or crashes.
Gene
On 1/16/2026 9:29 AM, Steve Nutt wrote:
> Thanks for that, and I don’t think I was thinking clearly when I wrote
> that last Email.
>
> I should have realised that if the app is in focus, then the stroke
> should be specific to that app.
>
> That then, I would suggest, is either a problem with Windows itself, or
> NVDA for responding to that keystroke when it isn’t in focus.
>
> But if NVDA didn’t respond to Alt Control N globally, how would you
> refresh it?
>
> It’s a difficult one.
>
> All the best
>
> Steve
>
> --
>
> Computer Room Services
>
> 77 Exeter Close, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 4PW
>
> T: +44(0)1438-742286, M: +44(0)7956-334938
>
> https://www.comproom.co.uk <https://www.comproom.co.uk/>
>
> *From:*nvda-...@nvaccess.org <nvda-...@nvaccess.org> *On Behalf Of
> *Mujtaba Merchant
> *Sent:* 15 January 2026 15:50
> *To:* nvda-...@nvaccess.org
> *Subject:* RE: [NVDA] Urgent: Accessibility regression in new WhatsApp
> *Steve Nutt
> *Sent:* Thursday, January 15, 2026 8:50 PM
> *To:* nvda-...@nvaccess.org
> *Subject:* RE: [NVDA] Urgent: Accessibility regression in new WhatsApp
>
> Ah, answering my own question, because Control N is a new tab in browsers.
>
> See, it’s quite difficult for web applications to assign keystrokes that
> are not used.
>
> All the best
>
>
> Steve
>
> --
>
> Computer Room Services
>
> 77 Exeter Close, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 4PW
>
> T: +44(0)1438-742286, M: +44(0)7956-334938
>
> https://www.comproom.co.uk <https://www.comproom.co.uk/>
>
> *From:*nvda-...@nvaccess.org <mailto:nvda-...@nvaccess.org>
> <nvda-...@nvaccess.org <mailto:nvda-...@nvaccess.org>> *On Behalf Of
> *Noelia
> *Sent:* 15 January 2026 11:37
> *To:* nvda-...@nvaccess.org <mailto:nvda-...@nvaccess.org>
> *Subject:* Re: [NVDA] Urgent: Accessibility regression in new WhatsApp
>
> I think that developers should be careful when assigning control+alt+
> single character to perform tasks, since control+alt can be assigned,
> not just to screen readers but also to other apps in the desktop.
>
> Also, if developers consider accessibility, they should be aware of
> keystrokes used to start the main screen readers.
>
> Now I have WhatsApp joined to my mobile on my computer, so I'll try to
> report this specific issue to WhatsApp team.
>
> Noelia
>
> El jue, 15 ene 2026 a las 12:15, Steve Nutt (<st...@comproom.co.uk
> Hi,
>
> But to be fair, the Microsoft team wouldn’t assume you are using
> NVDA, so control alt N is quite valid, and perfectly easy to change
> the shortcut key.
>
> JAWS is also Control Alt J, but you can still change it. That’s the
> beauty in freedom of shortcuts. Just because NVDA hijacked Control
> Alt N, doesn’t mean you can’t use it for other stuff.
>
> All the best
>
>
> Steve
>
> --
>
> Computer Room Services
>
> 77 Exeter Close, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 4PW
>
> T: +44(0)1438-742286, M: +44(0)7956-334938
>
> https://www.comproom.co.uk <https://www.comproom.co.uk/>
>
> *From:*nvda-...@nvaccess.org <mailto:nvda-...@nvaccess.org>
> <nvda-...@nvaccess.org <mailto:nvda-...@nvaccess.org>> *On
> Behalf Of *Mujtaba Merchant
> *Sent:* 05 January 2026 14:58
> *To:* nvda-...@nvaccess.org <mailto:nvda-...@nvaccess.org>
> *Subject:* RE: [NVDA] Urgent: Accessibility regression in new
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
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> ***
> Please note: the NVDA project has a Citizen and Contributor Code of
> Conduct.
> NV Access expects that all community members will read and abide by
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Mujtaba Merchant
I’d like to clarify a point from my previous note to avoid any further confusion.
When I referred to an "application in focus," I wasn't suggesting that NVDA itself needs to be the focused window. I completely agree with Gene—it would make no sense for a screen reader’s "emergency restart" command to only work when the screen reader has focus. That command must remain global to be effective.
My point was specifically about how other applications (like Outlook, Chrome, or WhatsApp) handle their own internal shortcuts. Ideally, when you are working inside WhatsApp, a keyboard command like CTRL + N should stay "trapped" within that app to perform its specific function (starting a new chat) without opening a new window in Chrome or a new email in Outlook.
The issue we are highlighting is a collision of priorities:
1. Windows/NVDA Priority: CTRL + ALT + N is a global "lifeline" command used to start or restart the screen reader from anywhere.
2. WhatsApp Priority: WhatsApp has assigned that exact same global-style shortcut to a minor, app-specific task (New Chat).
Even when WhatsApp is the active window, the system (rightly) gives priority to the NVDA shortcut. This makes the WhatsApp shortcut not only redundant—since CTRL + N and CTRL + F already work—but actively problematic for users who rely on that combination to manage their screen reader.
It’s this lack of coordination between app developers and the accessibility standards we rely on that break experiences.
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Mujtaba Merchant
Dear Noelia,
Thank you so much for taking the time to investigate this and for sharing the specific steps to select multiple messages.
I’ve just tested the method you shared, and it worked brilliantly. I have you to thank for this, as being able to select multiple items without constantly switching between Browse and Focus mode is a huge relief and a significant boost to productivity.
Also, thank you for the tip on mentioning/tagging contacts using the "@" symbol followed by the name and Tab—it's very helpful to know what currently works while we continue to advocate for a more streamlined, native implementation.
Your discovery and willingness to share these steps are much appreciated by me and, I’m sure, by the rest of the community as well.
Best regards,
Mujtaba
Mujtaba Merchant
Yes, sir. Please read the message from Noelia, select the messages in the Chat message as instructed, tab to take actions like Delete/ Forward them. Hope this helps!
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/a/nvaccess.org/d/msgid/nvda-users/027d01dc86f7%24097bbaa0%241c732fe0%24%40gmail.com.
Ravindran V.S.
Thank you Sir for the clarification.
Sure, did as mentioned, but I could not find the Forward Button. Finding the Delete etc.
Please advice any steps.
Thanks,
Ravi.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/a/nvaccess.org/d/msgid/nvda-users/004601dc8707%2456e23b60%2404a6b220%24%40gmail.com.
Mujtaba Merchant
After selecting the messages in the chat window, just press tab a couple of times, you should get the buttons to take action on those selected messages.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/a/nvaccess.org/d/msgid/nvda-users/142901dc882c%24a8436580%24f8ca3080%24%40gmail.com.
Steve Nutt
Steve
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-----Original Message-----
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