NVDA Malfunctions In Read-Only Text Boxes In Google Chrome When In Focus Mode

[Luke-Robinett]

Steps to reproduce:

1. With NVDA loaded, launch the Chrome browser.
2. Visit this W3 Schools link for an example of a read-only text box.
3. Navigate to the read-only text box labeled "Country." This appears in a sample form beneath the top-level heading which reads, "The input readonly attribute."
4. Make sure NVDA is in focus mode, not browse mode.
5. Attempt to navigate the text of the Country text box using the left and right arrow keys.

Actual behavior:

The read-only text box contains the country name "Poland." When pressing the left or right arrow keys while in focus mode, NVDA just speaks the letter P.

Expected behavior:

Pressing the left and right arrow keys while in focus mode reads whichever letter the cursor precedes, as is the behavior of NVDA in normal text boxes.

System configuration

NVDA installed/portable/running from source:

Installed

NVDA version:

2021.3.4

Windows version:

Windows 10 Home Edition

Name and version of other software in use when reproducing the issue:

Google Chrome, latest version

Other information about your system:

• A similar issue occurs in Microsoft Edge, except instead of announcing the letter P, NVDA announces the word "blank." This suggests it's a broader issue with Chromium based browsers.
• This same issue occurs on my work laptop as well which is a different brand (Dell) and version of Windows (10 Pro) than the desktop PC from which I'm writing this report, reducing the likelihood that it's an issue specific to my computer.
• In Firefox, NVDA behaves as expected while using focus mode in read-only text boxes.

Other questions

Does the issue still occur after restarting your computer?

Yes.

Have you tried any other versions of NVDA? If so, please report their behaviors.

Long-standing issue that has occurred throughout all versions in recent years.

If NVDA add-ons are disabled, is your problem still occurring?

Yes. I just disabled all add-ons and restarted NVDA and the issue persists.

Does the issue still occur after you run the COM Registration Fixing Tool in NVDA's tools menu?

Yes. I ran the COM fix tool and restarted my PC and the issue persists.

[seanbudd]

This seems like intended behaviour for Chromium. Consider opening an issue against Chromium.