How to Add and Change Keyboard Layouts in Windows 11

Conquering the digital world often involves navigating diverse languages. Windows 11 empowers you to seamlessly switch between keyboard layouts, ensuring smooth communication and creative expression across various tongues. This guide equips you with the know-how to add and change layouts, unlocking the linguistic potential of your PC.

Understanding Keyboard Layouts:

A keyboard layout refers to the arrangement of letters, symbols, and numbers specific to a particular language. For instance, the QWERTY layout is familiar to English speakers, while AZERTY dominates French keyboards. Adding layouts allows you to seamlessly switch between languages without physically changing keyboards.

Methods for Adding Keyboard Layouts:

Method 1: Settings App (The Straightforward Approach):

1. Launch the Settings app. Access this through the Start menu or by pressing Win+I.
2. Navigate to Time & Language: Find this option in the left sidebar.
3. Click on Preferred Languages: This section manages your language settings.
4. Add a language: Click on the “Add a language” button.
5. Choose your desired language: Search and select the language you want to add.
6. Install optional language features: Select additional features like voice recognition or handwriting if needed.
7. Set as default (optional): If this language will be your primary one, check the box next to “Set as default display language.”
8. Click Next: Review your selections and proceed.
9. Add a keyboard. After installation, click on the language you added and then choose “Options.”
10. Click Add a keyboard: Select the specific keyboard layout for your chosen language.

Method 2: Language Bar (The Speedy Shortcut):

1. Click on the language indicator. Look for the language abbreviation in your taskbar (usually near the clock).
2. Open Language Settings: Click on the arrow next to the abbreviation.
3. Manage input languages: Select this option from the menu.
4. Add a preferred language: Follow steps 4–10 from Method 1.

Changing keyboard layouts:

Method 1: Language Bar (Effortless Switching):

1. Click on the language indicator. Access the language options in your taskbar.
2. Select the desired keyboard layout. Choose the language you want to switch to from the available list.

Method 2: Keyboard Shortcuts (Lightning-Fast Transitions):

1. Use the default shortcut: Press Win+Spacebar to cycle through installed keyboard layouts.
2. Customize shortcuts (optional):
   • Right-click the language indicator and select “Language settings.”
   • Click “Advanced keyboard settings.”
   • Under “Switching input methods,” choose “Switch input methods using the desktop language bar when it is available.”
   • Click “Language bar options.”
   • Under “Switching input methods,” customize your preferred shortcut keys.

Additional Tips:

• Customize display languages: Set different languages for display and keyboard input if needed.
• Pin commonly used languages: Right-click a language in the language bar and choose “Pin to taskbar” for quick access.
• Download additional layouts: Visit the Microsoft Store to find and download specific keyboard layouts for your needs.
• Utilize online resources: Explore free online typing tutors to familiarize yourself with different keyboard layouts.

Embracing Multilingualism:

By mastering these methods, you unlock the world of seamless language switching in Windows 11. Whether you’re a multilingual writer, a global communicator, or simply curious about exploring different languages, adding and changing keyboard layouts empowers you to express yourself and engage with the digital world on a whole new level. So, dive into the world of languages and let your keyboard be your guide!