Change Your Keyboard Language in a Few Taps

Discover how to change keyboard language to type in different languages or use various keyboard layouts.

You can quickly switch keyboard languages on Windows by going to Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region, where you add the language you want and choose the keyboard layout that fits you best.

This makes it easy to type in multiple languages without needing extra hardware.

You can also switch between your installed keyboard languages instantly using shortcuts like Windows + Spacebar or Alt + Shift.

Managing and removing languages is simple too, so you only keep the layouts you use.

Knowing how to change your keyboard language can improve your typing experience whether you work with international clients or just want to write in another language for personal use.

Understanding Keyboard Languages and Layouts

When typing, your keyboard settings control which characters appear on the screen. These settings include the keyboard language, layout, and input sources. Knowing how they differ and why you might change them helps you type accurately in different languages or formats.

Difference Between Keyboard Language and Layout

The keyboard language refers to the language your keyboard inputs, such as English, Spanish, or French. It affects which characters are typed when you press keys. The keyboard layout is the physical or virtual arrangement of keys on your keyboard.

For example, QWERTY is a common layout for English, while AZERTY is used in French-speaking countries. Changing your keyboard language does not always change the layout, and vice versa. You might select English as your language but use a Dvorak layout to increase typing speed.

Common Reasons to Change Keyboard Language

You may want to change your keyboard language if you need to type in a language with different characters or symbols. For instance, switching to a Cyrillic or Arabic input allows you to write in those scripts properly.

Another reason could be using specialized layouts like Dvorak for ergonomic purposes or adding a layout that includes mathematical or programming symbols. Changing your keyboard language helps you type faster and prevents errors when working with multiple languages.

Supported Input Sources and Languages

Windows supports many input sources, including more than 100 languages. You can add multiple keyboard languages and layouts, such as Japanese Kana, Chinese Pinyin, or German QWERTZ. Each input source lets you type using the specific character set or symbols for that language.

You can also add more than just languages. Some input sources include ergonomic layouts or regional variants. These allow you to customize your typing experience based on your needs. You can switch between these input sources easily using shortcuts or the taskbar language menu.

Changing Keyboard Language on Windows

You can easily add and switch between multiple keyboard languages in Windows. Managing your input preferences starts in the settings, where you control which languages and layouts are available. Changing languages involves adding new input options and quickly toggling between them while typing.

Accessing Language and Input Settings

To change your keyboard language, start by opening the Settings app. You can do this by pressing Windows + I on your keyboard.

Next, go to Time & Language from the sidebar. Then select Language & Region on the right. This page controls your preferred languages and input settings.

Here, you will see a list of installed languages. This includes your display and keyboard languages. Managing these allows you to add or remove languages and change keyboard layouts.

Adding a New Input Language

On the Language & Region page, click the Add a language button under the Preferred languages section.

Search for the language you want to use and select it. Click Next, and then press the Install button to add the language and its keyboard options.

Once installed, this new language will appear in your list. You can adjust its keyboard layout by clicking the three-dot menu next to the language and selecting Language options. Here, you can add or remove different keyboard layouts tied to that language.

Switching Between Keyboard Languages

After you add multiple keyboard languages, you can switch between them easily while typing.

One way is to click the language icon on your taskbar near the clock. Select the language you want to use from the dropdown list.

Alternatively, use keyboard shortcuts: press Windows + Spacebar or Alt + Shift to cycle through your installed input languages. These shortcuts are quick and work anywhere you can type.

Using these methods, you can switch your keyboard input efficiently to match your typing needs.

Changing Keyboard Language on macOS

You can add new keyboard languages and switch between them easily on macOS. Managing input sources lets you type in different languages without changing your entire system language. There are several ways to set up and switch keyboard languages using system settings and shortcuts.

Using System Preferences to Add Input Sources

Open the Apple menu and select System Preferences (or System Settings on newer versions). Click Keyboard, then go to the Input Sources tab.

Here, click the + button to add a new input source. You can browse languages or use the search bar to find your desired keyboard layout. After selecting it, click Add.

The new input source appears in your list and will be available for switching. You can also remove unwanted input sources from this list if needed. Adding input sources is required before you can type in different languages or layouts.

Enabling and Using the Input Menu in the Menu Bar

Once you have multiple input sources, turn on the Input menu icon in the menu bar for easy access. In the Input Sources tab, check the box next to Show input menu in menu bar.

You’ll see a small flag or symbol representing your current keyboard language in the top-right corner. Click this icon to choose another input source.

This method lets you switch keyboard languages quickly without opening settings each time. The menu updates to show available languages and layouts, making it simple to pick the one you need.

Keyboard Shortcuts for Switching Input Languages

macOS offers keyboard shortcuts to toggle between input sources fast. The default shortcut is Control + Space to switch to the last used input source.

You can also press Control + Option + Space to cycle through all your enabled input sources. Hold Control and press Space repeatedly to move between the languages.

If you prefer, you can customize these shortcuts in Keyboard settings under Shortcuts > Input Sources. Using shortcuts saves time when switching between languages during typing or work.

Changing Keyboard Language on Mobile Devices

You can switch keyboard languages quickly by adjusting settings on both iOS and Android devices. This lets you type in different languages without changing your phone’s main language. Adding and managing input languages is done through your device’s settings and keyboard options.

Adjusting Input Language on iOS

On iOS, go to Settings > General > Keyboard. Tap Keyboards to see languages you’ve added. To add a new language, tap Add New Keyboard, then select your preferred language from the list.

Once added, switch between keyboards by tapping the globe icon on the keyboard. This cycles through all active languages, letting you type in any language you’ve set up.

You can also reorder or remove keyboards from this list by tapping Edit. This allows you to keep your input languages organized and accessible.

Changing Keyboard Options on Android

On Android, open Settings > System > Language & input. Select Virtual keyboard or your keyboard app (like Gboard). Tap Languages to add or remove input languages.

To add a language, tap Add keyboard, then choose the language. You may be asked to select a layout variant if available.

Switch between languages by tapping the globe or spacebar on the keyboard while typing. You can also hold the spacebar to see language options.

On some phones, like Samsung, you’ll find these options under Settings > General Management > Keyboard List and Default instead.

Using these settings, you control which languages are available for typing quickly and easily.

Troubleshooting and Best Practices

When changing your keyboard language, you might face issues like unexpected layout changes or input errors. You should also ensure your language settings stay consistent across sessions to avoid repeated adjustments.

Fixing Common Keyboard Language Issues

If your keyboard switches languages unexpectedly, check your shortcut keys. By default, shortcuts like Alt + Shift or Ctrl + Shift toggle keyboard layouts. You can disable or change these shortcuts in Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region > Keyboard options to prevent accidental switches.

Sometimes, the keyboard layout changes at the sign-in screen. Use the input language icon near the password box to select the correct layout before typing your password. This avoids login errors caused by wrong characters.

If you find your preferred keyboard layout missing, go to Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region, select your language, and add the keyboard layout you want. Make sure the language pack supports the layout for full compatibility.

Making Input Language Preferences Persistent

To keep your input preferences consistent, set your preferred keyboard layout as default in the Preferred languages list under Time & Language settings. Move your top language to the highest position to ensure apps use that language.

If you regularly switch between layouts, add all necessary keyboard layouts but keep one default to avoid confusion. Avoid removing layouts accidentally by checking the Installed keyboards section under each language’s options.

Remember, changing the Windows display language might reset your keyboard layout. After such a change, verify and adjust your keyboard preferences to keep your input method consistent across apps and system areas.