How to Add and Switch Keyboard Layouts in Windows 11

How to Add and Switch Keyboard Layouts in Windows 11

Knowing how to add and switch keyboard layouts in Windows 11 is essential if you use multiple languages or an external keyboard with a different layout. Windows 11 makes it easy to customize keyboard inputs, whether you want to type in another language or switch away from the standard QWERTY layout.

This guide walks you through adding, switching, and removing keyboard layouts step by step.

How to Add a New Keyboard Layout in Windows 11

Windows 11 allows users to add additional keyboard layouts directly from system settings. This method works best if the language you need is already installed.

Steps to add a keyboard layout:

1. Open Settings from the Start menu
2. Go to Time & Language
3. Select Language & Region
4. Click the three-dot menu next to your preferred language
5. Choose Language options
6. Scroll to the Keyboards section
7. Click Add a keyboard
8. Select the keyboard layout you want

The new keyboard layout becomes available immediately.

How to Add More Keyboard Layouts Using Language Packs

If the layout you want isn’t listed, you may need to install an additional language pack first.

Steps to install a new language and keyboard layout:

1. Open Settings and go to Language & Region
2. Under Preferred languages, select Add a language
3. Choose the language and install it
4. Open Language options for the newly added language
5. Scroll to Keyboards and click Add a keyboard
6. Select your desired layout

Installing a language unlocks more keyboard layout options for that language.

How to Switch Keyboard Layouts in Windows 11

Once multiple layouts are installed, switching between them is quick and easy.

Available methods:

• Click the Language Switcher icon in the system tray
• Press Windows + Spacebar to cycle through layouts

This allows you to switch instantly while typing, without opening Settings.

How to Remove a Keyboard Layout in Windows 11

If your language switcher feels cluttered, removing unused keyboard layouts can help.

Steps to remove a keyboard layout:

1. Open Settings
2. Navigate to Time & Language > Language & Region
3. Click the three-dot menu next to the keyboard layout
4. Select Remove

If the layout was added through a language pack, you can also remove the entire language from the same menu.

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Learning how to add and switch keyboard layouts in Windows 11 gives you more control over your typing experience. Whether you’re multilingual or using a non-standard keyboard, Windows 11 provides flexible and user-friendly tools to manage keyboard layouts. With just a few clicks, you can customize input methods to match your workflow.

FAQ

How do I add a keyboard layout in Windows 11?

Go to Settings, open Language & Region, select Language options, and add a keyboard from the Keyboards section.

Can I use multiple keyboard layouts at the same time?

Yes, Windows 11 allows multiple layouts and lets you switch between them instantly.

What shortcut switches keyboard layouts?

Press Windows + Spacebar to cycle through installed keyboard layouts.

Do I need to install a language to add a keyboard layout?

Some layouts require a language pack, while others are available by default.

How do I remove unused keyboard layouts?

Open Language & Region settings, select the layout, and click Remove.

Will adding keyboard layouts use storage space?

Yes, additional language packs may take up some storage space.

Can I change keyboard layouts for external keyboards?

Yes, keyboard layout changes apply to both built-in and external keyboards.