Before you start
- Windows 11 or Windows 10
Method 1 Add a keyboard language or layout
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Step 1: Open Language & region
Go to Settings > Time & language > Language & region.
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Step 2: Add a language (if needed)
To type in a new language, click Add a language, choose it and click Install. Untick Set as my Windows display language if you only want the keyboard.
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Step 3: Add a layout
Click ⋯ next to a language > Language options. Under Keyboards, click Add a keyboard and choose a layout (e.g. United Kingdom, US International, French AZERTY).
Method 2 Switch between keyboards
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Step 1: Use the shortcut
Press Win + Space to cycle through your keyboards. Left Alt + Shift also works on many PCs.
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Step 2: Use the taskbar
Click the language code (e.g. ENG US) near the clock and choose a keyboard.
Method 3 Remove a layout you don’t want
Having only one layout means nothing can switch by accident.
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Step 1: Open Language options
In Language & region, click ⋯ > Language options for the language.
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Step 2: Remove
Under Keyboards, click ⋯ next to the unwanted layout and choose Remove.
Troubleshooting
@ and " are swapped, or Y and Z are swapped
You’re on the wrong layout (UK vs US, or German QWERTZ). Press Win + Space or remove the extra layout.
A removed layout keeps coming back
Windows sometimes adds layouts from sign-in screen settings. In Administrative language settings > Copy settings, apply your current settings to the welcome screen.
Frequently asked questions
How do I type accents without changing layout?
Use the US International layout, or the emoji/symbol panel (Win + .) and its symbols tab.
Can I use different layouts for different apps?
Yes: in Advanced keyboard settings, tick Let me use a different input method for each app window.
Summary
Add layouts in Settings > Time & language > Language & region > Language options, switch with Win + Space, and remove ones you don’t need so the keyboard doesn’t change by surprise.
