How to Install Input Language Keyboard in Windows 11

Why Install a Language Keyboard?

Installing 💿 a language keyboard in Windows 11 lets you type in different languages and scripts directly on your computer. You need one when you want to switch between different alphabets, accents, or writing systems for work, school, or personal messaging.

Typical cases are typing French accents on a US keyboard, writing in Cyrillic or Arabic script, or using a layout such as German or Spanish that moves some of the punctuation keys. Once a layout is installed, you switch between layouts with standard keyboard shortcuts or from the taskbar 🖥️.

After installation, Windows 11 lets you switch between keyboard layouts with a shortcut or from the taskbar 🖥️. This means you can write in several languages on one computer. You do not have to change your overall system settings to do it.

Your Windows menus, apps and the rest of the interface stay in the same language. Only the characters you type change. You can also keep several layouts installed at the same time and switch between them as you work.

How to Install Language Keyboard in 🪟 Windows 11

To install a language keyboard in Windows 11, open Settings and go to Time & language, then select Language & region. From there, click Add a language, search for the language you want, and follow the prompts to download the keyboard layout. You can then start typing right away.

Open its options and add the keyboard, as the steps below show. Adding a new language downloads files, so keep the PC connected to the internet.

1. Open your computer settings by pressing Windows key + I or by clicking Start, then Settings. The Settings app opens with a list of categories on the left.

   

2. In the Settings menu, click Time & language. The page shows options such as Date & time, Language & region and Typing.
3. Select the Language & region tile. You should now see your Windows display language and a list of your preferred languages.

   

4. Look for your preferred language in the list. Click the three dots (...) next to it and select Language options. If the language is not in the list yet, click Add a language first, pick it, and finish the install. Then come back to this step. The language options page opens and shows the keyboards already installed for that language.

   

5. Scroll down to the Keyboards section. Click the Add a keyboard button. A list of available layouts for that language appears.

   

6. Choose the keyboard layout you want from the list to install it. The layout then shows up under Keyboards, and you can use it straight away. No restart is needed.

   

Once you install a language, the default keyboard for that language is usually added automatically. You can verify your new setup under the keyboard section for your preferred language. If the layout you expected is missing, go back to Add a keyboard and add it by hand.

How to Switch Between Keyboards

Press and hold the Windows key and tap the Spacebar to cycle through your available typing languages. Or click the language abbreviation on the right side of the taskbar to pick one with your mouse.

The language abbreviation only appears on the taskbar when you have two or more keyboards installed. If you only see one, add a second layout first.

• Keyboard Shortcut: Press and hold the Windows key and tap the Spacebar to cycle through your installed input methods. A small pop-up lists them and highlights the active one. Release the Windows key to confirm your choice.
• Taskbar Icon: Click the language abbreviation (e.g., ENG or FRA) on the right side of your taskbar to select a different keyboard. The abbreviation changes to show which layout is now active.

  

Display Language vs. Input Language

Your display language changes Windows menus, while your input language, or keyboard layout, only affects what you type. Adding a keyboard does not change the language of Settings, File Explorer or the Start menu. If you want the menus in another language too, change the Windows display language on the same Language & region page. That change takes effect after you sign out and back in.

How to Remove a Keyboard Layout

If you no longer need a specific layout, you can remove it at any time. Removing a keyboard does not delete your files or change your other languages. To get it back later, add it again with the steps above. Follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings › Time & language › Language & region The list of your preferred languages appears.
2. Click the three dots (...) next to the language.
3. Select Language options. The options page for that language opens.
4. Find the keyboard under the Keyboards section.
5. Click the three dots (...) next to the keyboard and select Remove. The keyboard disappears from the list. It also drops out of the Windows key + Spacebar cycle and the taskbar menu.

Summary

Adding a new keyboard layout in Windows 11 lets you type in other languages easily. Open Settings › Time & language › Language & region, add the language or keyboard you need, and switch between layouts with Windows key + Spacebar or from the taskbar. If you ever change your mind, you can remove a layout from the same page.