How to Remove Input Language Keyboard in Windows 11

Windows 11 allows you to language-keyboard-in-windows-11/" class="sal-link" rel="noopener" target="_blank" data-sal-id="23022">add different keyboard layouts to support various languages. Sometimes, you may end up with extra layouts that you do not need. This guide explains how to remove a keyboard layout in Windows 11, including how to fix stubborn ‘ghost’ layouts.

Why do this?

If you have too many keyboard layouts, you might accidentally switch to the wrong one while typing. This can cause frustration when special characters do not appear as expected. Removing unused layouts makes your computer easier to manage and keeps your input method editor (IME) clean.

What happens when done?

Once you remove an unwanted layout, it will no longer appear in your language bar or taskbar list. You will stop accidentally switching to it when using the Windows + Space shortcut. Your typing experience will be consistent and predictable.

Language Pack vs. Keyboard Layout

It is important to understand the difference. A language pack changes the display language of Windows. A keyboard layout determines how your physical keys map to characters on the screen. You can have multiple keyboard layouts for a single language, such as US QWERTY and UK English.

Standard Removal Method

Follow these steps to clean up your keyboard list using the Settings app:

1. Open the Start menu and click on Settings.
2. Go to Time & Language and select Language & region.

3. Under the Language section, find the language that has the keyboard you want to remove.
4. Click the three dots (…) next to that language and select Language options.

5. Scroll down to the Keyboards section.
6. Find the keyboard you want to remove. Click the three dots (…) next to it and select Remove.

Comparison: Standard vs. Registry Removal

Troubleshooting Ghost Keyboard Layouts

Sometimes a layout appears in your taskbar but is missing from your Settings menu. This is a ‘ghost’ layout. To fix this, you must use the Registry Editor.

Note: This requires admin privileges.

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Keyboard Layout\Preload
3. Identify the layout you want to remove by checking the values.
4. Right-click the folder and select Delete.
5. Restart your computer to apply changes.

Advanced Removal via PowerShell

If you have many languages, you can use PowerShell to remove them. This requires admin privileges.

Get-WinUserLanguageList
$LangList = Get-WinUserLanguageList
$LangList.RemoveAt(1)
Set-WinUserLanguageList $LangList -Force

Summary

• Manage your layouts: Keep your typing clean by removing keyboards you do not use.
• Easy access: All settings are found under Settings > Time & Language > Language & region.
• Registry Fixes: Use the Registry Editor for stubborn layouts that do not appear in the standard menu.
• Official Help: For more details, visit the official Microsoft Language settings page.