Changing the keyboard layout in Windows 11 isn’t always as simple as you might think, especially if you’re trying to add a new language or switch layouts quick smart during work or a gaming sesh. Sometimes, the layout you want just isn’t available out of the box, or the shortcuts to toggle them don’t wanna play ball. Fair dinkum, it can be a pain, but there are a few tricks up the sleeve that can make the whole process a lot easier—and maybe even less frustrating. So, if your keyboard isn’t behaving or the layouts aren’t showing up like they should, give these methods a burl. They’ve worked on a bunch of setups, even if Windows tends to make things a bit more complicated than necessary.
How to Change Keyboard Layout in Windows 11
Method 1: Use the Settings menu to add and switch layouts
Because Windows 11’s Settings UI can be a bit clunky or slow, it’s handy to get comfortable with the route. Open Settings (Win + I works a treat), then head to Time & Language > Language & Region. From there, click Add a language. Yep, it’s the same as adding a new language, and you’ll see a list of hundreds of options.
- Select your language, then expand it to pick a specific keyboard layout—this usually pops up after you choose the language or click Options.
- If you’re after AZERTY or Dvorak, find the layout you want. If it’s not listed, you might need to download the language pack first (hit Download). Newer Windows 11 versions might include a few layouts by default.
- Once you add a layout, it’ll show in your language list. But here’s a nugget—Windows can be a bit flaky with showing the active layout. Keep an eye on the taskbar for the language indicator (like “ENG” or “FR”).
Method 2: Switch layouts quickly using keyboard shortcuts
This is where it gets a bit dodgy. Windows has some handy shortcuts, but they can be inconsistent or get turned off. Usually, Alt + Shift or Windows key + Space toggle between layouts, but if that’s not doing the trick, double-check your shortcut settings.
- Jump into Settings > Time & Language > Typing > Advanced keyboard settings.
- Under Input language hotkeys, click Language bar options and then select Advanced Key Settings.
- If needed, you can set or change hotkeys here. Sometimes, resetting to default does wonders — because of course, Windows likes to make things tricky as.
This tweak often kicks the toggle shortcut back into gear if it was broken or turned off before. Expect to see your current layout on the taskbar, and using the shortcut can save heaps of clicking around.
Method 3: Troubleshoot layout issues with Command Prompt or PowerShell
If your layouts aren’t showing or switching properly, it’s possible the language registry entries are a bit off. Sometimes, resetting these fixes the lot. For that, open PowerShell as an Admin (Right-click the Start menu > Windows Terminal (Admin)) and run:
Get-WinUserLanguageList
Set-WinUserLanguageList en-US, fr-FR -ForceThis tells Windows to reset your language list to what you want. Swap in whatever languages you need—like en-US, es-ES. Just a heads up—if you’ve got custom layouts or tweaks, you might need to redo some setups afterward, but in many cases, this kicks the layouts back into gear, especially if they’re being a bit dodgy.
Tips on How to Change Keyboard Layout in Windows 11
- Check compatibility: Some layout packs need specific Windows versions or updates. If it’s not working, look for updates or language packs online.
- Use shortcuts: The Windows + Space shortcut is usually the quickest way, but make sure it’s enabled in Settings.
- Stay organised: Name your layouts clearly in Settings—so you know which is which, especially if you’re adding a few.
- Back up your settings: If you switch layouts a lot, it’s a good idea to export your language settings via PowerShell or take a screenshot, just in case something blows a fuse after Windows updates.
- Try different layouts: Don’t be shy to test out options like Dvorak, Colemak, or others if the default doesn’t feel right. Windows makes it pretty easy to give them a go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the layout switch sometimes just won’t switch?
It’s often a glitch or a leftover setting. Resetting your language list or re-adding the layouts usually sorts it. Also, check if your hotkeys have been overruled by a third-party app or driver conflict.
Can I add more than one layout per language?
Absolutely. You can chuck in several layouts for each language—say, QWERTY and Dvorak—and switch between them easily via the taskbar or shortcuts.
What if the layout I want doesn’t show up in the options?
Sometimes, you’ll need to download a language pack or update Windows. Also, check if the layout is supported in your version or region. If all else fails, you can look for third-party keyboard layout installers—just make sure they’re from a trusted source.
Will changing the keyboard layout muck up my other regional settings?
Nah. Switching layouts only changes your input method, not your system language or date/time formats—so no dramas there.
Summary
- Open Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region
- Add or select your preferred language and layout
- Use shortcuts like Windows + Space to flick between layouts, once set up
- If things go wonky, run PowerShell commands to reset your language setup
- Keep an eye out for updates or bugs after Windows updates
Wrap-up
Getting your keyboard layouts to switch smoothly on Windows 11 can be a bit of trial and error, especially if Windows drags its heels or the settings get tangled. But once it’s sorted, it’s bloody handy—whether you’re typing in multiple languages, trying different regional layouts, or just like a different setup. Keep an eye on the taskbar, check your hotkeys are turned on, and don’t be afraid to reset or tweak registry entries if things go nuts. Fingers crossed, these tips help someone get their layouts sorted without too much aggro. Usually, a quick shortcut or registry tweak gets things moving—works on plenty of setups, so give it a go. Cheers, and happy typing!