Changing the keyboard layout in Windows 11 is not always as straightforward as it seems, especially if you’re trying to add a new language or switch between layouts quickly during work or gaming. Sometimes, the language or layout you want just isn’t available out of the box, or the toggle shortcuts refuse to work. It can be frustrating, but there are a few tricks that often help to make the whole process smoother—and maybe even less annoying. So, if your keyboard isn’t behaving the way you want or your layouts are not showing up as they should, give these methods a shot. They’ve worked on several setups, even if sometimes Windows makes it a bit more complicated than necessary.
How to Change Keyboard Layout Windows 11
Method 1: Use the Settings menu to add and switch layouts
Because Windows 11’s Settings UI can be a bit confusing or laggy, it’s good to get comfortable with the path. Open Settings (Win + I is a quick shortcut), then go to Time & Language > Language & Region. From here, hit Add a language. Yep, it’s the same as adding a language, and you’ll get a dropdown of hundreds of options.
- Pick your language, then expand it to choose a specific keyboard layout—often this pops up after you select the language or click Options.
- Want AZERTY or Dvorak? Choose the layout you want. If it’s not listed, sometimes you need to install the language pack first (click Download). More recent versions of Windows 11 might automatically include a few layouts.
- Once added, it’ll show in your language list. But here’s a fun fact—Windows can be flaky with showing the active layout. So, keep an eye on the taskbar for the language indicator (like “ENG” or “FR”).
Method 2: Switch layouts quickly using keyboard shortcuts
Here’s where it gets a little weird. Windows comes with some handy shortcuts, but they can be inconsistent or get disabled. Usually, Alt + Shift or Windows key + Space toggle between layouts, but if that’s not working, you might need to double-check the shortcut settings.
- Go back into Settings > Time & Language > Typing > Advanced keyboard settings.
- Under Input language hotkeys, click Language bar options and select Advanced Key Settings.
- If necessary, you can assign or re-assign hotkeys here. Sometimes, just resetting to default works wonders — because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary.
This tweak often unlocks the toggle shortcut if it was broken or disabled before. Expect to see the active layout on your taskbar, and a quick shortcut can save a lot of clicking around.
Method 3: Troubleshoot layout issues with Command Prompt or PowerShell
If the layouts aren’t showing up or switching properly, there’s a chance the language registry entries got messed up. Sometimes, resetting these can help. For that, you’ll need to open PowerShell as Administrator (Right-click Start > Windows Terminal (Admin)) and run:
Get-WinUserLanguageList
Set-WinUserLanguageList en-US, fr-FR -ForceThis forces Windows to reset your language list to your preferred ones. Replace en-US, fr-FR with whatever languages you need. Just be careful—if you have custom layouts or preferences, you might have to redo some setup after, but in many cases, this gets the layouts working again, especially if they’re just not showing or functioning right.
Tips on How to Change Keyboard Layout Windows 11
- Check compatibility: Some layout packs need specific language versions or updates. If it’s not working, look for updates or language pack downloads.
- Use shortcuts: The Windows + Space shortcut is usually the fastest way, but make sure it’s enabled in the settings as shown above.
- Stay organized: Name your layouts clearly in Settings—so you remember which is which, especially if you’re adding several.
- Back-up settings: For heavy switchers, it’s smart to export your language settings via PowerShell or save a screenshot, just in case something goes wrong after updates.
- Explore different layouts: Don’t hesitate to try out layouts like Dvorak, Colemak, or others if you find the default setups uncomfortable. Windows makes it pretty easy to test different options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the layout switch sometimes just won’t switch?
It’s often a glitch or a leftover setting. Resetting the language list or re-adding the layouts usually fixes it. Also, make sure your hotkeys aren’t overridden by some third-party app or keyboard driver conflict.
Can I add more than one layout per language?
Yep. You can add 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 appear in the options?
Sometimes, you need to download a language pack or update Windows. Also, check if the layout is supported in your Windows version or region. If all else fails, look for third-party keyboard layout installers, but be cautious with trusted sources.
Will changing the keyboard layout mess up my other regional settings?
Not unless you explicitly change the system language. Switching layouts only affects your input method, not your display language or date/time format.
Summary
- Open Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region
- Add or select your preferred language and layout
- Use shortcuts like Windows + Space to toggle layouts, once set up
- In case of glitches, run PowerShell commands to reset language preferences
- Remember to look out for updates or layout bugs after Windows updates
Wrap-up
Getting the keyboard layout to switch smoothly on Windows 11 can be a bit of trial and error, especially if Windows kinda drags its feet or the settings get tangled. But once it’s set, it’s pretty handy—whether you’re typing in multiple languages, using different regional layouts, or just prefer a different setup. Keep an eye on the taskbar, make sure hotkeys are enabled, and don’t hesitate to reset or tweak registry settings if things get weird. Fingers crossed, these tips help someone get their layouts sorted without too much fuss. Usually, a fresh set of shortcuts or a quick registry tweak does the trick—worked on multiple setups, so it’s worth a shot. Good luck, and happy typing!