How To Change Keyboard Layout Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Published on October 22, 2025

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Changing the keyboard layout in Windows 11 is a simple process that allows you to type in different languages or use alternative keyboard configurations. Whether you need to switch to a different language for work, communication, or personal use, Windows 11 provides an easy-to-navigate interface to customize your keyboard settings. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to change your keyboard layout, ensuring you can type comfortably and efficiently in your preferred language.

This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to changing your keyboard layout in Windows 11. By following these instructions, you’ll be able to quickly switch between different layouts and languages, enhancing your typing experience and productivity. Let’s dive into the process of customizing your keyboard layout in Windows 11.

How Do I Change My Keyboard Layout in Windows 11?

Accessing Keyboard Settings

Open the Settings app. You can do this by pressing the Windows key + I on your keyboard, or by searching for “Settings” in the Start menu.
In the Settings app, click on Time & Language in the left sidebar.
Select Language & Region from the Time & Language menu.

Adding a New Keyboard Layout

Under the “Preferred languages” section, click on the three dots next to your preferred language (e.g., English (United States)).
Select Language options from the dropdown menu.
In the “Keyboards” section, click the Add a keyboard button.
Choose the keyboard layout you want to add from the list. For example, if you want to add the German keyboard layout, select “German.”

Switching Between Keyboard Layouts

Once you have added multiple keyboard layouts, you will see a language indicator in the system tray (usually located in the bottom-right corner of your screen, near the clock).
Click on the language indicator to open a menu showing all available keyboard layouts.
Select the desired keyboard layout from the menu to switch to it.

Removing a Keyboard Layout

Follow the steps above to navigate to Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region > Language options.
In the “Keyboards” section, click the three dots next to the keyboard layout you want to remove.
Select Remove from the dropdown menu.

Configuring Advanced Keyboard Settings

In the Language & Region settings, scroll down and click on Advanced keyboard settings.
Here, you can configure options like the input language hotkeys, which allow you to switch between keyboard layouts using keyboard shortcuts.
Customize the hotkeys to your preference by clicking on Input language hot keys and adjusting the settings.

Tips

Familiarize yourself with the new keyboard layout by practicing typing in a text editor.
Use the On-Screen Keyboard (search for “On-Screen Keyboard” in the Start menu) to visualize the layout if needed.
Consider using a keyboard layout visualizer app to help you learn the new layout more quickly.

Adjusting Your Keyboard Layout

Changing your keyboard layout in Windows 11 is a straightforward way to customize your typing experience. By following these steps, you can easily switch between different languages and keyboard configurations, enhancing your productivity and communication.

FAQ

How do I add a keyboard layout in Windows 11? Go to Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region > Language options, then click “Add a keyboard” under the “Keyboards” section.

How do I switch between keyboard layouts in Windows 11? Click on the language indicator in the system tray (bottom-right corner of the screen) and select the desired keyboard layout.

Can I use keyboard shortcuts to switch between layouts? Yes, you can configure input language hotkeys in Advanced keyboard settings (Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region > Advanced keyboard settings).

How do I remove a keyboard layout in Windows 11? Go to Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region > Language options, click the three dots next to the keyboard layout you want to remove, and select “Remove.”

What if I don’t see the language indicator in the system tray? Make sure that you have multiple keyboard layouts added. The language indicator only appears when more than one layout is available.

Comparing Keyboard Layout Options

Feature	US English (QWERTY)	German (QWERTZ)	French (AZERTY)
Default Layout	QWERTY	QWERTZ	AZERTY
Key Differences	Standard English	Y and Z swapped	A and Q swapped
Special Characters	Accessed via Shift	Different access	Different access
Common Use	English Typing	German Typing	French Typing