How to change keyboard layout on Windows 11

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Do you type in multiple languages? If so, you'll benefit from additional keyboard layouts. Here's how to add more on Windows 11.

Windows 11 change keyboard layouts
Windows 11 change keyboard layouts (Image credit: Windows Central)

Although Windows 11 gives you a chance to add keyboard layouts during the out-of-box experience (OOBE), it's possible to add or remove them at any time.

Technically, you can continue with the default layout if you know how to insert special characters (such as the "Ñ" character in Spanish). However, changing the keyboard layout on Windows 11 makes it a lot easier to type in a different language. Also, this feature comes in handy if you simply prefer a different layout, such as the United States-Dvorak.

In this Windows 11 guide, we will walk you through the steps to add or remove keyboard layouts on your device.

How to add keyboard layout on Windows 11

To add a keyboard layout on Windows 11, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Time & language.
  3. Click the Language & region page on the right side.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Click the menu (three-dotted) button next to the language and click on Language options.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Under the "Keyboards" section, click the Add a keyboard button for the "Installed keyboards" setting.
  2. Select the keyboard layout to add to Windows 11.

Once you complete the steps, the new layout will configure on your account. You may need to repeat the steps to add more layouts as required.

How to change keyboard layout on Windows 11

To change to another keyboard layout, use these steps:

  1. Click the Keyboard layout icon in Taskbar (bottom right).
  2. Select the new keyboard layout.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Repeat steps 1 and 2 to switch back to the default layout.

Alternatively, you can also use the Windows key + spacebar keyboard shortcut to cycle between the layouts.

How to remove keyboard layout on Windows 11

To delete a keyboard layout on Windows 11, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Time & language.
  3. Click the Language & region page on the right side.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Click the menu (three-dotted) button next to the language and click on Language options.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Under the "Keyboards" section, click the menu (three-dotted) button next to the keyboard layout and click the Remove option.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

After you complete the steps, the keyboard layout will no longer be available on Windows 11. If you have multiple layouts, you may need to repeat the steps to remove those you don't need.

More Windows resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:

Mauro Huculak
Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.