Switching the language on your keyboard in Windows 10 is pretty easy and straightforward. Whether you’re multilingual or learning a new language, you can follow a few simple steps to change the input language. Just dive into the settings, add the language of your choice, and switch between languages easily using a keyboard shortcut.
How to Switch Language on Keyboard Windows 10
In this guide, you’ll learn how to add a new language to your keyboard and switch between them in Windows 10. It’s a handy skill if you need to type in different languages for work, school, or personal use. Follow these steps and you’ll be typing away in no time!
Step 1: Open Settings
First, open the Settings app by clicking the Start menu and selecting the gear icon.
Settings is where you can tweak many aspects of your computer, including keyboard options. It’s like the control center for your PC.
Step 2: Select Time & Language
Next, select the “Time & Language” option from the settings menu.
This section is where you can manage all language-related settings, including the keyboard input languages.
Step 3: Click Language
Now, click on the “Language” tab on the left side of the screen.
This will bring up all the language settings for your operating system, including display and input languages.
Step 4: Add a Language
Click “Add a language” under the “Preferred languages” section.
You’ll see a list of available languages. Choose the one you need and follow the instructions to install it.
Step 5: Set Language Preferences
After adding the language, click on it and select “Options” to download any additional language packs if necessary.
This ensures that all the features of the language, like text-to-speech and handwriting, are available.
Step 6: Use Keyboard Shortcut to Switch
Press “Alt + Shift” or “Windows key + Space” to switch between languages.
This is your quick access method to toggle between different keyboard layouts without diving back into the settings.
After completing these steps, you’ll be able to switch your keyboard language on the fly. Simply use the keyboard shortcut to cycle through the languages you’ve added. You’ll notice an icon on your taskbar indicating the current input language.
Tips for How to Switch Language on Keyboard Windows 10
- Add multiple languages: You can add more than one language if you frequently switch between several languages.
- Customize shortcuts: Customize the keyboard shortcut for switching languages if the default one isn’t convenient for you.
- Check language packs: Make sure to download the full language pack for additional features like spellcheck.
- Practice: Spend some time practicing with the new layout to get comfortable typing in the new language.
- Monitor language indicator: Pay attention to the language indicator in the taskbar to know which language is active.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the shortcut to switch keyboard languages in Windows 10?
The most common shortcuts are “Alt + Shift” and “Windows key + Space”. These shortcuts let you quickly switch between languages.
How do I remove a language from the keyboard settings?
Go to Settings > Time & Language > Language, select the language, and click “Remove.” This will delete the language from your keyboard options.
Can I use multiple keyboard layouts for the same language?
Yes, you can add different keyboard layouts (like QWERTY or AZERTY) for the same language through the language options.
What do I do if the language I need isn’t in the list?
If a language isn’t listed, it might not be supported by Windows 10 yet. Check for updates or look for third-party keyboard software.
How can I make a language the default input language?
Go to Settings > Time & Language > Language, and move the desired language to the top of the list. This sets it as the default input language.
Summary
- Open Settings.
- Select Time & Language.
- Click Language.
- Add a Language.
- Set Language Preferences.
- Use Keyboard Shortcut to Switch.
Conclusion
Switching the language on your keyboard in Windows 10 can make you more versatile and productive, whether you’re working in a multilingual environment or just want to practice a new language. The process is straightforward and can be completed in just a few minutes. You’ll be able to switch between languages seamlessly with a quick keyboard shortcut.
Explore the settings a bit more to see what other customizable features are available. Remember, being able to type in multiple languages can open up new opportunities and make communication much easier. If you found this guide helpful, consider sharing it with friends or coworkers who might also benefit from knowing how to switch language on keyboard Windows 10. Happy typing!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.