How to Change Keyboard Language in Windows 10
If you type in more than one language, Windows 10 makes it easy to switch between different keyboard layouts whenever you need them. Whether you’re writing emails in Spanish, chatting in French, working in Hindi, or using another language, adding and changing keyboard languages can make typing much faster and more accurate.
Many new Windows users assume they need to install separate software to type in another language. Fortunately, Windows 10 already includes everything you need. Once you add a language and its keyboard layout, you can quickly switch between them using either the Settings app or a simple keyboard shortcut.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to change the keyboard language in Windows 10, how to add a new keyboard layout, switch between installed languages, and solve common problems if your preferred keyboard language does not appear.
Let’s go!
How to Change Keyboard Language in Windows 10
Changing your keyboard language in Windows 10 involves adding the language if it is not already installed, selecting the correct keyboard layout, and switching to it whenever you want to type. Follow the steps below carefully.
Step 1: Open the Windows Settings App
The first thing you need to do is open the Settings app, where Windows stores all language and keyboard options.
Click the Start button located in the lower left corner of your screen. Once the Start menu opens, click the Settings icon that looks like a gear. This opens the Windows Settings window.
If you’re comfortable using keyboard shortcuts, you can also press Windows + I to open Settings instantly.
Inside the Settings window, you’ll see several categories such as System, Devices, Network & Internet, and Time & Language. Since keyboard languages are managed through language settings, click Time & Language to continue.
This section contains all the options related to your computer’s language preferences, typing settings, speech, and regional formats.
Step 2: Open the Language Settings
Once you’re inside Time & Language, look at the menu on the left side of the window.
Click Language.
The Language page displays your current Windows display language along with all installed languages. It also includes options for adding additional languages and managing keyboard layouts.
Take a moment to review the languages already listed. If the keyboard language you want is already available, you may only need to switch to its keyboard layout instead of installing a completely new language.
If you don’t see your preferred language, don’t worry. Windows makes it easy to add one in just a few minutes.
Step 3: Add a New Keyboard Language
If your desired language is missing, you’ll need to install it first.
On the Language page, click Add a language.
A search box will appear, allowing you to search through hundreds of supported languages. Begin typing the language you want to install, such as Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Arabic, Hindi, or any other supported language.
When the language appears in the list, select it and click Next.
Windows may display several optional language features, including language packs, handwriting, speech recognition, or text-to-speech. For most users who simply want another keyboard layout, the default options are sufficient.
Click Install.
Windows will begin downloading the necessary language files. Depending on your internet connection, this process may take anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes.
Once the installation finishes, the language becomes available for keyboard input.
Step 4: Select the Keyboard Layout
After installing the language, it’s important to verify that the correct keyboard layout is available.
Return to the Language page and click the language you just installed.
Next, click Options.
Here you’ll find one or more available Keyboards. Different countries may use different keyboard layouts even when they share the same language. For example, English users may choose between US, United Kingdom, or other regional layouts.
If your preferred layout isn’t listed, click Add a keyboard.
Select the layout that matches your physical keyboard and typing preferences.
Using the correct layout helps ensure that every key produces the expected character while typing.
Step 5: Switch Between Keyboard Languages
Now that your language has been installed, you’re ready to switch between keyboard layouts whenever needed.
Look at the lower right corner of the taskbar near the clock. You’ll usually see a language abbreviation such as ENG, ESP, or another language code.
Click the language abbreviation.
A small menu opens, showing every installed keyboard language.
Simply select the keyboard layout you want to use.
Windows immediately changes the active keyboard language without requiring a restart.
You can repeat this process anytime you need to switch between languages while working.
Step 6: Use Keyboard Shortcuts to Change Languages Faster
Instead of opening the language menu every time, Windows provides convenient keyboard shortcuts.
Press Windows + Spacebar.
Each time you press the shortcut, Windows cycles through every installed keyboard language.
You can also use Left Alt + Shift on some systems if that shortcut is enabled.
These shortcuts are especially helpful if you frequently switch between multiple languages throughout the day.
After switching, check the language indicator on the taskbar to confirm that the correct keyboard layout is active before you begin typing.
Step 7: Test Your New Keyboard Language
Before closing Settings, it’s a good idea to make sure everything works correctly.
Open Notepad, Microsoft Word, your web browser, or any application where you can type text.
Switch to your newly installed keyboard language.
Press several keys and verify that the correct letters, symbols, and special characters appear.
Some keyboard layouts change the position of punctuation marks, quotation marks, or special symbols, so testing helps you become familiar with the new layout before using it for important work.
If something doesn’t look right, return to the language settings and choose a different keyboard layout for that language.
Additional Tips
If you regularly type in multiple languages, keep the language indicator visible on the taskbar so you can quickly see which keyboard layout is currently active.
Remember that the display language and the keyboard language are separate settings. Changing your keyboard language does not automatically change Windows menus, dialog boxes, or system text.
If you accidentally switch keyboard layouts while typing, simply press Windows + Spacebar until your preferred language appears again.
Keeping Windows updated helps ensure the latest language packs and keyboard improvements are installed correctly.
If you no longer need a language, you can remove it by returning to the Language settings, selecting the language, and choosing Remove.
FAQs
Does changing the keyboard language change the Windows display language?
No. Keyboard language only changes how your keyboard types characters. Your Windows display language remains the same unless you specifically change it.
Can I install more than one keyboard language?
Yes. Windows 10 supports multiple keyboard languages, allowing you to switch between them whenever necessary.
Why can’t I find my preferred language?
Some languages require downloading additional language files from Microsoft. Make sure your computer is connected to the internet while adding the language.
Can I remove a keyboard language later?
Yes. Open Settings, go to Time & Language, select Language, choose the language you no longer need, and click Remove.
What is the fastest way to switch keyboard languages?
The quickest method is pressing Windows + Spacebar, which cycles through all installed keyboard layouts.
Why are some keys typing different characters?
This usually happens because a different keyboard layout is active. Check the language indicator on the taskbar and switch back to the correct layout if necessary.
Summary
Changing the keyboard language in Windows 10 is a straightforward process that allows you to type comfortably in multiple languages without installing third-party software.
By opening Settings, navigating to Time & Language, adding your preferred language, selecting the correct keyboard layout, and switching between languages using the taskbar or Windows + Spacebar, you can customize your typing experience in just a few minutes.
Whether you’re learning a new language, communicating with international colleagues, or working with multilingual documents, understanding how to manage keyboard languages in Windows 10 helps improve productivity and makes typing more accurate and convenient.