How to change the keyboard language

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Learning a language is difficult, so you’ll be relieved to hear that setting up your keyboard to communicate in a different language is pretty straightforward.

Whether you're composing an email in another language, learning a new language or simply want to ask about that AirBnB in a far-flung location, this mini guide will show you how to switch up your keyboard language on Windows and Mac computers. (And if you’re communicating in a European language, the Euro symbol often comes in handy too!)

We’ll take you through step by step and answer all your keyboard questions.

How to change the keyboard language on Windows

Windows is used around the world, so all kinds of languages are supported. As a result, you can do way more than just change keyboard languages…

How to change the keyboard language in Windows 11

Windows 11 is a big step up from Windows 10, but you’ve just upgraded you should find the process pretty intuitive. Here’s how to switch things up on Windows laptops and desktops.

1. Click on the Start button, and then select Settings (the gear icon).

2. In the Settings window, click on Time & Language.

3. On the left sidebar, select Language.

4. Under the Preferred languages section, click on Add a language if it’s not already listed.

5. Once added, click on the language, and then click on Options.

6. Next, click on Add a keyboard and choose the layout that suits you.

7. You're all set! Your keyboard language is now changed on Windows 11.

How to change the keyboard language in Windows 10

For a Windows keyboard layout change, follow these simple steps:

1. Go to your Start Menu and start typing Language settings until the option comes up.

2. Under Preferred languages, click Add a language. Scroll down and find the right language.

3. Windows will now install the language if it’s not there already.

4. Now go to Keyboard and select the language from the dropdown list.

5. Voila! Your keyboard language is now changed. You can start typing in the selected language.

How to change the keyboard language in Windows 8

Still loving Windows 8? Changing the keyboard language is still a breeze:

1. Click on the Start button, and then select Settings (the gear icon).

2. In the Settings window, click on Time & Language.

3. On the left sidebar, select Region & language.

4. Under the Languages section, click on Add a language if you need to.

5. Once added, click on the language, and then click on Options.

6. Click on Add a keyboard and select your preferred layout.

7. Done! Your keyboard language on Windows 8 is now changed.

Switch between languages using the Language bar

Now that you have multiple languages set up on Windows, you might need to switch between them quickly. After all, not everybody else will be learning Mandarin too. Fortunately, the Language bar makes it easy!

1. Right-click on the taskbar.

2. Navigate to Toolbars and select Language bar.

3. The Language bar will appear on your taskbar. Click on the language abbreviation to switch between the languages you've added.

Time saving tip:

Under Advanced Key Settings, you can set a short cut to switch to the language you need.

Change your keyboard layout

Different languages often require different keyboard layouts to fit in all those unique characters and symbols. Here’s how to change your keyboard layout on Windows:

1. Access Language settings as before.

2. Under the Keyboards section, click on Add a keyboard.

3. Select the layout that suits your chosen language.

Using the Language bar to switch keyboard layouts

The Language bar isn't just for language selection. It's also handy for switching between keyboard layouts. Here's how:

1. Make sure the Language bar is visible on your taskbar.

2. When typing in a specific language, click on the Language bar.

3. Select your preferred keyboard layout from the list.

4. Now you can easily switch between keyboard layouts within the same language.

How to change the keyboard language on Mac

Macbook users, we haven't forgotten about you! Because macOS is truly global, changing the keyboard language on your macOS is a piece of cake:

1. Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.

2. Select System Preferences.

3. Click on Keyboard.

4. In the Input Sources tab, click on the + button to add a language.

5. Choose the language you want and select your preferred keyboard layout.

6. Click Add.

7. You can now switch between languages using the input menu on your menu bar.

Switch between languages when writing

With multiple languages set up on your Mac, you can effortlessly switch between them while writing:

1. Look for the input menu on your menu bar (you’ll see a helpful flag corresponding to the current language).

2. Click on the input menu to see a list of added languages.

3. Select the language you want to use, and start typing in that language.

Change keyboard language on Mac with shortcuts

If you love a sneaky shortcut, macOS has got you covered:

1. Open System Preferences and go to Keyboard.

2. In the Shortcuts tab, select Input Sources from the left sidebar.

3. Click the checkbox for Select the previous input source and Select the next input source.

4. Now you can switch between languages in a jiffy.

Change your keyboard layout on a Mac

If you need to change the keyboard layout for a particular language, just do this:

1. Go to System Preferences and then Keyboard.

2. In the Input Sources tab, pick the desired language.

3. Now switch up your keyboard layout. Simple!

Congratulations! You are now a multilingual typing master. Whether you're using Windows or Mac, switching keyboard languages and layouts is a cinch, allowing you to express yourself and connect with others all around the world.

And if you’re looking for a keyboard you can set up how you like or a mouse with much more, check out our computer accessories. And if there’s something on your PC or Mac that’s stumping you, why not give our friendly 24/7 Tech Support experts a buzz?