How to change the keyboard language in Windows 10 and 11 step by step

Changing the keyboard language on a Windows computer is more common than it seems, whether due to a configuration error, having purchased an international keyboard, or simply because you need to type in multiple languages. However, many people get lost in the different operating system options or experience errors when doing so incorrectly. Therefore, here is a complete and as clear as possible guide so you can change both the language and the keyboard layout in Windows, whether it's version 10 or 11.

You'll see that there are several ways to achieve this, from basic settings to keyboard shortcuts that will allow you to switch languages ​​in seconds. We'll also explain how to ensure the keys match what you type, which is essential when using layouts like QWERTY, AZERTY, or Latin American Spanish.

Why change the keyboard language in Windows?

There are many reasons why you might want to change your keyboard language. You may have a keyboard from another country, you may frequently need to type in multiple languages, your computer may be misconfigured, or you may simply prefer a different layout than the default one. Changing the keyboard language will allow you to work more comfortably and avoid typing errors., especially with special characters such as ñ, accents or Symbols specific to each language. You can also learn to enter ASCII characters from the keyboard if required.

Hotkey combinations to switch between keyboard languages

One of the fastest and most useful ways to change keyboard languages ​​is by using key combinationsThese combinations vary slightly depending on your computer configuration and Windows version, but are generally:

• Windows + Space: allows you to switch between installed languages ​​by holding down the Windows key and pressing the space bar. Doing this several times will cycle through all available languages.
• Alt + Shift: It's the classic shortcut in previous versions of Windows and still works in many installations. It allows you to quickly switch between languages.
• Ctrl + Shift: In some configurations it serves as an alternative to Alt + Shift for switching keyboards.

It is important to have more than one language installed for these shortcuts to work. If you only have one, you won't see any changes when using them.

Change the keyboard language from the language bar

When you have more than one language installed, Windows automatically activates the Language Bar at the bottom right of the desktop, next to the clock. This small tool allows you to quickly view and change the active language with a single click:

1. Click on the icon where it says ESP, ENG or other language code.
2. Select the language you want to use at that time from the drop-down list.

This method is very visual and practical, especially if you work with multiple languages ​​and want to switch between them manually without using keyboard shortcuts.

How to add or remove keyboard languages ​​in Windows

If the language you want to use doesn't appear in the language bar, you'll need to add it manually from your system settings. This works for both Windows 10 as if to Windows 11, although the paths may change slightly between versions:

From Settings in Windows 10

1. Open the menu Configuration (you can search for it in the start menu or press Windows + I).
2. Enter the section Time and language and select Language in the left side menu.
3. Inside the section Preferred languages, click on Add a language.
4. Find the language you want to install (for example, "Spanish – Mexico" or "French – France") and click on Next.
5. Check the option Set as display language if you want it to also be the Windows language, or leave this option unchecked if you only need it for the keyboard.
6. Press on Install and wait for the package to download.

From Settings in Windows 11

1. press Windows + I to open System Settings.
2. In the side panel, click Time and language and then Language and region.
3. In the section Preferred languages, click on Add a language.
4. Find the language you want, select Next e Install.
5. Once installed, it will appear in the language bar for easy selection.

If you wish to delete a language that you no longer use, just go to the same section, click on the three dots that appear next to the language in question and select Remove.

Advanced keyboard settings in Windows

Beyond simply adding or removing languages, Windows allows for some advanced options related to input method and keyboard behavior:

Set default input method

1. Consultation "Advanced keyboard settings” from the Windows search engine.
2. Click on Open.
3. Under “Override for default input method,” select the keyboard you want to use by default.
4. If you want to use a different language per application, check the option “Let me use a different input method for each application window”.

Keyboard layout different from the system language

You don't always need to change the entire system language to change the way your keyboard types. The keyboard layout is independent of the operating system language., so you can have Windows in Spanish from Spain but with a Latin American Spanish, English or German keyboard layout.

To change this:

1. Open Settings and go to Time and language > Language.
2. Select your preferred language and then tap on Options.
3. In section Keyboards installed, Select Add a keyboard and choose the layout you prefer.

For example, if you use a US ANSI keyboard, you can install the Spanish (US) or English (EU) layout as needed. If you're interested, you can also learn how to type the letter n on the keyboard easily.

Common mistakes when changing the keyboard language

One of the most common errors is that, once the language is changed, the keys do not match the characters that appear when typingThis is usually because the language has been installed but not the correct keyboard layout. Another common mistake is forgetting that multiple languages ​​have been installed and not understanding why the keyboard "suddenly" types in a different language. Here, it's key to remember shortcuts like Windows + Space o Alt + Shift that can change languages ​​without you realizing it.

It may also happen that the language bar does not appear. In that case, access the Control panel and enters “Change input methods”. Then click on "Advanced configuration" and activate the box “Use the desktop language bar when available”.

Within Text services and input languages, make sure you have selected the option that best suits you: floating on the desktop o docked to the taskbar.

Knowing how to correctly configure the language and keyboard layout in Windows can make a huge difference in your daily computer experience. With just a few steps and knowing which options to select, you can adapt your computer to any language you need to type, whether for work, school, or simply out of personal preference. Easily switching between them with quick shortcuts and having the ability to customize the language per application will prevent confusion and typos and allow you to become more fluent when typing in any language.

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Isaac

Passionate writer about the world of bytes and technology in general. I love sharing my knowledge through writing, and that's what I'll do on this blog, show you all the most interesting things about gadgets, software, hardware, tech trends, and more. My goal is to help you navigate the digital world in a simple and entertaining way.