Typing in a foreign language, juggling symbols and accented characters… Your keyboard can become a real challenge if its configuration doesn't suit your needs. Fortunately, Windows 11 offers great flexibility for customizing your keyboard layout . Follow this comprehensive guide to easily change languages
Add a new keyboard layout
1. Access language settings
- Click on the language icon in the taskbar ( FR, EN , etc.).
- Select " Language settings ".
- In the " Preferred Languages " window, click on " Add a language ".
- Search for the desired language and select it.
- Click on " Next " then on " Install ".
2. Choose the keyboard layout
- After installing the language, return to "Language Settings".
- Under " Preferred languages ", click on the language you just added.
- Click on " Options ".
- Under " Keyboards ", click on " Add a keyboard ".
- Select your preferred keyboard layout.
- Click on " Add ".
Change keyboard layout options
1. Switch between layouts
- Use the language icon in the taskbar.
- Press Windows key + Space (or Shift + Space).
2. Change keyboard shortcuts
- Go to " Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region ".
- Click on " Administrative language ".
- Select " Change keyboard options ".
- Under " Switch between input methods ", click on " Edit keyboard shortcuts ".
3. Add symbols and accented characters
- Use the Windows + Shift + Space bar to display the special character table.
- You can also use language-specific keyboard shortcuts.
Advanced keyboard options
1. Prepare a keyboard for multilingual use
- Go to " Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region ".
- Click on " Administrative language ".
- Select " Add a language ".
- Check the box " Install interface language pack ".
- Restart your computer.
2. Use a Microsoft IME keyboard
- Download and install the Microsoft IME for the desired language.
- Go to " Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region ".
- Under " Preferred keyboards ", select the language with the IME.
- Click on " Options ".
- Under " Keyboards ", check the box " Use Microsoft IME keyboard ".
3. Customize the keyboard layout
Download and use a keyboard layout tool like Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator .
Conclusion
Mastering the various keyboard layout options in Windows 11 opens up a world of linguistic possibilities. Explore languages and symbols, learn how to type a lowercase and uppercase ð with an umlaut on the keyboard , optimize your typing, and boost your productivity. Don't hesitate to consult the additional resources and experiment with the different settings to find the configuration that works best for you.
