How to add a keyboard language on Windows 11

2 min read · 6 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Windows separates two things: the language, which brings spell-checking and optionally the menus, and the keyboard layout, which decides which letter each key types. You can add a layout alone, for example a German layout to an English Windows, or a whole language.

These steps are for Windows 11. The pictures are simplified diagrams of the Settings window, not screenshots, so colours and spacing on your PC look a little different.

Step by step

1. Open Language & region

   Press Windows + I, click Time & language and then Language & region.

   Done

2. To add only a keyboard layout

   Click the three dots next to your language and choose Language options. Under Keyboards, click Add a keyboard and pick the layout from the list. It now appears under Installed keyboards.

   Done

3. To add a whole language

   Next to Preferred languages, click Add a language. Type the name, select it and click Next. Leave Language pack ticked if you may want Windows menus in that language, and click Install. The download needs an internet connection.

   Done

4. Switch while typing

   Hold the Windows key and press the Spacebar to move through your keyboards. You can also click the language abbreviation, such as ENG or DEU, near the clock on the taskbar.

   Done

5. Change the language of the menus

   On the Language & region page, choose the language under Windows display language. Windows asks you to sign out and in again.

   Done

6. Remove what you do not need

   To remove a layout, open Language options, click the three dots next to the keyboard and choose Remove. To remove a language, click the three dots next to it and choose Remove. The current display language cannot be removed.

   Done

Good to know

If the keyboard suddenly types the wrong characters, for example z and y swapped, you have probably switched layouts by accident with Windows + Spacebar. Press it again.

Emoji and special characters do not need another keyboard: press Windows + full stop.

On the phone: how to add a keyboard language on iPhone and how to add a keyboard language on Android.

In short: Settings, Time & language, Language & region, three dots, Language options, Add a keyboard. Switch with Windows + Spacebar.