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

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En Windows 11 change the language and keyboard layout It's something you'll need sooner or later, whether you write in multiple languages, have bought a different keyboard, or the system has stuck with a configuration you don't like. While it might seem complicated at first, the system actually offers several convenient ways to manage these settings.

Throughout this guide, you'll learn how to install new keyboard languages, how to quickly switch between them, how to set one as the default , and even how to recover the language icon when it disappears from the taskbar. We'll also cover useful keyboard shortcuts and some common problems, so you can type in your preferred language without any hassle.

Install a new keyboard language in Windows 11

Before you can use another distribution, it is essential Install the language and keyboard from the settings Windows 11This process is done only once for each language you want to add.

To begin, open the system settings panel. You can do this by clicking on Home and later Configurationor by pressing the keyboard shortcut Windows + I, which takes you directly to the settings window.

Within Settings, go to the Time & Language section . In the sidebar, you'll see several options related to language, date, and region; the one we're interested in is Language & Region , where the installed language options and their input methods are located.

In the Preferred Languages ​​section , you'll see a list of the languages ​​already available on your system. To add a new one, click the Add Language button . A search box will open where you can type the language name (for example, Spanish, English, French, German, etc.) and select the specific variant (Spain, Mexico, United States, United Kingdom, etc.).

Once you've chosen your language, the assistant will show you several additional options, such as enabling voice recognition, handwriting support, and display features. Usually, it's enough to leave the basic language and display language options selected , but if you plan to use it extensively, you can select everything you want and click Next.

On the next screen, tap on Install for Windows Download the corresponding package and also add the associated keyboard layoutWhen the process is complete, that language will appear in the list of preferred languages ​​and you will be able to configure or add more keyboards for it.

Add and manage keyboard layouts in Windows 11

Installing a language doesn't always mean you'll have all the keyboard layouts you want to use . For example, you might have Spanish as your language, but need both the Spanish and Latin American keyboard layouts, or want to add an international English keyboard layout.

To manage all of this, go back to Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region . In the Preferred languages ​​section, you'll see each language listed with a plus (three dots) icon to the right. Click that icon next to the language for which you want to add another keyboard and select Language options.

On the new screen, a section will appear dedicated to the keyboards installed for that language. Here you can see which layout is active, and if you want to add another, you'll need to click the " Add a keyboard" button . A list will then appear with all the layouts compatible with that specific language.

Scroll through the list and choose the design that interests you (for example, Spanish, Spanish - ISO, English United States), International keyboardetc.). As soon as you select it, Windows It will be added and then available to switch between them from the taskbar or using keyboard shortcuts.

In some cases, the keyboard you're looking for might not appear in the list. In that situation, you'll usually need to install an additional language pack or a distinct regional variant. Only if Windows If that layout is not offered, manufacturers recommend contacting the supplier of the keyboard or language in question.

Change the keyboard language from the taskbar

Once you have multiple keyboards installed, Windows 11 lets you quickly switch between them from the taskbarIt's the most visual way to know what language you're writing in at any given time.

In the bottom right corner, next to the date and time, you'll see an abbreviation like ESP , ENG , or something similar. This small text is the input language indicator , reflecting the currently active keyboard. Left-clicking on this abbreviation will open a menu with all available keyboards.

To switch to another keyboard layout, simply click on the one you want to use . The change is immediate: from that moment on, all applications will use that keyboard language unless you have configured otherwise in the advanced settings.

You can repeat this same process as many times as needed. If at any point you want to return to the original layout, simply go back to the menu and select the keyboard you were using before.

If you don't see any menus or only see one keyboard layout, you probably only have one layout configured . In that case, you'll need to review the previous steps to add at least a second keyboard layout that allows you to switch between them.

Keyboard shortcuts to change the keyboard language

In addition to the taskbar icon, Windows 11 offers keyboard shortcuts to change the keyboard language without taking your hands off the keyboard. They are especially useful when you are constantly switching languages ​​while typing.

The most well-known shortcut in Windows 11 is Windows + SpaceBy holding down the key Windows Pressing the space bar displays a small floating panel with all installed keyboards, and you can switch between them by pressing space. It's a quick and intuitive way to navigate the input language list.

On many computers, the traditional Alt + Shift shortcut for switching between languages ​​is also available. However, this shortcut has a drawback: it only cycles through the list sequentially , making it difficult if you always want to switch to a specific language regardless of which one is currently active.

Some users want a shortcut that directly activates language A or language B, regardless of which one is currently in use. Natively, Windows does not allow assignment a fixed combination per language The system is easily accessible through the graphical interface; it works by rotating input methods according to the configured order. For finer control, third-party tools or scripts that automate these changes would be necessary.

In any case, both access through Windows + Space like the use of Alt+Shift They are sufficient for most users who only need to switch between two or three distributions occasionally.

Configure the default input method

If you use multiple keyboards, it's worth deciding. which one should start by default when logging in or when opening new applications. Windows 11 has a specific section to set this behavior through advanced keyboard configuration.

To access, type in the search bar of Windows Advanced keyboard settings and enter the option that appears with that name. You can also access it from Settings, by going to Time and language and using the links to advanced keyboard options if they are available in your version.

Within that window, you'll find the " Override default input method " option . Expanding this menu allows you to choose which keyboard layout should be used as the system's primary keyboard layout, regardless of the language order in the Language and Region section.

Below you'll see a checkbox that says "Let me use a different input method for each application window ." If you select this option, each program will be able to keep its own keyboard language. For example, you could have your browser in English and your word processor in Spanish, without changing the language in one application automatically changing the others.

This window separation is very practical when working with content in different languages ​​simultaneously . However, it can also be confusing if you don't remember which language is active in each window, so it's important to always check the indicator in the taskbar.

Show or hide the language icon in the taskbar

The small text that appears next to the clock in the taskbar, with abbreviations like ESP or ENG , corresponds to the input language icon . If it's visible, it allows you to switch keyboards with a couple of clicks. However, in some cases it disappears, and many people don't know how to get it back.

To show it again, go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar . From here you can control everything you see on the taskbar, including the notification area, where system icons appear.

Within the taskbar settings, find the section called Notification Area and click the Turn system icons on or off link . A list will open with all the icons that can appear in that area: clock, network, volume, input indicator, etc.

Locate the Input Indicator option and make sure it's set to On . Once you do this, the language icon should reappear in the taskbar, and you can use it to switch between your keyboards.

If the indicator still does not appear after activating it, it is possible that the legacy language bar (the one used in older versions of Windows) and is replacing the modern icon of Windows 11. In that case, you will need to disable that classic bar by following the steps below.

Disable the legacy language bar

On some computers, especially those that have been upgraded from previous versions of Windows, it can remain active desktop language barwhich appears floating above the desktop instead of the current taskbar icon. When this legacy taskbar is enabled, the modern language icon is disabled.

To disable that old toolbar, go to Settings > Time & Language and look for the keyboard or typing options. In some versions, this is accessed via Settings > Devices > Typing , especially in legacy documentation or on systems that maintain previous architectures.

If you want to go faster, you can type in the search bar of Windows Advanced keyboard settings and open that section directly. It's the same window where we previously defined the default input method.

Within these advanced settings, you'll find a section dedicated to input methods . Here you'll find the option "Use the desktop language bar when available ." To make the taskbar language icon active and visible again, you must uncheck this box.

By disabling the legacy language bar, the system reverts to its current behavior. Windows 11, with the input indicator next to the clock. This way, you can manage the keyboards again from the usual taskbar area without interference from the old interface.

Manage typing and other keyboard options

In addition to changing the language, Windows 11 includes a section of Writing Instruments where other settings related to how you input text into the system are concentrated, especially if you use more advanced features such as the touch keyboard or predictions.

This section is usually found in Settings > Time & Language > Typing , or on some devices in Settings > Devices > Typing . From here you can adjust autocorrect, word suggestions, handwriting options, and other parameters that affect the typing experience.

One point worth remembering is that, if your language supports it, you can press [button] from any text input field. Windows + . (period) to open the panel emoji and other symbolsThis feature is independent of the keyboard language, although some emojis and symbols may vary slightly depending on the language and regional settings.

If you notice strange behavior while typing (unexpected language changes, odd autocorrections, etc.), it's worth reviewing both the added keyboard layouts and these typing settings to ensure the system is using only what you actually need.

Change keyboard language in Windows 10 (quick reference)

Although this guide is focused on Windows 11, many of the questions come from users who have passed since Windows 10 They encounter a slightly different menu organization. The general logic is the same, but the names of some sections change slightly.

En Windows 10. The way to add a new keyboard involves opening the Language settings From the search bar, go to the list of Preferred languageschoose your desired language and enter OptionsWithin these options is the button Add a keyboard, which allows you to select the distribution to be used.

Similarly, to set the default input method, there is the section Advanced keyboard settingsalso accessible from the search WindowsIn it, you can choose the default keyboard in the section of Override for default input method and enable or disable the option to use a different input method for each application window.

This reference is useful if you work with more than one team and some of them haven't yet made the leap to Windows 11. The ideas are the same, only the paths to reach each of the options change slightly.

Practical tips and solutions to common problems

When working with multiple languages, it's quite common to encounter minor annoyances, such as not knowing which language you're typing in or accidentally changing the keyboard layout with a key combination. There are several tricks that can save you time and frustration.

The first thing to do is get into the habit of always looking at the language indicator next to the time . It's the quickest way to make sure the system is using the correct keyboard before you start typing a password, email, or any other important text.

If you notice the language changing "on its own," check if you have several shortcuts active, such as Alt+Shift o Windows + Space And perhaps you're accidentally pressing them while using other key combinations. In Advanced Keyboard Settings, you can adjust your input method switching preferences to reduce these unintentional changes.

When the problem is that the keyboard you want isn't listed anywhere, check that you've added not only the display language but also the specific layout within the Language Options . If it still doesn't appear, it's probably an uncommon layout that requires a specific additional package or even software from the manufacturer.

Finally, if you lose your language icon in the taskbar or can't easily switch layouts, check both the " Turn system icons on or off" section and the " Use the desktop language bar when available" setting . The key to restoring the expected behavior is usually found between these two settings.

With all these options configured to your liking, it becomes very simple. moving between multiple keyboard languages ​​in Windows 11 Depending on your needs at any given time. Whether through icons, keyboard shortcuts, or advanced settings, the system gives you enough flexibility to make writing in multiple languages ​​go from a headache to a natural part of your daily life.