In Windows 11, many users work with multiple languages and keyboard layouts, whether for work, language learning, or communication with people in other countries. Switching between these languages is made easy with customizable keyboard shortcuts, allowing you to alternate layouts without interrupting your workflow. By default, Windows 11 uses shortcuts like Win + Space or Alt + Shift to switch languages, but you can change these shortcuts to suit your preferences.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to change the keyboard language shortcut in Windows 11 to streamline your multilingual typing.
Step 1: Access Language and Region Settings
1. Open Settings by pressing Win + I or by searching for “Settings” in the Start menu.
2. In the Settings menu, select Time & language from the left-hand panel.
3. Click on Language & region to open the language settings.
This section allows you to manage installed languages, add new languages, and access options related to language settings, including keyboard shortcuts.
Step 2: Go to Advanced Keyboard Settings
1. Scroll down to the Advanced keyboard settings link within the Language & region section and click on it.
2. This section provides settings for language switching and keyboard layout preferences.
In this menu, you’ll see an option for changing your input method and, below that, a link to manage the language-switching shortcuts.
Step 3: Open Input Language Hotkeys
1. In the Advanced keyboard settings page, look for Input language hotkeys or Language bar options. Click on this link, which will open a separate window called Text Services and Input Languages.
2. In the Text Services and Input Languages window, navigate to the Advanced Key Settings tab. This tab lists all installed input languages and their current shortcuts.
The Advanced Key Settings tab is where you can view, modify, and assign specific key combinations to switch between languages.
Step 4: Change the Language-Switching Shortcut
1. To change the language-switching shortcut, select Between input languages from the list and click Change Key Sequence.
2. In the Change Key Sequence dialog box, you’ll see options for the Switch Input Language and Switch Keyboard Layout shortcuts. Choose your preferred key combination from the available options, like Ctrl + Shift or Alt + Shift.
3. Once you’ve selected your new shortcut, click OK to confirm the changes.
You can also choose to disable the language-switching shortcut if you prefer to switch languages manually from the taskbar.
Step 5: Apply and Test the New Shortcut
1. Click Apply and then OK in the Text Services and Input Languages window to save your changes.
2. Return to your desktop and test your new shortcut by pressing the chosen key combination to see if it successfully switches between keyboard languages.
Tips for Managing Multiple Keyboard Languages
– Using the Taskbar: Even with a shortcut, you can switch languages directly from the taskbar. Click on the language abbreviation (e.g., “ENG” for English) to open a menu showing your available keyboard layouts.
– Adding New Languages: To add additional keyboard languages, return to Settings > Time & language > Language & region and click Add a language. From there, search for the desired language and install it with the preferred keyboard layout.
Changing the keyboard language shortcut in Windows 11 can improve your efficiency and make switching between languages more intuitive. With the customizable options in the Advanced Key Settings, you can tailor your shortcuts to fit your typing habits. Whether you’re a multilingual user, a language student, or just experimenting with new keyboard layouts, having a convenient and personalized shortcut makes managing multiple languages a breeze.