How to Add or Remove Keyboard Layouts for Input Languages in Windows 11

Windows 11 supports multiple input languages and keyboard layouts, allowing you to type in different scripts, alphabets, or regional variants. Users can switch between layouts using the taskbar language icon or keyboard shortcuts. Of course, you’ll need to add a keyboard layout first.

Managing keyboard layouts has many benefits, such as supporting multilingual users and streamlining input switching. This article will guide you on how to add or Remove Keyboard Layout for Input Language in Windows 11.

What is input language?

Windows 11’s input language refers to the language used for typing and entering text. Input language encompasses different components:

• Language
• Keyboard layout: The keyboard’s layout mapping (e.g., QWERTY, AZERTY, etc.)
• Input method editor or IME: Software that enters complex characters, like Asian alphabets.

For example, if you set your input language to Japanese (Japan), your input language will consist of:

• The OS using a Japanese IME
• The default keyboard layout, Microsoft IME (for kana or kanji input)
• Spell check, autocorrect, and predictions operating in Japanese

Suppose you’re unsure how input language differs from keyboard layout. In that case, the former is how Windows understands and processes your text, while the latter is how your physical keystrokes result in characters.

Ways to add or remove a keyboard layout for input language

You can add or remove keyboard layouts using the device’s Settings or a PowerShell script. Before you proceed, take note of the following:

• The second method may require administrative privileges.
• Changes apply per user profile.
• Windows 11 must be updated to support language packs and other keyboard layouts.
• You need an internet connection to download additional language features.

Method 1: Add and remove a keyboard layout with Settings

You can add and remove a keyboard layout by navigating your device’s Settings.

This method is the most straightforward way to add a keyboard layout. It also lets you add different languages and check different language features.

To add a keyboard layout, follow the steps below:

1. Press the Win or Start button and type Settings.
2. Navigate to Time & languages, then Language & region.
3. Look for the language you want to modify, click the three dots (…) next to it, then press Language options.
4. Scroll down and look for Keyboards, then click Add a keyboard.
5. Choose your preferred layout from the list.

To remove a keyboard layout, follow the steps below:

1. Press the Win or Start button and type Settings.
2. Navigate to Time & languages, then Language & region.
3. Look for the language you want to modify, click the three dots next to it, then press Language options.
4. Scroll down and look for Keyboards.
5. Under Installed keyboards, click the ellipsis next to the keyboard you want to delete, then press Remove.

Note that you need at least one keyboard for each language. Otherwise, the Remove button will be grayed out.

Method 2: Use PowerShell to add or remove keyboard layouts

PowerShell can also list, add, and remove keyboard layouts. To do so:

1. Open PowerShell by pressing Start or the Win button.
2. Search for PowerShell in the search bar.
3. Type the following scripts into the command prompt:

To list current layouts:

Get-WinUserLanguageList

Add a layout (e.g., en-US with US-Dvorak):

$LangList = Get-WinUserLanguageList

$LangList[0].InputMethodTips.Add(“0409:00010409”) # Dvorak

Set-WinUserLanguageList $LangList -Force

To remove a layout:

$LangList = Get-WinUserLanguageList

$LangList[0].InputMethodTips.Remove(“0409:00000409”) # US QWERTY

Set-WinUserLanguageList $LangList -Force

Additional information to help manage keyboard layout

Keep in mind the following tips and information to better manage your device’s keyboard layout:

• You can switch between layouts using Win + Space or Ctrl + Shift (if configured).
• You can toggle the language bar via:
  • Settings > Time & language > Typing > Advanced keyboard settings
• The top-listed layout in preferred languages is the default layout when logging in.
• Use Group Policy, or PowerShell scripts during OOBE (Out of Box Experience) or provisioning for default layout enforcement.

Switch to your preferred keyboard by adding keyboard layouts in Windows 11

Windows 11 supports various input languages and keyboard layouts to let you type in different scripts, alphabets, etc. You can add or remove a keyboard layout by navigating your device’s settings or using a PowerShell script. Once you add your preferred layouts, you can cycle through them by pressing Windows + Spacebar.

Keyboard layouts and input languages offer multilingual and region-specific input needs. And even daily users can appreciate the option to send messages using their native alphabet and layout. Tailor your keyboard to fit your needs while easily switching through the layouts needed for various situations.