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To change the Windows 11 touch keyboard’s visual layout, open the keyboard, select its settings icon in the upper-left corner, and choose a layout. This is separate from adding a language or input keyboard layout in Settings > Time & language > Language & region.
Change the touch keyboard’s visual layout
- Open the touch keyboard by tapping a text-entry field, or select the Touch keyboard icon on the taskbar.
- Select the keyboard settings icon at the upper-left of the touch keyboard.
- Choose an available layout. Options depend on the installed language.
Microsoft’s touch keyboard guidance describes these layouts:
| Layout | Best suited to | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Default | Touch typing with larger keys | Some keys are omitted to simplify the layout. |
| Split | Holding a touchscreen device with both hands | The keyboard separates into two halves near the left and right screen edges. It is unavailable in some languages. |
| Small | Saving screen space or moving the keyboard around | This compact layout is also used when the keyboard is undocked. It is unavailable in some languages. |
| Traditional | A layout closer to a physical keyboard | Includes a broader selection of keys. |
| Handwriting | Writing with a pen or fingertip | To enable fingertip writing, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Pen & Windows Ink > Handwriting, then turn on Write with your fingertip. |
| 12-key | Japanese character entry in a 3-by-4 grid | Japanese only. |
| 50-on | Japanese Hiragana arranged in five rows | Japanese only. |
Why the keyboard may switch to Small
Docking and undocking change the keyboard’s position, not the layout choice itself. However, when you undock the keyboard while using Default, Split, or Traditional, Windows switches it to Small.
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If you mean the character arrangement used for a language—not the touch keyboard’s on-screen appearance—open Settings > Time & language > Language & region. Select the language’s options and add a keyboard under Keyboards. Microsoft explains this distinction in its input and display language settings guidance. A full language pack is not always required; if the keyboard layout you want is not listed, adding that language may be necessary.
#1 Best Overall
- KEYBOARD: The keyboard works for Windows with hot keys that enable easy access to Media, My Computer, Mute, Volume up/down, and Calculator
- EASY SETUP: Experience simple installation with the USB wired connection
- VERSATILE COMPATIBILITY: This keyboard is designed to work with multiple Windows versions, including Vista, 7, 8, 10 offering broad compatibility across devices.
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- FULL-SIZED CONVENIENCE: The standard QWERTY layout of this keyboard set offers a familiar typing experience, ideal for both professional tasks and personal use.
Show or hide the taskbar keyboard icon
If you cannot find the Touch keyboard icon, right-click the taskbar and open Taskbar settings. Under Personalization > Taskbar > System tray icons, set Touch keyboard to one of these options:
- Never: Hides the icon and prevents the touch keyboard from appearing.
- Always: Shows the icon, including when a keyboard is attached.
- When no keyboard attached: Shows the icon only when no wired or wireless/Bluetooth keyboard is connected.
These controls affect the icon’s visibility and availability; they do not add language input layouts.
Rank #2
- All-day Comfort: The design of this standard keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and full-size standard layout with F-keys and number pad
- Easy to Set-up and Use: Set-up couldn't be easier, you simply plug in this corded keyboard via USB on your desktop or laptop and start using right away without any software installation
- Compatibility: This full-size keyboard is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later, plus it's a reliable and durable partner for your desk at home, or at work
- Spill-proof: This durable keyboard features a spill-resistant design (1), anti-fade keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height, meaning this keyboard is built to last
- Plastic parts in K120 include 51% certified post-consumer recycled plastic*
Change typing suggestions separately
For typing suggestions, open Settings > Time & language > Typing. Windows provides controls for suggestions while typing on a physical keyboard and for multilingual suggestions. Swipe-based typing is not available in every language, according to Microsoft’s touch keyboard guidance.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- The Lenovo 300 USB keyboard offers an intuitive and comfortable island key design with 2 5 zone layout including separate number pad
- This full-size keyboard includes concaved key caps fitted for your fingertips
- Spill resistant keys with a board drain help keep your PC keyboard protected and keep you productive
- The complete ergonomic design includes an adjustable tilt to improve your typing comfort
- OS independent – This convenient computer keyboard works with laptops desktops and any computer with a USB port
Rank #4
- Durable and Reliable: This USB keyboard features a curved space bar, spill-resistant design (2), durable keys that can withstand 10 million keystrokes, and sturdy, adjustable tilt legs
- Comfortable, Familiar Typing: You’ll enjoy a comfortable and familiar typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys and number pad
- Full-size Sculpted Mouse: The high-definition optical USB mouse puts comfort and control in your hands with smooth, accurate tracking and an ambidextrous shape that feels good hour after hour
- Simple Set-Up: Simply plug the keyboard and mouse into the USB ports on your desktop, laptop, or netbook and you're ready to work; compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
- Clear and Convenient: The bold, bright white and long-lasting characters make the keys on this PC or laptop keyboard easy to read and extra durable
Rank #3
- A plug-and-play USB connection with Low-profile keys give you a quiet, comfortable typing experience
- Simple Wired USB Connection,You will enjoy a comfortable and quiet typing experience
- The keyboard for business and office working is the budget-friendly keyboard that is built for longer use
- Low profile keys for a more comfortable and quiet keystroke, desktop-centric design, splash resistant
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
