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Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →To make Windows 11 use a particular keyboard layout by default, open Settings > Time & language > Typing > Advanced keyboard settings. Under Override for default input method, choose the installed layout you want Windows to use. If it is not listed, add it first under the relevant language’s keyboard options.
Set the default keyboard layout
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Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I, or select Start > Settings.
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Go to Time & language > Typing > Advanced keyboard settings.
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Under Override for default input method, open the dropdown and select the installed keyboard layout or input method you want Windows to use by default. The available choices depend on which input methods are installed. ASUS documents this override setting; Microsoft Q&A answers also point to it for keeping a preferred layout selected.
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Settings labels can vary between Windows 11 builds. If the wording or route differs slightly on your PC, look for Advanced keyboard settings within the Typing settings.
If the layout you want is missing
The default-input dropdown can only offer layouts that are installed. Add the layout under the language it belongs to:
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Open Settings > Time & language > Language & region.
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Select the ellipsis next to the relevant language, then choose Language options.
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Logitech K120 Full Size Wired Keyboard USB Plug-and-Play Windows - Black- 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
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Under Keyboards, select Add a keyboard and choose the layout.
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Return to Typing > Advanced keyboard settings and select the newly installed layout under Override for default input method.
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You may not need to install the full language pack just to add a keyboard layout. If you cannot find the layout under your current language, check the language that matches that layout. Microsoft’s keyboard and language guide explains how to add and manage layouts.
Default layout versus the layout you are using now
The override chooses the default input method; it is different from changing the currently active layout while you work. To switch temporarily, select the input-language indicator on the taskbar or press Windows key + Space to cycle through installed layouts. The taskbar indicator shows which layout is active.
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If Windows key + Space does nothing, only one keyboard layout may be installed. Add another layout before trying the shortcut again.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Keyboard layout does not change Windows’ display language
A keyboard layout controls which characters your keys produce. It does not change the language used for Windows menus and other interface text. As Microsoft explains, “Changing the keyboard layout only changes the layout and doesn’t change the Windows display language.”
Check the keyboard layout at sign-in
Changing Windows’ display language might also change the keyboard layout shown on the sign-in screen. Before entering your password, check the input-language icon there and select the intended layout if necessary. If you are unsure what you typed, use the password reveal icon, when available, to verify the characters.
If the taskbar input indicator is missing
The input-language icon may be hidden when the legacy language bar is enabled. Check the taskbar’s system icon settings and the legacy language bar setting in Windows’ language and typing options. You can still use Windows key + Space to switch layouts if more than one is installed.
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If an unexpected layout keeps appearing
Check the installed layouts before removing anything. A layout can be installed under a language that is different from your Windows display language, so review Language options > Keyboards for both the current language and the language associated with the unwanted layout. Remove only the layout you no longer need.
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