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To use more than one keyboard language in Windows 11, add the layouts you need under Settings > Time & language > Language & region, then switch from the taskbar input icon or with Windows logo key + Space. The Advanced keyboard settings page controls whether Windows shows that taskbar icon or the older desktop language bar; it does not add layouts or change Windows’ display language.
Understand what you are configuring
Windows treats its interface language, keyboard layouts, and input methods as separate settings. A keyboard layout determines how keys produce characters; the display language controls Windows interface text. An input method editor (IME) can add composition and conversion tools for languages such as Japanese.
Microsoft explains that changing the keyboard layout alone does not change the Windows display language. Changing the display language, however, may also change the selected keyboard layout, so check the active layout at the sign-in screen before entering a password. Microsoft: Manage language and keyboard/input layout settings
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Add the language or keyboard layout you need
Check for the layout before installing a language pack
A full language pack is not always required just to use a keyboard layout. First check whether the layout is available under an installed language. Open Settings > Time & language > Language & region, select the ellipsis beside the relevant language, choose Language options, and look under Keyboards. If the layout is not listed, check the language that corresponds to it; you may need to install that language before its layout appears.
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Install a language when it is required
- Go to Settings > Time & language > Language & region.
- Beside Preferred languages, select Add a language.
- Choose the language, select the features you need in the installation dialog, and install it. An internet connection is required to download language features.
- If you also want Windows menus and interface text in that language, select it as the Windows display language. This is a separate choice from adding a keyboard. Windows asks you to sign out for a display-language change to take effect.
Some Windows editions may limit the system to a single display language. Adding a keyboard layout does not itself change the display language. Microsoft: Language packs for Windows
Add the layout
- In Language & region, open the ellipsis beside the language associated with the layout.
- Select Language options.
- Under Keyboards, select Add a keyboard, then choose the layout.
If the layout you want is missing, look under the language that matches that layout rather than assuming it belongs to the current display language.
Rank #2
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- Plastic parts in K120 include 51% certified post-consumer recycled plastic*
Switch layouts while typing
Select the input-language icon in the taskbar and choose an installed layout, or press Windows logo key + Space to cycle through installed layouts. The taskbar icon reflects the active input. If the shortcut does nothing, Windows may have only one keyboard layout installed; add another layout before expecting it to cycle.
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Choose the input indicator in Advanced keyboard settings
- Open Settings > Time & language > Typing > Advanced keyboard settings.
- Under Switching input methods, find Use the desktop language bar when it’s available.
- Clear the checkbox to use the taskbar input icon instead of the legacy desktop language bar. Leave it selected if you prefer the desktop bar.
- For additional options for the legacy bar, select Language bar options on the same page.
If the taskbar language icon is missing, check whether the desktop language bar option is enabled: using the legacy bar hides the taskbar input icon. This setting changes how the input indicator appears, not which layouts are installed.
Rank #3
- All-day Comfort: This USB keyboard creates a comfortable and familiar typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and standard full-size layout with all F-keys, number pad and arrow keys
- Built to Last: The spill-proof (2) design and durable print characters keep you on track for years to come despite any on-the-job mishaps; it’s a reliable partner for your desk at home, or at work
- Long-lasting Battery Life: A 24-month battery life (4) means you can go for 2 years without the hassle of changing batteries of your wireless full-size keyboard
- Simply plug the USB receiver into a USB port on your desktop, laptop or netbook computer and start using the keyboard right away without any software installation
- Simply Wireless: Forget about drop-outs and delays thanks to a strong, reliable wireless connection with up to 33 ft range (5); K270 is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
Use an IME when a layout alone is not enough
For some languages, including Japanese, selecting a keyboard layout is only part of the setup. A Microsoft IME provides language-specific input modes and tools for composing or converting text. Install and select a supported IME language, then use its taskbar options icon to choose an input mode or open settings.
Microsoft’s Japanese examples include Hiragana, Katakana, full-width or half-width Katakana, IME settings, and Add Word for adding terms to the IME dictionary. Options vary by language. Microsoft also documents a cloud-suggestion option for Japanese that uses Bing to help predict what the user will write. Microsoft: Advanced input methods for East Asian languages
Quick Recap
Best Value
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- Ultra Thin and Light: Compact size (16.7 X 4.5 X 0.24in) and light weight (17.4oz) but provides full size keys, arrow keys, number pad, shortcuts for comfortable typing.
- Package contents: Arteck Backlit USB wired Keyboard, welcome guide, our 24-month warranty and friendly customer service.
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
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- 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
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