How to change your keyboard language

The method depends on your operating system. On Windows, you add a language in Settings, then switch between them using Alt+Shift or by clicking the language indicator in your system tray. On Mac, you go to System Settings > Keyboard > Input Sources, add your language, then switch using Control+Space or the flag icon in the menu bar. On Linux, the process varies by desktop environment, but GNOME and KDE both let you add languages through Settings and switch with a keyboard shortcut you define yourself.

Most people set up a second language once and then switch back and forth as needed. The keyboard layout changes instantly — the keys produce different characters, but the physical keys stay in the same place. You do not need to restart your computer or close any programs.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users add languages in Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region, then switch with Alt+Shift or the language button in the system tray.
  • Mac users add input sources in System Settings > Keyboard > Input Sources, then switch with Control+Space or the menu bar flag icon.
  • Linux users configure languages through their desktop environment's settings — GNOME and KDE both support multiple input methods.
  • Switching languages changes what characters the keys produce but does not move the physical keys or require a restart.
  • You can set a keyboard shortcut to toggle between your two most-used languages, or cycle through all installed languages one at a time.

Adding a language on Windows

Open Settings and go to Time & Language > Language & Region. Under Preferred Languages, click Add a Language. A list appears — find the language you want and click it. Windows then shows you a dialog asking which regional variant you prefer (for example, Spanish from Spain versus Spanish from Mexico). Select the one you want and click Next, then Install.

The language downloads and installs in the background. Once it finishes, you will see it listed under Preferred Languages. You can now switch to it at any time. If you want to remove a language later, click it in the list and select Remove.

Adding a language on Mac

Open System Settings and navigate to Keyboard > Input Sources. Click the plus button (+) at the bottom left. A list of languages appears — scroll to find yours and click it. If your language has regional variants, you may see a submenu with options like "English (US)" or "English (UK)". Select the one you want and click Add.

The language is now available. You will see a new input source listed in Input Sources. If you want to see the language name in your menu bar (so you always know which language is active), check the box that says "Show Input Menu in Menu Bar".

Adding a language on Linux

On GNOME, open Settings and go to Keyboard > Input Sources. Click the plus button and search for your language. Select it and click Add. The language is now available and will appear in your keyboard switcher.

On KDE Plasma, open System Settings and go to Keyboard > Layouts. Click Add and choose your language and layout from the list. You can set a keyboard shortcut to switch between layouts by going to Shortcuts > Kwin > Switch to Next Keyboard Layout.

Switching between languages

On Windows, the fastest way is Alt+Shift. Hold Alt and press Shift once to toggle to the next language. If you have more than two languages installed, pressing Alt+Shift again cycles to the next one. You can also click the language indicator in the system tray (bottom right corner) and select a language from the menu.

On Mac, press Control+Space to cycle through your input sources. You can also click the flag icon in the menu bar (top right) and select a language. If you prefer a different keyboard shortcut, go to System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts > Input Sources and set your own.

On Linux with GNOME, use the keyboard shortcut you set during installation, or click the language indicator in the top panel. On KDE, use the shortcut you configured in System Settings, or click the keyboard icon in the system tray.

Changing your keyboard layout within a language

Some languages have multiple keyboard layouts. For example, English can use QWERTY (the standard US layout) or Dvorak (an alternative layout where frequently used letters are in the middle). When you add a language, your operating system usually selects the most common layout for that language automatically.

To change the layout, go back to your language settings. On Windows, click your language in Preferred Languages, then click Options. Under Keyboards, you will see the current layout. Click Add a Keyboard and choose a different one. On Mac, go to System Settings > Keyboard > Input Sources, select your language, and click Edit to see available layouts. On Linux, the process depends on your desktop environment, but both GNOME and KDE let you select a layout when you add a language.

Troubleshooting language switching problems

If Alt+Shift does not work on Windows, your keyboard shortcut may have been changed or disabled. Go to Settings > Time & Language > Keyboard > Advanced Keyboard Settings and scroll down to Switching Input Methods. Make sure a shortcut is assigned. If the field is empty, click it and press the keys you want to use.

On Mac, if Control+Space does not work, another program may be using that shortcut. Go to System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts > Spotlight and check whether Spotlight Search is assigned to Control+Space. If it is, change one of them. On Linux, check your desktop environment's keyboard settings to confirm the shortcut is set and not conflicting with another program.

If a language appears in your settings but you cannot switch to it, the language files may not have finished downloading. Restart your computer and try again. If the problem persists, remove the language and reinstall it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different keyboard layouts for different programs?

No. Your keyboard language is a system-wide setting. When you switch languages, all programs see the change. However, some programs let you set their own language independently of your keyboard layout — this changes the menu text and interface language, not what the keys produce.

What happens to special characters when I switch languages?

The keys that produce special characters change. For example, on a US English keyboard, Shift+2 produces @. On a French AZERTY keyboard, the same physical key produces a different character. The key itself does not move — only what it types changes.

Can I set a keyboard shortcut other than Alt+Shift on Windows?

Yes. Go to Settings > Time & Language > Keyboard > Advanced Keyboard Settings, scroll to Switching Input Methods, and click the field next to your preferred shortcut. Press the keys you want to use. Common alternatives are Ctrl+Shift or Windows+Space.

Do I need to install language packs to change my keyboard language?

For keyboard layout only, no. Your operating system has the layout data built in. If you also want to change your interface language (menus, buttons, dialog boxes), you may need to download a language pack, but that is separate from keyboard switching.

Will switching keyboard languages affect my files or documents?

No. Changing your keyboard language only changes what the keys produce when you type. It does not modify existing files, change file names, or affect how your computer stores data. You can type in any language you have installed without affecting anything else on your system.