How to Add a Japanese Keyboard in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Want to type こんにちは or search Japanese websites from your Windows 11 PC? Great — you’ve come to the right place. In this tutorial we’ll show how-to-add-japanese-keyboard-in-windows-11-a-step-by-step-guide and walk through everything from installing the Japanese language pack and Microsoft IME to switching input modes, useful shortcuts, troubleshooting, and privacy tips — all in plain English and easy steps.

---

Quick summary — key takeaways (TL;DR)

• Add Japanese input through Settings > Time & language > Language & region and install Japanese (Microsoft IME).

• Use Windows + Space to switch between languages, and Alt + ` (backquote) to toggle Japanese IME on/off (or use Eisu / Hankaku keys on Japanese keyboards).

• To type Japanese: use romaji input (type “konnichiwa”), press Space to convert, Enter to commit.

• If the IME shows “Japanese IME is not ready yet”, reinstall the language pack or reset IME settings.

---

Why add a Japanese keyboard to Windows 11?

Do you want to:

• Chat with friends in Japanese?

• Search Japanese websites without copy-paste?

• Write names, addresses, or translate text directly?

Adding a Japanese keyboard (Microsoft IME or a third-party IME like Google/Mozc) turns your regular keyboard into a bridge to hiragana, katakana, and kanji — it’s like giving your keyboard a new language engine.

---

Who should follow this guide?

• Beginners who want a complete, hand-holding walkthrough.

• Intermediate users who need IME shortcuts and customizations.

• Anyone using a Windows 11 machine (Home / Pro) with admin access to install languages.

---

Before we start — prerequisites

• A PC running Windows 11 connected to the internet (for language pack download).

• A user account with permission to install languages.

• Optional: A Japanese physical keyboard if you prefer key legends (not required).

---

Overview — three easy steps

1. Install the Japanese language pack / keyboard (Microsoft IME).

2. Switch to the Japanese input method when you want to type.

3. Use IME shortcuts and conversion keys to type in hiragana/katakana/kanji.

---

Method A — Add Japanese keyboard via Settings (recommended)

This is the standard, safest method.

1. Open Settings

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.

2. Click Time & language → Language & region.

2. Add the Japanese language

1. Under Preferred languages, click Add a language.

2. Search for Japanese, select it, and click Next.

3. Choose optional features if you want (speech, handwriting), then click Install.

Tip: If you only want to type in Japanese but keep your display language in English, do not change the Windows display language when installing.

3. Verify Microsoft IME is installed

1. In Language & region, next to Japanese, click the three dots → Language options.

2. Under Keyboards, you should see Microsoft IME. If it’s not there, click Add a keyboard and choose Microsoft IME.

4. Ready — test it

1. Open Notepad or any text field.

2. Press Win + Space to switch to “Japanese — Microsoft IME.”

3. Type “konnichiwa” and press Space — IME converts romaji to こんにちは. Press Enter to commit.

---

Method B — Add a keyboard layout from the “Add a keyboard” shortcut

If Japanese is already in your languages but Microsoft IME is missing:

1. Settings → Time & language → Language & region.

2. Click ellipses next to Japanese → Language options.

3. Under Keyboards, click Add a keyboard → choose Microsoft IME.

---

Method C — Use the taskbar language indicator (quick access)

1. Click the language icon on the taskbar (e.g., ENG or JPN).

2. Choose Japanese (Microsoft IME).

3. If the IME is missing, click Language preferences to jump to Settings and add it.

---

How to switch between English and Japanese — shortcuts & UI

• Windows + Space — cycles between your installed input languages/layouts.

• Click the language/IME icon in the taskbar → pick the layout.

• On Japanese physical keyboards: dedicated keys like Hankaku/Zenkaku, Eisu, or Hiragana toggle input modes.

---

IME basics: modes and what they mean

---

Keyboard shortcuts you should memorize

---

How to type Japanese — quick workflow

1. Switch to Japanese — Microsoft IME (Win + Space).

2. Type the romaji (e.g., nihongo, konnichiwa).

3. Press Space to view conversion candidates.

4. Use arrow keys or number keys to pick the correct word.

5. Press Enter to commit the selection.

6. Use F6–F10 to convert to specific forms (Hiragana, Katakana, Full-width, etc.).

---

Customize the Microsoft IME (settings worth changing)

• Key and touch customization — remap IME special keys.

• Prediction / suggestion services — toggle off if you’re privacy-conscious.

• Use previous IME version — fallback for compatibility issues.

---

Want a different IME? (Google / Mozc alternative)

You can install Google Japanese Input (Mozc) if you prefer its prediction features. It works similarly (romaji input → conversion) and appears in the same keyboard list.

---

Troubleshooting — common issues & fixes

Problem: “Japanese IME is not ready yet”

• Remove the Japanese language pack, restart, reinstall.

Problem: Win + Space doesn’t switch

• Check Settings > Time & language > Typing > Advanced keyboard settings and language bar options.

Problem: IME won’t convert to kanji

• Press Space to bring up candidate list, then Enter to commit.

Problem: Keyboard shows “ENG” but typing in Japanese

• Click the language indicator and ensure Japanese — Microsoft IME is selected, or press Alt + Backquote to toggle IME on.

---

Tips & best practices

• If you’re learning Japanese, leave IME in hiragana mode to build fluency.

• Use Win + Space to keep workflow smooth when switching languages.

• Add only the layouts you need to avoid clutter.

• Turn off IME suggestion services if you type sensitive info.

---

Security & privacy considerations

Microsoft IME offers prediction services that can send typing data for better suggestions. You can disable this in IME settings for privacy.

---

Quick reference — step-by-step checklist

1. Settings → Time & language → Language & region.

2. Click Add a language → search Japanese → Install.

3. Go to Language options for Japanese → ensure Microsoft IME is listed.

4. Use Win + Space to switch to Japanese and begin typing.

---

Quick checklist for IT admins

• Use provisioning or group policies to preinstall language packs.

• Test IME behavior on images before rollout.

• Communicate IME privacy settings to end users.

---

Conclusion — now you try it!

Adding the Japanese keyboard on Windows 11 is simple: install the language, confirm Microsoft IME, and use Win + Space to switch. Once you practice typing with romaji → conversion → commit, writing Japanese becomes natural. Try typing “arigatou” now and see it transform into ありがとう.

---

5 FAQs

Q1: How do I switch between English and Japanese quickly?
A1: Press Win + Space or click the taskbar language icon.

Q2: How do I type kanji from romaji?
A2: Type the word in romaji, press Space for candidates, then Enter to commit.

Q3: What if the IME doesn’t appear after installing Japanese?
A3: Go to Language options → Add a keyboard → choose Microsoft IME. If issues persist, reinstall the pack.

Q4: Can I change IME shortcuts (e.g., for Hiragana)?
A4: Yes — use Microsoft IME settings > Key and touch customization.

Q5: Is my typing data sent anywhere?
A5: Only if IME prediction services are enabled. You can disable them for privacy.