How to Add International Keyboard Windows 11 (A Step-by-Step Guide)

Do you want to type in another language on your Windows 11 PC? Maybe you need an international keyboard for school, work, or chatting with friends across the globe. Whatever the reason, learning how to add international keyboard Windows 11 is incredibly useful — and easier than you might think!

In this complete beginner-friendly tutorial, we’ll walk through:

• ✅ How to install any international keyboard

• ✅ How to switch between languages instantly

• ✅ How to enable advanced keyboard layouts (e.g., US International)

• ✅ Tips for typing accents, special characters & symbols

• ✅ How to remove a keyboard if you don’t need it later

Let’s dive in and unlock a world of multilingual typing! 🌍⌨️

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✅ Why Add an International Keyboard in Windows 11?

Have you ever struggled to type:

• Accents → á, é, ü, ñ

• Currency symbols → €, £, ¥

• Non-Latin scripts → العربية, हिंदी, 한국어

• Special characters → © ® §

Adding an international keyboard solves all of that. You can:

• Communicate comfortably in multiple languages

• Improve workflow and productivity

• Access full language features (spell check, suggestions, dictation)

• Customize keyboards to suit your typing habits

And the best part? You can switch languages with just one shortcut.

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✅ How to Add International Keyboard Windows 11 (Quick Steps)

Here’s the fast breakdown:

1. Open Settings

2. Go to Time & language

3. Select Language & region

4. Click your language → Add a keyboard

5. Choose the international layout you want

Boom ✔ Keyboard installed!

But if you need step-by-step screenshots and extra configuration — keep reading.

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🧭 Step-by-Step Guide: Add an International Keyboard in Windows 11

🔹 Step 1: Open Windows Settings

You can do this in two ways:

• Press Windows + I

• OR click Start → Settings

🔹 Step 2: Navigate to Language Settings

Go to:

Time & language → Language & region

Here you’ll see your current installed languages.

🔹 Step 3: Add a Language (If Needed)

If the language isn’t installed yet:

1. Click Add a language

2. Search for the target language (e.g., Spanish, Arabic, German)

3. Select it → Click Next

4. Press Install

This will add language packs and keyboards.

✅ Tip: You can disable display language if you only want the keyboard — no UI changes required.

🔹 Step 4: Add a New Keyboard Layout

If the language is already installed:

1. Click the three dots (···) next to the language

2. Select Language options

3. Under Keyboards, choose Add a keyboard

4. Pick your desired international layout

Example:

• US-International

• Arabic 101

• Japanese Microsoft IME

• Hindi Phonetic

• Portuguese (Brazil ABNT2)

✅ Done! You now have an international keyboard installed.

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🎛️ How to Switch Between Keyboards Quickly

Windows gives multiple switching options — choose what you like best 👍

Method 1: Keyboard Shortcut

Press:

Windows + Spacebar

Each tap rotates through installed keyboards.

Method 2: Taskbar Language Bar

Look for the ENG / ESP / AR / JP label → click and switch layouts.

Method 3: Advanced Keyboard Settings

Go to:

Settings → Time & language → Typing → Advanced keyboard settings

You can set:

• Default input language

• Override app-based keyboard switching

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✨ Popular International Keyboard Layouts and What They Do

Choose the one that matches your regional needs ✅

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⌨️ How to Type Accents & Special Characters

✅ US-International Keyboard Shortcuts

So typing á works like:

Press ' then a

Magic ✨

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🌍 How to Enable Language Bar for Faster Switching

1. Open Settings

2. Go to Time & language

3. Select Typing

4. Click Advanced keyboard settings

5. Enable:

✅ Use the desktop language bar when available

You’ll now see a floating switcher for quick access.

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🛠️ Optional: Change Keyboard Shortcuts

If Windows + Space feels annoying:

1. Open Settings

2. Go to: Time & language → Typing

3. Select Advanced keyboard settings

4. Click Input language hot keys

You can change:

• Switch input language shortcut

• Switch keyboard layout shortcut

Super handy for power users.

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🗑️ How to Remove an International Keyboard in Windows 11

No longer need it? Removing takes seconds.

1. Go to:

   • Settings → Time & language → Language & region

2. Click the three dots next to language → Language options

3. Under Keyboards, select the keyboard layout

4. Click Remove

✅ Cleaner setup restored!

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🚫 Troubleshooting: What if the Keyboard Won’t Switch?

Common fixes:

Still stuck? Restart after changes — Windows often finalizes installations on reboot.

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🔒 Privacy Note: Language Packs & Permissions

Microsoft may request:

• Speech data (for dictation)

• Typing patterns (for autocorrect)

You can disable these:

Settings → Privacy & security → Speech / Inking & typing personalization

Your data = your choice ✅

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🧩 Additional Language Tools You Can Enable

Maximize productivity with the tools that match your needs.

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🎯 Final Thoughts: Multilingual Typing Made Simple

Now you know exactly how to add international keyboard Windows 11 — plus switch between layouts, customize settings, and type accents like a pro!

Here’s a quick recap:

✅ Add a language → Add keyboard layout
✅ Use Windows + Space to switch
✅ Turn on advanced settings if needed
✅ Remove when you don’t need a layout anymore

Typing in any language shouldn’t slow you down — now it won’t!

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❓ FAQs About Adding International Keyboards in Windows 11

1️⃣ Can I add more than one international keyboard?

Yes! You can add multiple layouts and switch anytime.

2️⃣ Will changing the keyboard change my display language?

No — unless you manually set the language as system UI language.

3️⃣ Do I need to download data or internet connection?

Only if the chosen language requires language pack support.

4️⃣ How do I type accents without switching keyboards?

Install US-International — supports dozens of diacritics.

5️⃣ Why is my keyboard switching automatically?

Disable per-app keyboard switching via:

Typing → Advanced keyboard settings

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📌 Summary: Key Takeaways

You’re now fully equipped to type confidently in any language on Windows 11 🌐✨