How To Change Keyboard From Us To Uk Windows 11 [2025]

Before proceeding with the configuration, ensure the following conditions are met:

Some users prefer the old-school language bar that floats on your desktop. Here is how to enable it:

Now, a small bar will appear. Click EN to switch between US and UK.

Changing your keyboard from US to UK on Windows 11 is a simple process that takes less than two minutes once you know where to look. Whether you use the modern Settings app, the classic Control Panel, or PowerShell, the key steps are: add the "English (United Kingdom)" language, ensure the UK QWERTY keyboard is selected, and remove or deprioritize the US layout.

With the UK layout active, you'll finally have the £ symbol at your fingertips and correct placement of quotes and @—making typing feel natural again. If you ever need to switch back, just reverse the steps or use the taskbar language picker.

Now, go ahead and type that British pound sign with confidence: £ (Shift+3)

To change your keyboard from US to UK in Windows 11, you must first English (United Kingdom)

language pack to your settings if it isn't already installed, then switch the active layout Microsoft Support 1. Add the UK Keyboard Layout

Before you can switch, ensure the UK layout is available on your system: Akkogear.eu Time & language from the left sidebar, then click Language & region Microsoft Support English (United Kingdom) under "Preferred languages." If it's not listed Add a language , search for "United Kingdom," and click Microsoft Support If it is listed : Click the three dots (...) next to it and select Language options Microsoft Support section, click Add a keyboard and select United Kingdom (QWERTY) from the list Akkogear.eu 2. Switch Between US and UK

Once both layouts are installed, you can toggle between them instantly: Keyboard Shortcut Windows Key + Spacebar to cycle through your installed layouts : Click the Language Abbreviation

(e.g., "ENG US") in the system tray next to the clock and select English (United Kingdom) Microsoft Support 3. Set UK as the Permanent Default To ensure your computer always starts with the UK layout: Go back to Settings > Time & language > Language & region Super User Preferred languages three dots (...) English (United Kingdom) to the top of the list Super User Alternatively, go to Typing > Advanced keyboard settings and use the Override for default input method dropdown to specifically select the UK layout Super User entirely so it stops switching back?

To change your keyboard layout from US to UK on Windows 11, you need to adjust the settings within the Time & Language menu. Step-by-Step Instructions

Open Settings: Press Windows Key + I or click the Start icon and select the gear icon. how to change keyboard from us to uk windows 11

Navigate to Language: Click Time & language in the left sidebar, then select Language & region.

Locate English (United Kingdom): Look for English (United Kingdom) under the Preferred languages list. Add Language (If Missing): Click Add a language. Type "United Kingdom" and select English (United Kingdom). Click Next, then Install.

Access Options: Click the three dots (...) next to English (United Kingdom) and select Language options. Add UK Keyboard: Scroll to the Keyboards section. Click Add a keyboard. Select United Kingdom (QWERTY). Remove US Keyboard (Optional):

Click the three dots (...) next to the US keyboard and select Remove to prevent accidental switching. ⌨️ Quick Toggle Shortcuts

Once multiple layouts are installed, you can switch between them instantly:

Windows Key + Spacebar: Cycles through all installed keyboard layouts.

Taskbar Method: Click the language abbreviation (e.g., ENG US) next to the clock in the bottom-right corner and select ENG UK. Key Differences to Watch For

The UK layout rearranges several common symbols compared to the US version:

" (Double Quote): Found at Shift + 2 on UK layouts (it is @ on US).

@ (At Symbol): Found near the Enter key on UK layouts (it is Shift + 2 on US). £ (Pound Sign): Found at Shift + 3 on UK layouts.

# (Hash): Usually moves to a dedicated key near the Enter/Return key.

Do you need to set the UK layout as the system-wide default? Now, a small bar will appear

Are you having trouble with specific symbols like the Euro (€) sign?

Changing your keyboard layout in Windows 11 from US to UK is a quick fix that ensures your symbols, like the " and @ keys, are exactly where you expect them to be. Step 1: Open Your Settings

Press the Windows Key + I on your keyboard to quickly open the Windows Settings app.

Alternatively, you can click the Start button and select the gear icon. Step 2: Access Language & Region In the left-hand sidebar, click on Time & language. On the right side, select Language & region. Step 3: Add the UK Keyboard Layout

Look for your installed language (likely "English (United States)") and click the three horizontal dots (...) next to it. Select Language options from the menu.

Scroll down to the Keyboards section and click the Add a keyboard button.

Search for and select United Kingdom (QWERTY) from the list. Step 4: Switch to the UK Layout

Once added, you can switch between layouts instantly using one of these methods:

To change your keyboard from US to UK in Windows 11, you must add the United Kingdom layout in the Time & language settings menu and then select it from the taskbar. Once both layouts are installed, you can quickly toggle between them by pressing the Windows key + Spacebar. Detailed Steps to Add the UK Keyboard Layout

If your computer is currently set to the US layout, follow these steps to add and activate the UK version:

To change your keyboard layout from in Windows 11, you must first add the United Kingdom layout in your language settings and then select it as your active input method. 1. Add the UK Keyboard Layout

If the UK layout is not already in your system, follow these steps to install it: the classic Control Panel

Open Settings: Press Windows Key + I on your keyboard or click Start > Settings.

Navigate to Language Settings: Select Time & language from the left sidebar and then click on Language & region.

Access Language Options: Locate your primary language (e.g., English (United States)), click the three dots (...) next to it, and select Language options.

Add UK Keyboard: Scroll down to the Keyboards section and click Add a keyboard. Search for and select United Kingdom. 2. Switch Between Layouts

Once installed, you can toggle between the US and UK layouts using any of these methods:

Keyboard Shortcut: Press Windows Key + Spacebar to cycle through your available layouts.

Taskbar: Click the language abbreviation (e.g., ENG US) in the system tray at the bottom-right of your taskbar and select English (United Kingdom).

Secondary Shortcut: You can also use Alt + Shift to switch layouts if configured. 3. Set UK as Default or Remove US To ensure your computer always starts with the UK layout:

Set as Default: In the Language & region settings, move the English (United Kingdom) language pack to the top of your Preferred languages list by dragging it or using the three-dot menu.

Remove US Layout: If you no longer need the US layout, go back to Language options for your language, click the three dots (...) next to the US keyboard, and select Remove. Key Differences to Note

Switching to a UK layout will change certain key assignments compared to a US layout: How to Change Keyboard Language | Windows 11

Title: Technical Guide: Configuring Keyboard Layouts from US to UK in Windows 11

Date: October 26, 2023 Subject: Operating System Configuration and Regional Input Management Platform: Microsoft Windows 11 (Versions 21H2, 22H2, and newer)