Keyboard Shortcuts to Switch Language in Windows 10 and 11

Using multiple languages is a common need for most of us. There are two factors you should consider in this case – one is the keyboard layout and another is switching the language when typing. While some languages use AZERTY layout, QWERTY is the commonly used layout. You can simply install required language packs and switch the language when needed. Here, I explain using keyboard shortcuts and language bar to switch language in Windows 10 and 11 computers. Also learn how to switch language in Mac using keyboard shortcuts.

Keyboard Shortcut for Switching Language in Windows

“Win Logo + Spacebar” keys is the default keyboard shortcut in Windows for language switch. This works in both Windows 10 and Windows 11 computers. You can press the shortcuts keys alternatively to toggle between the language inputs.

In addition, you can use “Control + Shift” or “Left Alt + Shift” for switching language. However, this may vary based on your setup in “Text Services and Input Languages” as explained in the last section.

Switching Language from Language Bar

If keyboard shortcuts are inconvenient to use, then you can use the language bar to switch language. By default, Windows will show a language bar in lower right corner of the taskbar tray. You can click on the language bar icon to change the language.

Enable Language Bar in Windows 10 Taskbar

If you are not seeing the language bar, follow the below instructions to enable it in Windows 10.

• Press “Win Logo + I” keys to open Windows Settings app.
• Go to “Devices” and then to “Typing” section.
• Scroll down and click “Advanced keyboard settings” link under “More keyboard settings” section.

• Enable “Use the desktop language bar when it’s available” option under “Switching input methods” section.

• This will enable the language on the taskbar tray. If you are still not seeing the icon in the taskbar tray, click on the “Language bar options” link.
• This will open “Text Services and Input Languages” dialog box.
• Make sure “Docked in the taskbar” option is selected and not the “Hidden” option.
• Click on the “Apply” button to view the changes.

Enable Language Bar in Windows 11

Follow the below steps in Windows 11:

• Open Settings app by pressing “Win Logo + I” keys.
• Go to “Time & language” section from left sidebar and click “Typing” option showing on the right side.

• Scroll down on the “Typing” settings page and click “Advanced keyboard settings” option.

• Enable “Use the desktop language bar when it’s available” option under “Switching input methods” section.

• Similar to Windows 10, you can click the “Language bar options” and enable “Dock in the taskbar” to always show the language bar in your taskbar tray.

Learn more about fixing language bar problems in Windows 11 PC.

Change Shortcut Key Sequence

Windows also allows you to change the shortcut key sequence for switching input language and keyboard layout.

• When you are in “Text Services and Input Sources” dialog box, go to “Advanced Key Settings” tab.
• Select “Between input languages” option in the “Action” column and then click “Change Key Sequence…” button.

• On the “Change Key Sequence” pop-up, you will see two columns with list of options for switching input language and keyboard layout.
• You have four options for each section – Not Assigned, Ctrl + Shift, Left Alt + Shift and Grave Accent (`).

• Select your preferred keyboard shortcut and click “OK” button.
• Click “Apply” and then “OK” buttons on “Text Services and Input Languages” dialog to apply the changes.

As mentioned above, here you can select “Control + Shift” or “Left Alt + Shift” keys for switching input language. This will work in addition to “Win + Spacebar” keyboard shortcuts and you can use both of them as per your convenient.