Language Bar Missing in Taskbar – Here is How to Enable in Windows 11?

Language bar in Windows computers help to switch the input method when you have multiple languages installed on the system for typing. Generally, it appears right side of system tray icons in the taskbar or you can use it as a floating widget. You can simply click on it and select one of the installed languages from the list. If you do not see the language bar in taskbar, here is how you can enable it Windows 11.

Using Single and Multiple Languages in Windows

Display and input languages are different in Windows computers. You will see all system settings and menu items in display language while you can use different input language (keyboard layout) for typing. Even when you have Windows single display language version, it is possible to have multiple input languages and hence the language bar.

If you do not see the language bar, follow the below steps to fix the issue and enable it.

1. Install Additional Languages

As mentioned, language bar will appear only when you have multiple input languages installed in the system.

• Open Settings app by pressing “Windows Logo + I” keys.
• Navigate to “Time & language” section and click “Language & region” option.

• As you can see in the below screenshot, there is only one English “United States” is available under “Language” section.

• Click “Add a language” button and install a new language as explained in this article to enable the language bar.

2. Enable Desktop Language Bar in Settings

When you have multiple languages installed, follow these steps to show or hide the language bar.

• Right-click on the Start icon and select “Settings” menu.

• Go to “Time & language” section and click “Typing” option.

• Scroll down and click “Advanced keyboard settings” option.

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

Now, you should see the language bar appears in the taskbar.

3. Hide or Show Floating Language Bar

You can also use a floating bar instead of the taskbar icon option. For this, enable “Use the desktop language bar when it’s available” option in the settings page. You should see a floating bar on top of all the open apps.

If you do not see it click on “Language bar options” link showing just below the “Use the desktop language bar when it’s available” option. This will open “Text Services and Input Languages” dialog and make sure you are in “Language Bar” tab. Under “Language Bar” section, you should see “Hidden” option is selected which is the reason the floating bar is hidden. Select “Floating on Desktop” option and click “Apply” button. Now, you will see the floating language bar which you can drag and keep anywhere on the screen.

Wrap Up

You can change the settings to completely hide the language bar, show it in the taskbar or use it as a floating bar. It is also possible to use “Windows Logo + Space” shortcut keys to switch language without language bar. When you have multiple languages, press and hold Windows Logo key and then press Space key to rotate through the list. In this case, you will see the language switcher in taskbar regardless of your settings in “Switching input methods” section.