How To Change Keyboard From Us To Uk Windows 11

To change your keyboard layout from US to UK in Windows 11, you need to add the UK layout in your language settings and then switch to it Microsoft Support Step 1: Add the UK Keyboard Layout Open Settings Windows Key + I Navigate to Language Settings Time & language from the left sidebar, then click Language & region Access Language Options Find your current language (e.g., English (United States) ) under the Preferred languages three dots (...) next to it and select Language options Add the UK Layout Scroll down to the section and click Add a keyboard Search for and select United Kingdom (QWERTY) from the list. Microsoft Support Step 2: Switch Between Layouts

Once added, you can toggle between the US and UK layouts using these methods: Keyboard Shortcut Windows Key + Spacebar to cycle through your installed layouts. : Click the language abbreviation (e.g.,

) in the system tray (bottom-right corner of the screen) and select English (United Kingdom) Microsoft Support Step 3: Make UK the Default (Optional) To ensure the UK layout is your primary choice:

3.2 Method 2: Using PowerShell (Automated)

For system administrators or advanced users:

# List installed keyboard layouts
Get-WinUserLanguageList
Step 2: Add English (United Kingdom) and Its Keyboard
First, create a new language list variable. Then add the UK layout. how to change keyboard from us to uk windows 11
$langList = Get-WinUserLanguageList
$langList.Add("en-GB")
Set-WinUserLanguageList $langList -Force

This command adds "English (United Kingdom)" to your preferred languages. By default, it includes the UK QWERTY keyboard.
2. Introduction
Windows 11, by default, often installs with the "US" keyboard layout as the standard input method, particularly on devices purchased in regions with generic English settings or during clean installations. For users requiring the UK standard layout, the discrepancy in key mapping can lead to significant frustration and a loss of productivity. The primary technical issue arises from the transposition of the quote (") and at (@) symbols on the Shift+2 and Shift+' keys, alongside the absence of a dedicated Pound (£) symbol on the number row of the US layout. This guide details the procedure to rectify this configuration mismatch.
Steps


Open Settings

Press Windows key + I.



Go to Time & language

Click Time & language in the left column.



Open Language & region

Click Language & region.



Add UK keyboard layout

Under Preferred languages, find your current display language (e.g., English (United States)).
Click the three-dot menu next to it and choose Language options.
Under Keyboards, click Add a keyboard.
Select United Kingdom (or United Kingdom - Extended if available) from the list.



(Optional) Remove US keyboard layout

In the same Keyboards list, click the US layout (e.g., US QWERTY) and choose Remove.



Set UK as the active layout (alternative method) To change your keyboard layout from US to

Click the language icon on the taskbar right of the system tray (or press Windows key + Space) and select ENG (United Kingdom).



Verify layout differences

Test keys that differ: the double-quote (") and @ swap positions; the # key is available near Enter; the Enter key shape may differ depending on physical keyboard.
If your physical keyboard is labeled US, consider printing a UK keycap layout or using stickers.



Step 1: Add the UK Keyboard
If you haven't used the UK keyboard on this computer before, you need to add it first:

Press the Windows Key or click the Start button and select Settings (the gear icon).
Select Time & language from the left-hand menu.
Click on Language & region.
Under the "Language" section, look for your current language (e.g., "English (United States)"). Click the three dots (...) next to it and select Language options.

Alternative: If you don't see it, click Add a language, search for "English (United Kingdom)", install it, and proceed to the next step.


In the Language options menu, scroll down to the "Installed keyboards" section.
Click Add a keyboard.
Select United Kingdom from the list.

Summary Table: US vs UK Key Differences
| Key Combination | US Output | UK Output |
|----------------|-----------|-----------|
| Shift + 2 | @ | " |
| Shift + 3 | # | £ |
| Shift + ' (apostrophe) | " | @ |
| Shift + \ (backslash) | | | # (on some layouts) |
| Key to left of 1 | | ¬ | | Grave/tilde key location | Top-left | Next toZ` (on ISO keyboards) |
Step 6: Verify or Change Keyboard Layout
Inside the "English (United Kingdom)" language options: This command adds "English (United Kingdom)" to your

Scroll down to the "Keyboards" section.
You will see the installed keyboard layouts. For a new install, it will show "United Kingdom" as one of them.
To remove the US keyboard, click the three dots next to "United States" (QWERTY) and select Remove.
To ensure the UK layout is active, click the three dots next to "United Kingdom" and make sure it’s not removed. Then go back to the main Language & region page.


Important: Removing the US keyboard layout entirely means you will only type in UK English. If you share the PC with someone who prefers US, keep both and switch via the taskbar.