To change your keyboard layout from US to on Windows 11, follow these steps to add the new layout and switch your active input method. 1. Add the UK Keyboard Layout by pressing the Windows key + I Navigate to Time & language Language & region Find your preferred language (e.g., English (United States) English (United Kingdom) ) in the list. three dots (...) next to the language and select Language options Scroll down to the section and click Add a keyboard Search for and select United Kingdom 2. Switch Between Keyboard Layouts
Once you have added the UK layout, you can quickly switch between it and the US layout using these methods:
Method 1: Changing Keyboard Layout through Settings
Windows + I on your keyboard).Method 2: Changing Keyboard Layout through Keyboard Settings
Windows + I on your keyboard).Method 3: Using Keyboard Shortcut
Verify the Change
~ key (tilde) to verify that the keyboard layout has changed. On a UK keyboard, this key should produce a ~ symbol, whereas on a US keyboard, it produces a `` (grave accent).That's it! Your keyboard layout should now be changed from US to UK in Windows 11.
Tips
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 how to change keyboard from us to uk windows 11
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.
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 To change your keyboard layout from US to
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?
Are you having trouble with specific symbols like the Euro (€) sign? Open Settings : Click on the Start button
To change your keyboard layout from to in Windows 11, follow these steps to add the United Kingdom layout and switch your active input. 1. Add the UK Keyboard Layout How To Change Keyboard Layout in Windows 11
19 Sept 2025 — in this video I'm going to show you how to change your keyboard layout on your laptop. or. computer. so this can be really useful. YouTube·Your Fix Guide How to Change Keyboard Layout on Windows 11
If you chose to keep both US and UK layouts, you can switch between them instantly:
Windows + Spacebar to cycle through all installed keyboard layouts. A small overlay will appear showing you the current layout.Shift + Alt: This classic shortcut (left Alt + Shift) also cycles between languages. However, many users accidentally trigger it. You can disable it in advanced keyboard settings if needed.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.
Switching between keyboard layouts might seem trivial, but for millions of users—from British expats using American computers to programmers needing the UK layout for specific symbols—it is essential. The difference between a US and a UK keyboard goes beyond just the "£" sign. The @ and " keys are swapped, the # key moves, and the Enter key is shaped differently (though the key shape is hardware, the layout is software).
If you are typing and keep getting “ instead of @, or # instead of £, you are using a US keyboard layout on your Windows 11 machine.
This long-form guide will walk you through every possible method to change your keyboard from US to UK, troubleshoot common issues, and explain how to manage multiple layouts seamlessly.
Windows 11 allows you to set a default keyboard layout for specific applications. This is incredibly useful if you use a US layout for coding in Visual Studio Code (where @ and # are easier to reach) but a UK layout for writing Word documents (where you need £).
Now, when you switch to a UK layout in Word, it stays UK. When you Alt-Tab to VS Code, it will automatically switch back to US.
Inside the "English (United Kingdom)" language options:
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.