How to Change or Assign Keyboard Shortcuts for Language Switching in Windows 11

Working in multiple languages on your PC can be a hassle if your keyboard keeps switching layouts unexpectedly. On Windows 11, the default shortcuts for language switching—such as Windows + Spacebar or Alt + Shift—are convenient, but they can interfere with other software or feel imprecise if you have multiple layouts installed.

By customizing your keyboard shortcuts for language switching, you can optimize typing speed, prevent accidental layout changes, and assign dedicated hotkeys for each language. This guide will walk you through all available methods, from built-in settings to advanced customization.

Change or Assign Default Language Shortcuts via Advanced Keyboard Settings

Step 1: Open Settings

Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.

Step 2: Access Typing Options

Go to Time & language > Typing to view input and keyboard settings.

Step 3: Open Advanced Keyboard Settings

Scroll down and select Advanced keyboard settings.

Step 4: Access Input Language Hot Keys

Click the link Input language hot keys. A dialog box will show all installed languages and their shortcuts.

Step 5: Assign a Shortcut

• Select the language or layout.
• Click Change Key Sequence.
• Choose a preferred key combo (e.g., Ctrl + Shift or Alt + Shift).
• Confirm with OK.

Now, you’ll have precise control over which shortcut activates each input language.

Switch Between Keyboard Languages Using Built-in Shortcuts

If you prefer not to customize:

• Windows + Spacebar → Cycles through installed languages.
• Alt + Shift or Ctrl + Shift → May also toggle layouts, depending on your system setup.

These are handy for occasional switching, though less efficient if you work with three or more input methods.

Assign Dedicated Shortcuts for Each Language

Instead of cycling through, you can create direct shortcuts for specific languages.

Step 1: Open Input Language Hot Keys

Follow the same path: Settings > Advanced keyboard settings > Input language hot keys.

Step 2: Set Custom Shortcuts

For each installed language:

• Select it → Change Key Sequence.
• Assign a unique shortcut.
• Save changes.

This ensures you can instantly switch to the exact layout you need—perfect for bilingual or multilingual users.

Disable or Remove Unwanted Shortcuts

Default shortcuts like Ctrl + Shift can interfere with software such as Photoshop, IDEs, or gaming apps.

To disable:

1- Go to Advanced keyboard settings > Input language hot keys.

2- Select the unwanted shortcut.

3- Choose None as the key sequence.

This prevents accidental switching while typing or gaming.

Tips for Managing Keyboard Layouts

• Enable the Input Indicator:
  Go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > System icons and enable Input Indicator to see which language is active.
• Use Microsoft PowerToys (Optional):
  For advanced users, PowerToys allows fully custom shortcuts beyond Windows defaults.

Conclusion

Customizing your language switching shortcuts in Windows 11 ensures smooth typing, avoids accidental layout changes, and makes multilingual work much faster. Whether you want to disable default shortcuts, assign dedicated keys for each language, or simply refine your workflow, Windows 11 gives you the flexibility to control how your keyboard behaves.

Stay productive and in control—no more guessing which layout is active or losing time correcting typing errors.