Learn how to add, switch or customize keyboard layouts or input methods for different languages in Windows 7 or 8.1. Find out how to download and install a language pack or set a language as your primary language.

If you plan to type in other languages often you should consider switching your keyboard layout to that language. For more info see Switch between languages using the Language bar. Learn how to use keyboard shortcuts in Word to add accent marks, special characters, symbols, and more.

It also lets you change your keyboard language. Select Start > Settings > Time & language > Language & region. Under Preferred languages, select the language that contains the keyboard you want, and then select Options. Select Add a keyboard and choose the keyboard you want to add.

It displays a visual keyboard with all the standard keys, so you can use your mouse or another pointing device to select keys, or use a physical single key or group of keys to cycle through the keys on the screen. Note: A PC with a touchscreen also has a touch keyboard.

Enable or change the keyboard layout language. Change or set the default font in Outlook. Change or set the default font in Word. Set the default language for the Office programs to any language supported by your version of Windows.

Learn how to navigate Windows using keyboard shortcuts. Explore a full list of taskbar, command prompt, and general Windows shortcuts.

Keyboard shortcut: To switch between keyboard layouts, press Alt+Shift. Note: The icon is just an example; it shows that English is the language of the active keyboard layout. The actual icon shown on your computer depends on the language of the active keyboard layout and version of Windows.