If you use more than one keyboard language or layout on Windows 11, you probably switch between them often. By default, Windows lets you change the input language using shortcuts like Left Alt + Shift or Windows + Spacebar.
However, these default combinations can easily be pressed by accident — or maybe you prefer using a different shortcut that fits your workflow. Fortunately, Windows 11 lets you change or customize the language switch shortcut to something that feels more natural.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to change, disable, or create a new keyboard shortcut for switching input languages in Windows 11.
Change the Default Language Shortcut in Windows
You’ll need administrator access to your PC to modify system-level language shortcuts. These steps work across all editions of Windows 11, including Home, Pro, and Education.
Tip: If you use multiple keyboard layouts or input methods (for example, English (US) and Japanese IME), customizing the shortcut can make switching between them much smoother.
Step 1: Open Advanced Keyboard Settings
Most of the language-related settings in Windows 11 are accessible through the Time & language section in Settings.
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- In the left sidebar, click Time & language.
- Select Typing on the right.
- Scroll down and click Advanced keyboard settings under the “More keyboard settings” section.
This page lets you control how Windows handles language switching and keyboard layouts.
Step 2: Open Language Bar Options
The shortcut customization options are located in the Language bar options window, which is part of the legacy Control Panel interface.
- In the Advanced keyboard settings window, look for a section labeled Switching input methods.
- Click the link that says Input language hot keys.
This will open the Text Services and Input Languages dialog box — a classic Windows feature still used for managing keyboard shortcuts.
Step 3: Change the Language Switch Shortcut
Now that you’re in the Text Services and Input Languages dialog:
- In the Advanced Key Settings tab, you’ll see a list of available key combinations for:
- Between input languages (switches the language)
- Between keyboard layouts (switches the layout within the same language)
- Select the action you want to change (for example, Between input languages).
- Click Change Key Sequence.
- In the popup, choose your preferred shortcut combination. You can select:
- Left Alt + Shift
- Ctrl + Shift
- Grave Accent (`) key
- Or disable the shortcut entirely by choosing Not assigned.
- Click OK, then Apply, and finally OK again to save the changes.
Your new shortcut will now replace the default one immediately.
Step 4: Disable the Shortcut Completely (Optional)
If you never use multiple languages or constantly trigger the shortcut by accident, you can disable it altogether.
- Open Settings → Time & language → Typing → Advanced keyboard settings → Input language hot keys.
- Under the Advanced Key Settings tab, select Between input languages.
- Click Change Key Sequence.
- Choose Not assigned for both key sequences.
- Click OK and Apply.
From now on, the input language will only change when you manually select it using the taskbar language icon or the Windows + Spacebar menu.
Step 5: Customize Shortcuts for Individual Input Methods
If you have multiple layouts (for example, English (US), English (UK), and French), you can assign unique shortcuts for each one.
- Return to the Advanced Key Settings tab.
- Select the layout or input method you want to modify.
- Click Change Key Sequence.
- Assign a shortcut (such as Ctrl + Shift + 1 or Ctrl + Shift + 2) for different languages.
This helps you quickly jump to specific layouts instead of cycling through all of them one by one.
Step 6: Test the New Shortcut
After applying your new settings, test them immediately:
- Open a text editor like Notepad.
- Press your newly assigned shortcut (for example, Ctrl + Shift).
- You should see the language indicator in the taskbar switch between your installed input methods.
If it doesn’t switch, double-check that your language bar is enabled and multiple input languages are installed.
Step 7: (Optional) Use the Windows + Spacebar Shortcut
Even if you change or disable the Alt + Shift or Ctrl + Shift shortcuts, the Windows + Spacebar combination will always work for switching languages.
This shortcut opens a small overlay showing all your available input languages. You can cycle through them by holding the Windows key and tapping the Spacebar repeatedly.
If you prefer using this method, you don’t need to configure any custom shortcuts at all.
Step 8: Manage or Remove Languages You Don’t Use
If you only use one language, having extra ones installed can make Windows switch unexpectedly when you type.
To remove unused languages:
- Go to Settings → Time & language → Language & region.
- Under Preferred languages, click the three dots next to any language you no longer use.
- Select Remove.
This ensures Windows never switches to those layouts — regardless of your shortcuts.
Step 9: Restore Default Shortcuts (If Needed)
If you ever want to reset your language shortcuts to their original configuration:
- Go back to Advanced Key Settings → Change Key Sequence.
- Select Left Alt + Shift for “Between input languages.”
- Click Apply → OK.
You can also re-enable Ctrl + Shift for switching keyboard layouts if needed.
Wrapping Up
Windows 11 gives you full control over how you switch between languages and keyboard layouts. Whether you prefer Ctrl + Shift, Alt + Shift, or no shortcut at all, adjusting these settings can make typing smoother and prevent accidental switches.
For most users, the Windows + Spacebar shortcut remains the simplest way to toggle between languages — but if you want a faster or more customized workflow, the Input language hot keys feature gives you the flexibility to make it your own.
Once configured, your new shortcut will help you stay focused on writing — not on fixing sudden language changes mid-sentence.
