How to Change a Keyboard From American to English

While American and British English seem similar, subtle differences in the languages require different keyboard functionality. Fortunately, you can change your keyboard to reflect your preferred type of English in a few quick steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Click on your "Start" menu and select your Control Panel. Select "Date, Time, Language and Regional Options" and then "Regional and Language Options."

2. Select "English (United Kingdom)" under the "Regional Options" tab.

3. Verify that you have "English (United Kingdom)" in the "Installed Services" portion of the "Languages" tab by clicking on "Details" under "Text Services and Input Languages." If you don't, select "Add" and choose "English (United Kingdom)" under "Input Language" and "United Kingdom" under "Keyboard Layout." Click "OK."

4. Return to the main "Text Services and Input Languages" panel and under "Default Input Language" choose "English (United Kingdom)."

5. Test your changes by clicking "Apply." Press "OK" to make them permanent. Choose "OK" again to exit the Control Panel.

6. Reboot your computer.

Tips & Warnings

• You can keep adding new languages to your keyboard. However, adjust your default language to the United Kingdom's English to begin communicating in British English if you have set up more than one language to be used with your keyboard.