How to Change to a UK Keyboard Layout

Windows is available in a variety of languages around the world; as such, it only makes sense that switching keyboard layouts is simple and easy. Regardless of your version of Windows, you'll be able to alter your keyboard layout along with the input language your system uses. Switching to a United Kingdom layout is one such option, and can be done in less than 10 minutes, as long as you have an account with administrative privileges.

Instructions

Windows Vista or 7

1. Open your "Start" menu and click "Control Panel." If it's not readily visible, it may be located under "Settings" in the "Start" menu.

2. Click "Region and Language."

3. Click the "Keyboards and Languages" tab and then "Change keyboards..."

4. Click "Add..." and then the "+" icon next to "English (United Kingdom)."

5. Click the "+" next to "Keyboard" and click the check box next to "United Kingdom."

6. Click "OK" and select "English (United Kingdom) - United Kingdom" from the "Default input language" drop-down menu.

7. Click "Apply" and then "OK" to save your new settings. Your keyboard layout should now be set for the United Kingdom. Click "OK" in the remaining window.

Windows XP and Earlier

1. Open your "Start" menu and click "Control Panel." If it's not readily visible, it may be located under "Settings" in the "Start" menu.

2. Click "Region and Language Options."

3. Select the "Languages" tab and then click "Details."

4. Click "Add..." and select "English (United Kingdom)" under the "Input language" drop-down menu. The "Keyboard layout/IME" menu should change to "United Kingdom." If it does not, change it manually.

5. Click "OK" and select "English (United Kingdom) - United Kingdom" from the "Default input language" drop-down menu.

6. Click "Apply" and then "OK" to save your new settings, then do so again in the next window. Your keyboard layout should now be for the United Kingdom.

References

• Microsoft: Windows Keyboard Layouts