Blog

How to Fix Windows 11 Automatically Adding Keyboard Layout Issues: Step-by-Step Guide

Many Windows 11 users face the issue of the system automatically adding unwanted keyboard layouts. This can be frustrating, especially when you prefer to use only one or two input methods. Luckily, fixing this problem is straightforward and doesn’t require advanced technical skills.

In this guide, we will walk you through simple and detailed steps to stop Windows 11 from adding extra keyboard layouts on its own. Each step is explained clearly so that even beginners can follow along easily.

By the end, you will understand how to control your keyboard settings effectively, ensuring a smoother typing experience. Let’s get started and resolve this annoying issue together.

Whether you want to remove extra layouts or prevent Windows from adding them again, this guide covers all you need to know.

Quick Note: What to Check Before You Begin

  • Make sure your Windows 11 is updated to the latest version. Updates often fix bugs related to language and keyboard settings.
  • Check if you have multiple users on your PC. Sometimes, keyboard layouts are added based on user profiles.
  • Ensure you have administrative rights on your computer, as some settings require admin access.
  • Back up important data and settings before making changes, just in case you want to restore them later.

Step 1: Remove Unwanted Keyboard Layouts Manually

This is the simplest and quickest way to get rid of extra keyboard layouts. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Click on the Start button and select Settings (you can also press Windows + I keys to open Settings).
  2. In Settings, click on Time & language from the left sidebar.
  3. Select Language & region on the right side.
  4. Under the Preferred languages section, click on the language you use (e.g., English (United States)) and then select Options.
  5. Scroll down to the Keyboards section. You will see all the keyboard layouts currently installed.
  6. Click on the keyboard layout you want to remove, and then click Remove.

Why this matters: Removing unused keyboard layouts prevents accidental switching and clutter. This step clears out any unwanted layouts that Windows might have added.

Step 2: Prevent Windows from Adding Keyboard Layouts Automatically

Windows 11 sometimes adds keyboard layouts based on your language preferences or apps you use. To stop this automatic behavior, follow these steps:

  1. Go back to Settings > Time & language > Language & region.
  2. Look for the Related settings section and click on Typing.
  3. Scroll down and click on Advanced keyboard settings.
  4. Here, find the option Let me use a different input method for each app window and Turn it off by unchecking the box.
  5. Below that, click on Input language hot keys or Language bar options. In the new window, select the Advanced Key Settings tab.
  6. Click the Change Key Sequence button and disable any shortcuts that switch keyboard layouts. This helps avoid accidental switching.

Why this is important: Disabling per-app input methods and hotkeys stops Windows from adding or switching keyboard layouts based on your activity or shortcuts.

Step 3: Remove Extra Languages That Trigger Layout Additions

Sometimes, Windows adds keyboard layouts because extra languages are installed on your system. Removing unused languages can help:

  1. Open Settings > Time & language > Language & region.
  2. In the Preferred languages section, look for languages you do not use.
  3. Click on the unwanted language and select Remove.

Note: Removing languages you don’t need reduces the chance of Windows adding their keyboard layouts automatically.

Step 4: Use Registry Editor to Disable Automatic Keyboard Layouts (Advanced)

If the above steps don’t work, you can try this advanced method. It involves editing Windows Registry to prevent automatic keyboard layout additions. Please follow carefully:

  1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open Registry Editor.
  2. Navigate to the following path:
    HKEY_CURRENT_USERKeyboard LayoutPreload
  3. In the right pane, you will see entries like 1, 2, etc., representing keyboard layouts.
  4. Delete entries for layouts you don’t want to use by right-clicking and selecting Delete.
  5. Next, navigate to:
    HKEY_CURRENT_USERKeyboard LayoutSubstitutes
  6. Delete any unwanted layout substitutions here as well.
  7. Close Registry Editor and restart your PC.

Warning: Editing the registry incorrectly can cause system issues. Be sure to back up your registry before making changes.

Alternative Method: Using PowerShell to Remove Keyboard Layouts

For users comfortable with command-line tools, PowerShell can help remove unwanted keyboard layouts quickly:

  1. Right-click on the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
  2. Type the following command to list installed input languages:
    Get-WinUserLanguageList
  3. To remove a specific language, first assign the list to a variable:
    $LangList = Get-WinUserLanguageList
  4. Remove the language you don’t want by filtering it out. For example, to remove French (fr-FR):
    $LangList.Remove($LangList | Where-Object LanguageTag -eq "fr-FR")
  5. Apply the new list:
    Set-WinUserLanguageList $LangList -Force
  6. Restart your PC to apply changes.

This method is faster for users who have multiple unwanted languages or layouts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does Windows 11 keep adding new keyboard layouts automatically?

Windows may add keyboard layouts based on installed languages, app usage, or region settings. It tries to provide input options it thinks you might need.

Can I disable keyboard layout switching shortcuts?

Yes, you can disable or change keyboard shortcuts for switching layouts in the Advanced keyboard settings to avoid accidental changes.

Does removing a language remove its keyboard layouts too?

Yes, removing a language from Preferred languages removes all its associated keyboard layouts.

Is it safe to edit the registry for keyboard layouts?

It is generally safe if you follow instructions carefully and back up your registry beforehand. Incorrect changes can cause problems.

Will updates fix keyboard layout issues automatically?

Sometimes, Windows updates address bugs related to keyboard and language settings, so keeping your system updated is helpful.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and Windows 11 still adds unwanted keyboard layouts, consider these final options:

  • Create a new user profile: Sometimes, user-specific settings cause the issue. Creating a new profile can reset these configurations.
  • Reset Windows Settings: Use the Reset this PC feature in Windows Settings to repair system files without losing personal data.
  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft Support for personalized help.

Conclusion

Unwanted keyboard layouts in Windows 11 can be annoying, but with the right steps, you can easily fix the issue. Start by removing extra layouts manually and preventing automatic additions through settings. If necessary, use advanced tools like Registry Editor or PowerShell for more control.

Remember to keep your system updated and manage your languages carefully to avoid future problems. Following this guide ensures your keyboard behaves exactly how you want it, improving your overall Windows 11 experience.

Leave a Reply