Probably, it is not necessary to say that almost all users working with Windows-systems, one way or another, use a language change. The Russian keyboard layout is not always applicable for some specialized English-language programs or computer games, so you have to install additional languages and change keyboard shortcuts to quickly switch between them. Consider the basic methods for switching layouts, and also dwell on some additional parameters that will help you configure the keyboard for optimal use.
How to change the keyboard layout in Windows systems using the standard method?
Any user knows that a special language icon corresponding to the language bar is displayed in the system tray. Windows after installation has its own switch settings set by default.
Usually, two languages are initially present (Russian and English), if no additional languages were added during the installation process. Switching the keyboard layout (respectively, and language) is performed by simultaneously pressing the left Alt and Shift keys on either side. But there are some nuances.
The fact is that with us the most common are keyboards with the so-called arrangement of QWERTY or "YTsUKEN" key sequences. But sometimes you can find the use of other devices such as the keyboard "Dvorak" or Colemak ("YaShERTY"). The arrangement of characters in them is somewhat different. It turns out that when you enter one character, the user receives another. Many people use such layouts, considering them more convenient. So it turns out that changing the language does not yet result in the layout changing.
Change keyboard shortcuts
We will consider the question of how to change the keyboard layout using the example of Windows 10. First, enter the language section of the standard “Control Panel”, which can be called up via the “Run” menu with the control command.
In the list of languages opposite the one you need, click the "Parameters" link and go to the line for adding an input method. If the Russian keyboard layout is selected, the available list will display all available options for changing the current settings. If necessary, you can use the layout view.
Change the keyboard shortcuts through the corresponding button on the switch tab. On the left, combinations for switching between languages are displayed, on the right, switching the keyboard layout. After selecting the desired combination, just save the settings. After that, the installed options can be used even without rebooting the system.
Russian-English keyboard layout: adding languages
Another issue regarding language and keyboard settings is that it is sometimes necessary for the user to add a language. Again, consider the settings of Windows 10.
In the initial window with the list of languages, click on the corresponding button for adding languages and select the desired one from the presented list. Switching the keyboard layout for the added language with the setting for changing keyboard shortcuts is performed in the same way as it was shown just above. Further we will talk about some additional parameters.
Required Settings
With how to change the keyboard layout, a little figured out. Now let's say a few words about important options that users of any version of Windows often forget about, and then in vain try to solve the problem of the language icon and the panel itself disappearing in the system tray.
After clicking on the change link used to switch keyboard shortcuts, you need to activate the language bar tab and check the box on the pin bar in the "Task Bar". It is advisable to use the display of additional text labels, but transparency for the inactive state of the panel should not be used.
Automatically switch layouts and languages
Finally, it remains to add that the question of how to change the keyboard layout in automatic mode with the installed system parameters can be completely solved by using specialized utilities for recognizing the language.
One of the most popular programs is Punto Switcher. After installation, the application integrates into the system tray and constantly monitors what the user types on the keyboard. If you forget to switch the language or layout, the program will automatically correct the entered text to one that should correspond to a specific language and layout. Moreover, you do not need to configure anything in the application itself (it originally included support for most well-known languages and layouts). In addition, it will immediately check the parameters installed in the system, and will follow exactly these settings.
Afterword
The question of whether to change the layout or not, can be called purely rhetorical, because in the post-Soviet space there are not so many people who use specific layouts. It’s much easier to immediately get the right type of keyboard, rather than setting options for a standard keyboard, so to speak, for typing blindly.