How to switch keyboard languages using shortcuts on Windows and Mac

⚡ Fast fix

• Use the shortcut: Try Ctrl + Space (Mac) or Windows + Space (Windows) to switch languages instantly.
• Add a new one: Go to your keyboard settings and add any language you need.
• Still stuck? Restart your device or run updates—it fixes most shortcut bugs.

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Your native language is English, but you also speak Spanish, Italian, and Greek. Those languages come in handy for work and friendly communication. However, writing emails and documents in languages other than English on your computer requires a non-English keyboard. Is there a way to use other language keyboards on your computer? 

At Asurion, we provide tech tips you can trust. Whether you're wondering how to safely clean your laptop keyboard or need to set up a new laptop, count on our Asurion Experts for straightforward advice. Here's how to switch languages on a keyboard, whether you have a Mac® or Windows™ computer.

Use shortcuts to switch keyboard languages on Windows

Windows provides free, downloadable language packs you can access with an internet connection. After installing a new pack, you can type in that language.

Viewing and installing new languages

To view what languages are currently installed on your device, follow these steps:

1. Click Start > Settings.
2. Click Time & language > Language & region.

If the language you need isn't listed, you can install it by following these steps:

1. Click Start > Settings.
2. Go to Time & language > Language & region > Language.
3. Click Add a language.
4. Type the name of the language you want to install in the Type a language name... text box. Click Next.
5. Customize Install language features to your preferences:
   • In Optional language features, select Language Pack.
   • Select any extra features you require, such as text-to-speech.
   • Select Set as my Windows display language if you want Windows to use the language for your user interface.
6. Click Install.

Wait for the installation to complete. If you applied the language to your display, you may be prompted to log out and log back in to your Windows account.

Changing languages

After installation, you can switch languages on your keyboard in the language bar.

1. Click inside the document you want to type in.
2. Click the language icon in the language bar (in the taskbar near the clock).
3. Click the language you want to use.

You can also press Alt + Shift or Windows + Space bar as a keyboard shortcut to cycle between languages. The language bar icon updates to reflect the current language every time you use the shortcut.

Use shortcuts to switch keyboard languages on Mac

Language packs are pre-installed on a Mac. To add one to your primary language options, follow these steps:

1. Click Apple menu > System Settings > Keyboard.
2. Locate Text Input. Click Edit.
3. Click + and search for the language you want to add.
4. Click the input source, such as an alternate keyboard, to use with the language.
5. Click Add.

Click the Input menu (right side of the menu bar) to view available languages. Click the language name to begin using it.

Updating the primary language display

The primary language displayed in the Mac user interface is based on the country or region where you bought your device. However, you can change it to a different language:

1. Click Apple menu > System Settings > General.
2. Click Language & Region.
3. Click + to add a new language. If your preferred language is already listed, drag it to the top of the list.
4. You may need to restart your Mac to apply changes.

Changing languages

After adding a language, you can select it from the Input menu in the menu bar to use it. Apple also offers several keyboard shortcuts:

• Control + Space bar: Switch to the previous language
• Control + Option + Space bar: Switch to the next language on the input list

These shortcuts let you switch languages without opening menus.

Customize your language shortcut preferences

If keyboard shortcuts aren’t changing your language, try restarting your computer. If that doesn’t work, your OS might be outdated. Update your device and try again.

Update a Windows computer

1. Click Start > Settings > Windows Update
2. Click Check for Windows updates
3. If an update is available, click Download & install. Restart if needed.

Update a Mac

1. Click Apple menu > System Settings > General
2. Click Software Update
3. If available, click Update Now. Restart if needed.