There are two primary methods to achieve this configuration: via the Settings App (recommended) or the Legacy Control Panel. This paper focuses on the modern Settings App method.
After restarting, the UK keyboard layout will be your default for the entire system, including the login screen, not just your current user profile.
The layout determines symbol placement, not the physical key labels. Users typing on a US-labeled keyboard can still type UK characters by memory or using on-screen keyboard reference.
Look at the bottom-right corner of your screen, near the clock. You should see a three-letter code indicating your current layout (e.g., ENG US ). Select the Layout: Click on ENG US . Choose UK: Select English (United Kingdom) from the menu. Method 3: Using Keyboard Shortcuts
Press Win + R , type regedit , and press Enter.
: Click the three horizontal dots (...) next to your newly installed English (United Kingdom) option, then select Language options. Scroll to the bottom to verify that United Kingdom (QWERTY) is listed under the "Keyboards" header. How to Quickly Switch Between Keyboard Layouts
That's the core process. After completing these steps, your Windows 11 PC should now match your UK keyboard, and pressing the @ symbol should produce the correct character.
Alternatively, to remove the entire US language: $langList.Remove($usLang) followed by Set-WinUserLanguageList $langList -Force .
Now, when you switch to a UK layout in Word, it stays UK. When you Alt-Tab to VS Code, it will automatically switch back to US.
Click the icon next to your primary language. Select Language options from the context menu. Step 3: Install the UK Keyboard Scroll down to the Keyboards section. Click the Add a keyboard button.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to change your keyboard from US to UK (or UK to US) on Windows 11. We'll cover step-by-step instructions, key differences between the layouts, handy shortcuts, and how to fix any problems you might run into.
