At the moment, the latest version of the Windows operating system, that is, the tenth, offers users several different ways to change the English keyboard layout to Russian and vice versa. Such a variety of options not only simplifies the process of working in text editors, but also can help in case of various errors, such as the disappearance of the switch icon when the keyboard does not work.
In this article, we will consider several ways of changing the keyboard layout using standard tools and additional software. Let's get acquainted.
Old and familiar
The very first and most important way to change the keyboard layout is to use the well-known combination of Alt and Shift. It has been preserved since the previous versions of the Windows operating system and perfectly continues to fulfill its main function. However, there are situations when these keys may not work for various reasons.
Additional combination
Another combination that helps change the keyboard language is Win and Space. This option is slightly different from what is indicated above. When changing from an English keyboard to a Russian one or vice versa, it starts displaying a prompt with two lines. They display the current system language.
Icon activation
In this case, you need to find an inscription on the taskbar of the Start menu that displays the current keyboard language. It will look like this:
However, such a method often turns out to be inoperative due to the disconnection of the indicator itself.
How to assign your own combination?
The above combinations work both in the operating system environment and when working on the Windows login screen. To change any of them, you need to use different functions.
Change for operating system environment
To replace combinations for changing the English keyboard layout, you must follow the algorithm below:
- using the search bar in the Start menu, enter the phrase “Control Panel” and open the proposed standard utility;
- by going to the window of this program, configure the display of all shortcuts in the form of large icons;
- among the available categories, find and open the tab called "Language";
- on the left side, go to the advanced settings section;
- now open the window for changing the combinations that will change the keyboard layout, as, in fact, is required;
- then you just need to assign any keys, but to perform this action, click on the key with the name "Change keyboard shortcut";
- in the window that opens, make a choice and confirm your actions.
Snap to settings screen
Now you need to apply the combination settings for the settings screen. Perform a similar operation in the following way:
- repeat the whole procedure, up to the launch of the section of additional parameters;
- run the copy parameters menu here;
- Now, under the line for copying the current parameters into various categories, put markers in front of all located items;
- now just confirm your choice with the standard OK key.
It's time to move on to changing the keyboard layout by using additional third-party software.
Mapkeyboard
The first utility that you can pay attention to. It assists in switching keys and changing combinations in situations where the input device is different from the standard. It can also be used in cases where for some reason some buttons do not work. The utility also helps to change the English keyboard layout to Russian and vice versa.
It is worth noting that such a program does not need a full installation. All you need to do is just run the exe file.
To perform the desired operation in this utility, you need to follow the instructions presented:
- in the program window, next to the Remap selected key to item, you need to select a new value;
- Your change should be highlighted in green.
Punto switcher
An additional program that provides automatic keyboard layout. Or rather, its automatic change. To configure such a program, you must:
- After installing the program, you need to find the icon. It will be located in the tray. In the same place as the inscriptions of the current layout, time and date;
- To activate the change menu, right-click on the shortcut and go to the settings section in the list that appears;
- after opening the program you need to proceed to the tab called "General";
- on the new page, mark the marker "Switch to ...";
- then adjust the combination that is acceptable to you.
Now, when you need to change the English keyboard layout to Russian, just call the context menu of the program through the tray and in the list that appears, check auto-switch. After that, all text written in the wrong layout will be automatically corrected.