If you want to permanently switch to UK and remove the US layout:
If you are used to the US keyboard, here are the main changes you will notice on the UK layout:
To change your keyboard from US to UK in Windows 11, you must first English (United Kingdom)
language pack to your settings if it isn't already installed, then switch the active layout Microsoft Support 1. Add the UK Keyboard Layout how to change keyboard from us to uk windows 11
Before you can switch, ensure the UK layout is available on your system: Akkogear.eu Time & language from the left sidebar, then click Language & region Microsoft Support English (United Kingdom) under "Preferred languages." If it's not listed Add a language , search for "United Kingdom," and click Microsoft Support If it is listed : Click the three dots (...) next to it and select Language options Microsoft Support section, click Add a keyboard and select United Kingdom (QWERTY) from the list Akkogear.eu 2. Switch Between US and UK
Once both layouts are installed, you can toggle between them instantly: Keyboard Shortcut Windows Key + Spacebar to cycle through your installed layouts : Click the Language Abbreviation
(e.g., "ENG US") in the system tray next to the clock and select English (United Kingdom) Microsoft Support 3. Set UK as the Permanent Default To ensure your computer always starts with the UK layout: Go back to Settings > Time & language > Language & region Super User Preferred languages three dots (...) English (United Kingdom) to the top of the list Super User Alternatively, go to Typing > Advanced keyboard settings and use the Override for default input method dropdown to specifically select the UK layout Super User entirely so it stops switching back? If you want to permanently switch to UK
If you are connected to a remote PC, that remote computer uses its own keyboard settings. When using Remote Desktop, the host machine's layout overrides your local settings. You need to change the keyboard layout inside the remote session, not on your local Windows 11 machine.
After following these steps, test the following keys on your keyboard. If they produce the correct characters, you have successfully changed from US to UK:
| Key Press | US Output | UK Output |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Shift + 2 | @ | " |
| Shift + 3 | # | £ |
| Key left of Enter (Quote key) | ' / " | @ (on the same key as ') |
| Shift + \ (above Enter on US) | \| | # | To change your keyboard from US to UK
Click "Clock and Region" and then click "Region".
Changing your keyboard layout from US English to UK English in Windows 11 is a straightforward process. The main difference between the two layouts is the placement of the @ and " symbols (swapped on US vs. UK) and the presence of the £ (pound sterling) symbol on the UK layout. Follow the steps below to make the switch.
If English (United Kingdom) is already listed under "Preferred languages", skip to Step 3.
Some users prefer the old-school language bar that floats on your desktop. Here is how to enable it:
Now, a small bar will appear. Click EN to switch between US and UK.