How to Configure Keyboard and Proofing Languages in Windows 11
Question details
The user needs to properly set up keyboard layouts, display languages, and Office proofing languages in Windows 11 to prevent the proofing language from changing unexpectedly.
- Product
- Windows 11 and Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- Windows 11
- Scenario
- Setting up multilingual system input methods and document spell-checking languages.
- Observed behavior
- Incorrect configurations between Windows 11 and Microsoft 365 can cause the Office proofing language to switch unexpectedly while typing.
Ensure your device is connected to the internet so you can download necessary language packs, and verify you are logged into an account with administrative privileges on Windows 11.
Configure Keyboard and Display Language in Windows 11 Settings
Use the built-in Windows 11 Language Settings to download required language packs and separate your keyboard layout from your Windows display language.
Windows 11 allows you to install multiple languages and set your display language independently of the keyboard layout you use for typing.
Click the Start button, open Settings, and navigate to 'Time & language' > 'Language & region'.
Click the 'Add a language' button next to Preferred languages. Search for your desired language, select it, and click 'Next' followed by 'Install'.
If you want to change the system interface language, select your newly installed language from the 'Windows display language' dropdown menu at the top.
To add a specific keyboard layout, click the three dots (...) next to your preferred language in the list, select 'Language options', click 'Add a keyboard', and choose the desired layout.
Fix Unexpected Proofing Language Changes in Microsoft Office
Prevent Microsoft 365 from automatically changing your proofing language by disabling the automatic language detection feature.
Experience Stable Multilingual Typing with WPS Office
If Microsoft 365 proofing settings continue to change unexpectedly despite Windows 11 configurations, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative with easy-to-manage spell check and language settings that stay exactly how you configure them.
- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and install it on your Windows 11 device.
- 2. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Writer and seamlessly open your existing .docx files.
- 3. Set Proofing Language: Go to the Review tab, click Spell Check, and easily set your default proofing language without worrying about system overrides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my keyboard layout change randomly in Windows 11?
Windows 11 includes keyboard shortcuts (often Alt + Shift or Windows Key + Spacebar) that cycle through your installed keyboard layouts. Accidental key presses can trigger this. You can disable the Alt + Shift shortcut in the Advanced keyboard settings to prevent accidental switching.
How do I remove a keyboard layout I don't use in Windows 11?
Navigate to Settings > Time & language > Language & region. Click the three dots next to the language containing the unwanted layout, choose 'Language options', find the specific keyboard layout under the Keyboards section, click the three dots next to it, and select 'Remove'.
Does the Windows 11 display language affect Microsoft Office?
By default, Microsoft Office aligns its display language with your Windows system settings. However, you can manually override this and configure Office to use a different display and proofing language within the Office Language Preferences menu (File > Options > Language).
