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How to Show the Windows Language Bar and Switch Keyboard Languages in Word
Question details
The user is unable to find the language-switching icon on the Windows taskbar and needs a way to switch between English and Spanish keyboard layouts while working in Word.
- Product
- Word / Windows OS
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Typing a multilingual document and needing to actively switch between different regional keyboard layouts.
- Observed behavior
- The language bar or language-switching indicator is missing from the Windows taskbar, preventing the user from toggling between installed keyboard languages.
Ensure you have an active internet connection if you need to download a new language pack, and confirm you have administrative privileges to modify Windows system settings.
Restore the Windows Language Bar and Switch Layouts
Re-enable the language indicator on the Windows taskbar and use system shortcut keys to switch languages seamlessly.
Windows controls your keyboard layouts at the system level. If the language icon has disappeared from your taskbar, it may have been accidentally unpinned or disabled in the advanced typing settings.
Press the Windows key + I to open Settings, then navigate to Time & Language > Language & region.
Ensure both English and Spanish (or your preferred languages) are fully added under 'Preferred languages'.
Go to Typing > Advanced keyboard settings, and check the box that says 'Use the desktop language bar when it's available'.
Click on 'Language bar options' in the same menu, and select 'Docked in the taskbar' to ensure the language icon remains visible.
While typing in your document, press the Windows key + Spacebar simultaneously to quickly toggle between your active keyboard layouts.
Configure Proofing Languages in Word
Adjust the document's proofing language separately if your keyboard types correctly but words are being flagged as misspelled.
Easily Manage Multilingual Documents with WPS Office
WPS Office perfectly integrates with Windows keyboard layouts and offers built-in multilingual spell check, making it effortless to switch between languages like English and Spanish while editing your documents.
- 1. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open the document you wish to edit.
- 2. Switch Keyboard Layout: Use the Windows + Spacebar shortcut to instantly switch your OS keyboard layout to Spanish.
- 3. Set Proofing Language: Go to the 'Review' tab, click 'Spell Check' > 'Set Language', and select the corresponding language to ensure accurate proofreading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Windows language bar still missing after enabling it?
A missing language bar can sometimes be caused by a Windows Explorer glitch or if only one language is installed. Ensure you have at least two languages added in your Windows settings, as the bar automatically hides if there is nothing to switch to. You can also try restarting Windows Explorer via the Task Manager.
Does changing the Windows keyboard layout automatically change the spell check language in my document?
Not always. While modern word processors attempt to match the spell check to your active Windows keyboard layout, this synchronization can sometimes fail. You may still need to manually set the proofing language by selecting the text and navigating to Review > Language > Set Proofing Language.
Can I remove a keyboard layout I no longer use from the language bar?
Yes. Go to Windows Settings > Time & Language > Language & region. Click the three dots next to the language you want to remove and select 'Remove'. This will instantly declutter your taskbar's language menu.
