How to Change Your Keyboard Back to English: A Step-by-Step Guide
Are you tired of using a non-English keyboard layout for a while, but now you want to switch back to the traditional English QWERTY layout? You’re not alone! In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of changing your keyboard layout back to English. Buckle up, and let’s dive in!
How do I change keyboard back to English?
If you’re using a Windows-powered device, you can change the keyboard layout by following these steps:
- Step 1: Access the Region and Language settings
- Click on the Start button (usually located at the bottom left corner of the screen) and type "Control Panel" in the search bar.
- Click on "Control Panel" to open it.
- In the Control Panel, click on "Regional and Language" (or "Region and Language" in newer versions of Windows).
- Step 2: Select the English (United States) language
- In the "Region and Language" window, click on the "Administrative" tab.
- Click on "Change system locale" (or "Language" in newer versions).
- In the "Location" dropdown menu, select "English (United States)".
- Step 3: Apply the changes
- Click OK to close the "Region and Language" window.
- A pop-up window will appear, asking you to restart your computer. Click "Yes" to apply the changes.
If you’re using a Mac, the process is slightly different:
- Step 1: Access the Language & Region preferences
- Click on the Apple menu and select "System Preferences."
- Click on "Language & Region."
- Step 2: Select the English (United States) language
- In the "Language" section, select "English" from the dropdown menu.
- Make sure the "English (United States)" option is selected.
- Step 3: Apply the changes
- Click "OK" to close the "Language & Region" window.
Additional Tips and Tricks:
- Save your work and close all applications before making the change: This will ensure that you don’t lose any unsaved work or encounter any strange behavior when switching back to the English keyboard layout.
- Some programs might not support the new keyboard layout: If you’re using a specific software that doesn’t support the new keyboard layout, you might need to reconfigure it manually or use a third-party tool to resolve the issue.
- Back up your data regularly: In case you encounter any issues after switching to the English keyboard layout, make sure you have a recent backup of your important files and data.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- Keyboard layout not changing?: If your keyboard layout doesn’t change after following the above steps, try restarting your device or checking for software updates.
- Character encoding issues?: If you encounter strange characters or formatting issues after switching, try selecting the "Unicode" or "Latin" character set in your preferred text editor or word processor.
- Keyboard layout still not working?: If the problem persists, try reinstalling your operating system or seeking assistance from a technical support professional.
Keyboard Layout Overview: A Brief History and Variations
The QWERTY keyboard layout was invented in the 1870s and has undergone several changes since then. Here’s a quick overview:
- QWERTY: The most widely used keyboard layout, developed during the typewriter era.
- QWERTZ: Used in some European countries, particularly in Germany and Austria.
- AZERTY: Used in some French-speaking countries, such as France and Belgium.
- Dvorak Simplified Keyboard: A more efficient layout designed in the 1930s, which is also popular among programmers and typists.
Conclusion:
Changing your keyboard layout back to English is a straightforward process, and with this article, you should be able to do it with ease. Remember to save your work and close all applications before making the change, and don’t forget to troubleshoot any issues that may arise. Whether you’re a regular typist or a casual user, this guide should help you switch back to the familiar English QWERTY layout in no time.