How to enable the new keyboard layout in Windows 11

Microsoft is testing a new feature that moves all keyboard-related settings to a new section in the Settings app. It will still appear in the Time & Language section but will have a name and some new features. Do not hesitate any longer, let's find out through the following article!

How to enable the new keyboard layout in Windows 11

To get the new keyboard, follow these steps:

1. Download and install the latest Windows 11 Insider Build

The new keyboard section is only available as a hidden feature in Windows Insider build 25300. So if you're a Windows 11 Insider in the Dev channel, you can upgrade to this specific build using the Settings app. If you are not a Windows 11 Insider but still want to try this new feature, use UUP Dump. This is a great tool to download Windows Insider builds without becoming a member of the Insider program.

You will also need the latest version of ViVeTool to enable the hidden keyboard layout in Windows 11. You can download ViVeTool from GitHub and place it in a convenient folder location for easy access.

2. Enable the new keyboard layout in Windows 11

Follow these steps to enable this feature:

1. Press Win + R to launch Run. Type cmd in the text input area and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter keys to launch Command Prompt with admin rights.

2. Now you need to go to the place where the ViVeTool folder is located. For example put it in the system drive for easy access. Don't put it in a folder located too deep, or it will be difficult for you to navigate. Type the command cd c: and press the Enter key.

3. Now, type the command cd vivetool to switch to the directory containing ViVeTool.

4. Next, type the following command and press Enter key :

vivetool/ enable /id:34912776

5. Wait for the command to execute and the message "Successfully set feature configuration (s)" appears.

6. Type exit in the Command Prompt window and press Enter to close it.

7. Now, reboot the system for the changes made by ViVeTool to take effect.

8. Press Win + I to launch the Settings application. Navigate to the left menu and click on the Time & language option . You should see a new option labeled "Keyboard" instead of the old Typing option .

How to change keyboard layout order

Keyboard layouts appear in the list one after another based on when you added them to Windows. But now, you can change their order. Here's how to do it:

Press Win + I to launch the Settings app. Navigate to the Time & language option . Click the Keyboard option.

Now click on the three horizontal dots next to the keyboard in the list. To move the keyboard layout up in the list, select the Move up button . Similarly, click the Move down button to move the layout down one level in the list.

You can also click a keyboard in the list, then hold and drag the layout up or down in the list. Close Settings after you've finished editing the order.

Now, press Windows + D to open the Keyboard Layout menu on the Taskbar. You will notice that the order appears exactly as you have configured in the Settings app.

The list of keyboard layouts can get long, especially if you enter multiple languages ​​or have multiple users and each has their own language preferences accessing the system. Now you can move your most favorite keyboard layouts to the top or second and put the less frequently used ones to the bottom with ease.

David Pac

Update 07 April 2023