How to Change Your Keyboard Layout on Windows 8

Add a layout such as Dvorak or Colemak to Windows 8, then switch to it. 12 steps.

  1. Open the side menu.

    Step 1 of changing the keyboard layout on Windows 8: Open the side menu.

  2. Click “Settings”.

    Step 2 of changing the keyboard layout on Windows 8: Click “Settings”.

  3. Open “Control Panel”.

    Step 3 of changing the keyboard layout on Windows 8: Open “Control Panel”.

  4. Click “Change input methods”.

    Step 4 of changing the keyboard layout on Windows 8: Click “Change input methods”.

  5. Click “Options” to change language preferences.

    Step 5 of changing the keyboard layout on Windows 8: Click “Options” to change language preferences.

  6. Add an input method.

    Step 6 of changing the keyboard layout on Windows 8: Add an input method.

  7. Find the keyboard layout. You can use search to filter the list.

    Colemak and Workman may need installing first: install colemak or install workman.

    Step 7 of changing the keyboard layout on Windows 8: Find the keyboard layout. You can use search to filter the list.

  8. Choose a layout, e.g. Dvorak.

    Step 8 of changing the keyboard layout on Windows 8: Choose a layout, e.g. Dvorak.

  9. Click “Add”.

    Step 9 of changing the keyboard layout on Windows 8: Click “Add”.

  10. Save your changes.

    Step 10 of changing the keyboard layout on Windows 8: Save your changes.

  11. Click the language settings.

    Step 11 of changing the keyboard layout on Windows 8: Click the language settings.

  12. Switch to the layout you just added.

    Step 12 of changing the keyboard layout on Windows 8: Switch to the layout you just added.

Now pick the same layout here

Choose it in Settings, and the on-screen keyboard and hands follow your new layout.

Choose your layoutCompare keyboard layouts

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