How to Add Arabic Keyboard on Windows 10

Set up the Arabic 101 layout in under 2 minutes — and learn the shortcut to switch back and forth.

Last updated: May 2026

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Windows 10 installs the Arabic 101 keyboard through Settings → Time & Language → Language. The flow is almost identical to Windows 11 but uses slightly different menu names.

Quick facts

Layout to pick: Arabic 101 (preinstalled)
Switch keyboards: Windows + Space (or Alt + Shift)
Time required: About 2 minutes
Cost: Free (built into Windows 10)

Step-by-step instructions

1
Open Settings
Press Windows + I, or click Start and choose the Settings gear icon.
2
Go to Time & Language → Language
In Settings click Time & Language, then click Language in the left sidebar.
3
Click Add a preferred language
Under "Preferred languages" click the + Add a preferred language button.
4
Search for Arabic
Type "Arabic" in the search field. Pick the regional variant you prefer — every variant uses the same Arabic 101 layout.
5
Install the language pack
Click Next. Uncheck "Set as my Windows display language" unless you want a full Arabic UI. Click Install and wait for the basic typing pack to download.
6
Switch to Arabic
Press Windows + Space or Alt + Shift to toggle between English and Arabic. The taskbar shows ENG or AR to confirm which is active.

Troubleshooting

Arabic keyboard installed but I can't see the language indicator in the taskbar.

Right-click the taskbar → Taskbar settings → scroll to Notification area → Turn system icons on or off → enable Input Indicator. The "ENG / AR" indicator will then appear next to the clock.

Alt + Shift switches input but doesn't pick Arabic — it cycles through something else.

You may have additional keyboard layouts (e.g. Arabic + French) competing on the shortcut. Open Settings → Time & Language → Language → Spelling, typing & keyboard settings → Advanced keyboard settings → Language bar options → Advanced Key Settings, and pick Arabic as the target for the shortcut.

Some Arabic letters appear as boxes □ □ □.

Your font lacks Arabic glyphs. Use a font with Arabic coverage such as Segoe UI (default on Windows 10), Arial, or download a free Arabic font like Amiri or Scheherazade New.