How to Add Arabic Keyboard on Windows 11

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 11 adds the Arabic 101 keyboard through Settings → Time & language → Language & region. Once installed, you can switch between English and Arabic with Win + Space.

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 11)

Step-by-step instructions

1
Open Settings
Press Windows + I, or click the Start menu and choose Settings (the gear icon).
2
Go to Time & language → Language & region
In the left sidebar click Time & language, then click Language & region.
3
Click Add a language
Under "Preferred languages" click the + Add a language button.
4
Search for Arabic and pick a region
Type "Arabic" in the search box. Pick any Arabic region (e.g. Arabic (Saudi Arabia)) — they all use the same Arabic 101 layout by default.
5
Click Next, then Install
Uncheck "Set as my Windows display language" unless you want the whole OS in Arabic. Click Install and wait ~30 seconds for the language pack.
6
Switch keyboards and start typing
Press Windows + Space to switch input methods, or click the "ENG / AR" indicator in the taskbar (bottom-right). Open Notepad or any text field to test.

Troubleshooting

Windows 11 only shows "Arabic" but no Arabic 101 option — which one do I pick?

Pick any Arabic regional variant (Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, etc.). All of them use the standard Arabic 101 layout on Windows. The choice of region only affects spellcheck dictionaries and date/number formatting, not the key positions.

I don't see an Arabic 101 vs 102 option — does Windows 11 support 102?

Windows 11 defaults to Arabic 101 for every Arabic regional variant. If you specifically need the 102 layout (most users don't), you can install it via Settings → Time & language → Language & region → click the three-dot menu next to Arabic → Language options → Add a keyboard → Arabic (102) AZERTY.

Windows + Space isn't switching to Arabic.

Make sure the language is actually installed (not still downloading). Open Settings → Time & language → Typing → Advanced keyboard settings → Input language hot keys, and confirm "Between input languages" is bound to a shortcut. Alt + Shift is the alternate combo.

Keyboard ready — what next?

Now that Windows 11 can type in Arabic, the next step is muscle memory. Most learners reach 25 WPM in a few weeks with our structured course.

Try the free typing test →Start the structured course

Frequently asked questions

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to restart Windows 11 after installing the Arabic keyboard?

No. The Arabic keyboard is available immediately after the language pack finishes downloading. You can switch to it with Windows + Space and start typing right away.

Will adding Arabic change the rest of my Windows display to Arabic?

No, as long as you leave "Set as my Windows display language" unchecked during installation. Adding Arabic only installs the keyboard layout; menus, settings, and apps stay in English.