How to Install the Urdu Keyboard in Windows 10 & 11 (Built-in Method)
You do not need to download anything to type Urdu on a Windows PC. Windows 10 and Windows 11 already include a full Urdu keyboard — it just needs to be switched on once in Settings. This guide adds the built-in Urdu (Pakistan) keyboard, shows how to switch to it, and fixes the problems people usually meet on the way.
Table of Contents
What You Need
- A PC or laptop running Windows 10 or Windows 11.
- An internet connection for the small language-features download Windows performs during setup.
- About two minutes. No third-party software is involved, and the keyboard is free.
Step by Step: Add the Urdu Keyboard (Windows 11 and Windows 10)
Step 1: Open Language Settings
Open Settings and go to Time & language. On Windows 11 open Language & region; on Windows 10 open Language.
Step 2: Add a Language
Click Add a language (next to “Preferred languages”).
Step 3: Choose Urdu (Pakistan)
Search for Urdu, select Urdu (Pakistan) — the layout Pakistani users need — and click Next.
Step 4: Install the Language Features
On the “Install language features” screen, leave Basic typing ticked (the language pack and supplemental fonts are optional extras; basic typing is what provides the keyboard) and click Install. Windows downloads the features and adds Urdu to your language list — the keyboard is now installed.
Switching Between English and Urdu
- Press Win + Space to cycle between English and Urdu — the reliable shortcut on both Windows 10 and 11.
- Or click the language indicator (ENG) on the taskbar and choose Urdu (Pakistan).
- Alt + Shift also cycles layouts on many systems, but it can be changed or disabled in advanced keyboard settings — if it does nothing, use Win + Space.
Open Word, Notepad or your browser and type — with Urdu selected, your keys now produce Urdu characters. The keyboard is system-wide, so it works in every app, including Microsoft Word, WhatsApp Desktop and design software.
The On-Screen Urdu Keyboard
If you are learning the layout, turn on the on-screen keyboard: press Win + Ctrl + O, switch the language to Urdu, and the keys show the Urdu characters while you type. Many beginners keep it open for the first few days until the layout sticks.
A Note About Phonetic Layouts
The built-in Windows keyboard uses the standard Urdu layout, where each key maps to an Urdu letter by position, not by sound. A phonetic layout (type “b” for ب, and so on) is easier for some beginners, but it is not built into Windows — phonetic keyboards are separate downloads from third parties. If you are starting fresh, learning the standard built-in layout pays off, because it is the same layout used on office and university computers across Pakistan.
After the Keyboard: Fonts for Urdu Typing
The keyboard produces Urdu characters, but how they look depends on the font. Install a proper Nastaliq or Naskh font with our PC font installation guide — Jameel Noori Nastaleeq is the classic choice — then type in it anywhere. If you write in the browser, our Google Docs Urdu guide shows the built-in Nastaliq option there, and the Urdu fonts category has the full collection to choose from.
Common Problems and Fixes
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Urdu not in the language list | Use Add a language and search “Urdu” — choose Urdu (Pakistan), not Urdu (India), for the Pakistani layout |
| Keyboard installed but typing still English | Check the taskbar indicator says Urdu (not ENG); switch with Win + Space |
| Alt + Shift does not switch | It may be disabled in advanced keyboard settings — Win + Space always works |
| Urdu types but looks broken in Word | Usually a font/rendering issue, not the keyboard — see the Urdu font problems guide |
| Remove the Urdu keyboard | Settings > Time & language > Language & region > Urdu > … > Remove |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need to download an Urdu keyboard for Windows?
No download from any website is needed. The Urdu keyboard is a built-in Windows feature: add Urdu (Pakistan) under Settings > Time & language and Windows installs the keyboard itself. Only the language features are fetched from Microsoft during that one-time setup.
How do I add the Urdu keyboard in Windows 11?
Open Settings > Time & language > Language & region, click Add a language, choose Urdu (Pakistan), click Next, keep Basic typing ticked and click Install. Switch to it any time with Win + Space. Windows 10 is the same, with the page simply named “Language”.
How do I switch between English and Urdu keyboards?
Press Win + Space to cycle layouts, or click the ENG/Urdu indicator on the taskbar and pick the one you want. Alt + Shift also works on many systems but can be disabled in advanced keyboard settings.
Which should I choose: Urdu (Pakistan) or Urdu (India)?
Urdu (Pakistan). It provides the standard layout used in Pakistan, with the characters and conventions Pakistani Urdu typing expects. Urdu (India) is a regional variant intended for India.
Does the Windows Urdu keyboard work in Microsoft Word and browsers?
Yes. It is a system-wide input method, so it works in Word, browsers, Notepad, WhatsApp Desktop and design apps alike. Pair it with a Unicode Urdu font such as Jameel Noori Nastaleeq for proper Nastaliq display.
Is there a phonetic Urdu keyboard built into Windows?
No — the built-in layout is the standard Urdu layout, not a phonetic (sound-based) one. Phonetic keyboards exist as separate third-party downloads. Beginners usually adapt to the standard layout quickly, especially with the on-screen keyboard (Win + Ctrl + O) showing the Urdu keys.
Why does Urdu text look wrong even with the keyboard installed?
The keyboard only produces the characters; the font and the app decide how they look. If letters show as boxes or do not join, you are likely using a font without Urdu glyphs or a legacy font — our common Urdu font problems guide walks through each case and its fix.
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