How do I change the input on my Windows computer?

Changing the input on your Windows computer can refer to several different actions, most commonly adjusting your audio input device (like a microphone) or switching your keyboard's input language. Below, we'll cover the most frequent ways to modify your input settings.

How to Change Your Default Audio Input Device (Microphone or Line-In)

If you need to switch between different microphones, headsets, or other audio input devices on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC, you can do so through the sound settings. This is essential for ensuring your computer uses the correct microphone for video calls, recordings, or voice commands.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Access Settings:

   • Click on the Start button (Windows icon) in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
   • Select the Settings icon (a gear shape).

2. Navigate to Sound Settings:

   • In the Settings window, click on System.
   • From the left-hand menu, select Sound.

3. Choose Your Input Device:

   • Scroll down to the "Input" section.
   • Under "Choose your input device" or "Input device," you will see a dropdown menu. Click on this menu.
   • Select the desired microphone or audio input device from the list of available options. Ensure the device is properly connected to your computer.

4. Test Your Microphone:

   • Once you've selected your input device, speak into your microphone.
   • You should see a "Test your microphone" section with an input level indicator. If the bar moves when you speak, your microphone is working and picking up sound.
   • You can also adjust the "Input volume" here to make your microphone louder or quieter.

Quick Tip: Using the Taskbar

For a faster way to access sound settings:

• Right-click on the Speaker icon in the taskbar (usually near the clock).
• Select Sound settings to jump directly to the relevant section.

How to Change Your Keyboard Input Language or Layout

If you need to type in a different language or use a specific keyboard layout (e.g., QWERTY, AZERTY, Dvorak), Windows allows you to easily add and switch between multiple input methods.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Access Language Settings:

   • Click on the Start button.
   • Select the Settings icon.
   • Click on Time & Language.
   • From the left-hand menu, select Language & Region (or just "Language" in older Windows 10 versions).

2. Add a New Language:

   • Under "Preferred languages," click on Add a language.
   • Search for the language you wish to add (e.g., "French," "Spanish," "Japanese").
   • Select the language and click Next.
   • Choose any additional features you want (like text-to-speech, handwriting, basic typing) and click Install.

3. Switch Between Languages:
   Once multiple languages are installed, you can switch between them using several methods:

   • Taskbar Language Indicator: Click on the language abbreviation (e.g., "ENG" for English) located on the right side of your taskbar. A small menu will appear, allowing you to select your desired language or keyboard layout.
   • Keyboard Shortcut (Windows + Spacebar): Press and hold the Windows key and then tap the Spacebar. Each tap will cycle through your installed languages.
   • Keyboard Shortcut (Alt + Shift): Press Alt + Shift simultaneously to cycle through your installed keyboard layouts.

Managing Keyboard Layouts

• Within the Language & Region settings, click on the three dots next to an installed language.
• Select Language options to add or remove specific keyboard layouts associated with that language. For example, you can add "United States-International" or "Dvorak" layouts to the English language.

Summary of Input Changes

Here's a quick overview of the common input changes and their primary navigation paths:

Input Type	Primary Purpose	Navigation Path (Windows 10/11)	Quick Switch Method
Audio Input	Change microphone, headset, or line-in	Start > Settings > System > Sound > Input	Right-click Speaker Icon > Sound Settings
Keyboard Language	Switch typing language or keyboard layout	Start > Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region > Add Language	Taskbar Language Indicator, Win + Spacebar, Alt + Shift

These methods ensure you can effectively manage and switch between different input devices and languages on your Windows computer, enhancing your productivity and communication experience.