How to Fix a Keyboard Typing the Wrong Characters

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Easily fix your keyboard layout with these simple steps

Co-authored by Megaera Lorenz, PhD Reviewed by Luigi Oppido

Last Updated: October 3, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Using Windows 11
|
• Using Windows 10
|
• Using a Mac
|
• Third-Party Keyboards
|
• Using Windows 8 and 8.1
|
• Using Windows 7
|
• Video
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• Q&A
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• Tips

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If your keyboard is typing incorrect letters or symbols, there's usually an easy fix. Whether the problem is that the wrong input language is selected or the NumLock key is on, we can help you find the culprit and resolve the issue. This guide will help you troubleshoot a keyboard that's typing the wrong characters on a Windows PC or Mac. We’ll also explain how to change your keyboard layout if you’re using a third-party Bluetooth or wired keyboard with Windows and Mac modes.

What to Do If Your Keyboard Is Typing the Wrong Characters

Computer specialist Luigi Oppido says this probably means you have the wrong keyboard loaded. You can typically fix this in your computer's language or keyboard settings. On a PC, go to Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region. Under "Preferred languages", select your language and click Options > Add a keyboard.

Steps

Method 1

Method 1 of 6:

Using Windows 11

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1. 
   1
   Make sure Num ⇩ (Num Lock) isn’t enabled. If your keyboard has a Num Lock key, you might have accidentally pressed it. This can cause some keys to display as numbers or symbols instead of the character written on the key. Try pressing Num Lock or Fn + Num Lock and see if that fixes the problem.
2. 
   2
   Switch your keyboard layout with the taskbar input language icon. Your keyboard may type the wrong characters if the wrong input language is selected. You can easily switch between keyboard layouts by clicking the input language icon in the taskbar at the bottom right corner of the screen, then selecting the correct language. This icon looks like a combination of characters representing your keyboard language and layout (e.g., US ENG for US English).

   • You’ll only see this icon if you have multiple input language options installed on your computer.
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3. 
   3
   Use the shortcut ⊞ Win + spacebar to quickly switch layouts. To swap between available input languages, press Windows key + spacebar. If nothing happens, you only have one keyboard layout installed.

   • You can also use Ctrl + Shift to switch between multiple keyboard layouts.
4. 
   4
   Edit your available keyboard layouts in the Time & Language menu. If your keyboard isn’t set to the right language, but you aren’t able to switch in the taskbar or using the Windows key + spacebar shortcut, you may need to install the keyboard layout you want. To do so:

   • Open the Start menu and select Settings > Time & language > Language & region.
   • Click ••• next to the current display language, then click Language options.
   • Under the Keyboard header, select Add a keyboard. Browse or search for the keyboard layout you want, then select it to add it to your list of available keyboards.
   • Once the keyboard is installed, you can switch to it from the taskbar or by using Windows key + spacebar.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 6:

Using Windows 10

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1. 
   1
   Check the NumLock and Fn+NumLock keys. Many laptops will convert a good chunk of the keyboard into a number pad if NumLock is enabled. Press NumLock or press the Fn + NumLock keys to make sure that it is disabled. Try typing again to see if your keys are fixed. If this doesn't fix your problem, you may have the wrong language selected.
2. 
   2
   Switch between your active keyboard layouts. If you have more than one keyboard layout installed, you can change on the fly. There are two different ways to do this:

   • Click the Language button in your System Tray. It has an abbreviation for your current language and keyboard layout. Then click the language you want to use. This only appears when you have more than one language or keyboard installed.
   • Press and hold the Windows key, then press the Spacebar to cycle through your installed languages and keyboards.
   • If you need to install a different language, continue with this method.
3. 
   3
   Open your Windows Settings

   

   . You can do this by clicking Settings or the gear icon in the Start menu.
4. 
   4
   Click Time & language. It's next to an icon that has a clock, a character, and a capital "A". This opens the region settings menu for your computer.
5. 
   5
   Click Region & Language. It's in the sidebar to the left of the Time & Language menu. It's next to an icon with a capital "A" and a character. This opens the Language menu. You can set the languages installed on your computer from this menu.
6. 
   6
   Click the + icon. It's below "Preferred Languages" in the Language menu. This opens the Language installer.
7. 
   7
   Type your language in the search bar. The search bar is at the top of the "Choose a language to install" window. This displays all languages that match your search result.

   • Some languages may have multiple options for different regions.
8. 
   8
   Select a language and click Next. Click the language of your choice to select it and then click Next in the lower-right corner of the window.
9. 
   9
   Click Install. It's in the lower-right corner of the window. This installs the language pack you chose.
10. 
    10
    Set your preferred default language. If you have more than one language here, the incorrect one may be selected, causing your keyboard to perform incorrectly. Select the language you want to use as your default language, then click the "Set as default" button.

    • Your display language will change to your new default language when you sign out and sign in.
11. 
    11
    Click the Up Arrow icon ↑ to move your language to the top of the list. This moves your preferred language up in the list of languages. The language at the top of the list below "Languages" is your default language.

    • Alternatively, you can click any languages you don't want to use and click Remove to uninstall them.
12. 
    12
    Click the Options button. This will load the additional options for your installed language. Here you can adjust the keyboard settings.
13. 
    13
    Click + and select your preferred keyboard layout. If your regular keyboard layout isn't listed, click the icon with a plus (+) sign below "Keyboards" in the sidebar to the left. Then click the keyboard layout you want to use. This adds the selected layout to your list of available keyboard layouts. You can change active keyboard layouts by clicking the language icon in the taskbar (See Step 2).

    • Keyboards that use a layout other than "QWERTY" will result in the wrong characters appearing when you hit the key for English languages.
    • Additionally, you can click a keyboard layout below "Keyboards" in the sidebar to the left and remove any keyboards you don't want to use.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 6:

Using macOS

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1. 
   1
   Switch between your installed languages. If you have multiple input languages installed on your Mac, you might have accidentally switched to a different one. Even switching between US and UK English creates differences in your keyboard layout. You can switch between your installed languages in a couple of different ways:

   • Click the icon that resembles a flag or a character in the menu bar at the top of your desktop. Then, select your preferred language and keyboard input method.
   • Press the Control key and the Spacebar to cycle through your installed languages.
     • You can also use Control + Option + Spacebar to change your input source.
     • In older versions of macOS, you may need to use Command + Spacebar instead.
   • These options will only work if you have multiple input sources active on your Mac. Keep reading to learn how to install multiple input languages/keyboard layouts.
2. 
   2
   Press the Globe key if you have a Magic Keyboard. The Globe key on your Apple Magic Keyboard allows you to cycle through different text input/keyboard layout options quickly. If you pressed it by accident, you might have switched to a different language setting without realizing it. Press the key a few times and see if that corrects the issue.
3. 
   3
   Click the Apple menu and select System Settings to change your input settings. This will open the System Settings menu, where you can set which input languages are available on your computer.
4. 
   4
   Click the Keyboard option. You may need to scroll down to find this option in the left menu pane. It has an icon that resembles a keyboard. This will display your keyboard settings.
5. 
   5
   Click Edit next to Input Sources. You’ll find this option under the Text Input header.
6. 
   6
   Click +. It’s in the bottom left corner of the window. This opens a menu that allows you to add more languages.

   • Additionally, you can click any languages or keyboard inputs in the list of languages and click the minus (-) below the list to remove those languages.
7. 
   7
   Search for your preferred language. Use the search bar in the lower-right corner of the window to search for your preferred language. This displays a list of languages that match your search.
8. 
   8
   Select your preferred language and click Add. When you see your preferred language in the list to the right, click it to select it. Then, click "Add" in the lower-right corner of the window to add your preferred language. You can add as many languages as you need. Click the flag or character icon in the menu bar at the top of the screen to select your preferred keyboard layout or language.

   • After you click Add, click Done at the bottom of the Input Sources menu to save your changes.
   • If you don’t see an input language icon in the menu bar at the top of the screen, make sure Show input menu in menu bar is toggled on in the Input Sources menu.
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Method 4

Method 4 of 6:

Switching Layouts on a Third-Party Keyboard

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1. 
   1
   Check if your keyboard has Windows vs. Mac settings. Some wired or wireless third-party keyboards can switch between Windows and Mac keyboard layouts. If your keyboard isn’t working the way you expect, check the manual or look for indications on the keyboard itself that it might have multiple layout options.
2. 
   2
   Press the correct keyboard shortcut to change layouts. The correct key combination depends on the brand and model of the keyboard. If you don’t see an obvious key to switch between Windows and Mac mode, check the manual or look up your keyboard online.

   • Some keyboards have a physical switch somewhere on the back or bottom that lets you flip between PC and Mac modes.
   • In many cases, you can switch modes by pressing the Fn key in combination with another key (such as Fn + W for Windows mode).
3. 
   3
   Remap your keyboard if necessary. If your keyboard can’t switch between Mac and Windows mode, you might still be able to adjust some settings so it works for you.

   • On a Mac, go to
     
     Apple menu > System Settings > Keyboard and click Keyboard Shortcuts under the Keyboard navigation header. Use the tabs on the left side of the window to make changes to different types of keyboard shortcuts.
     • If you’re using a keyboard with a Windows layout, you’ll probably want to select the Modifier Keys option at the bottom of the menu. This will allow you to change things like the function of the Control and Alt keys.
   • If you’re using Windows, you can remap your keyboard using the PowerToys Keyboard Manager utility. First, you’ll need to install Microsoft PowerToys. Once you have PowerToys, check out this detailed tutorial from Microsoft about how to remap your keys.
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Method 5

Method 5 of 6:

Using Windows 8 and 8.1

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1. 
   1
   Check the NumLock and Fn+NumLock keys. Many laptops will convert a good chunk of the keyboard into a number pad if NumLock is enabled. Press "NumLock" or press "FN" + "NumLock" keys to make sure that it is disabled. Try typing again to see if your keys are fixed. If this doesn't fix your problem, you may have the wrong language selected.
2. 
   2
   Switch between your installed keyboards. There are several ways that you can change your input language if you have multiple keyboards installed:

   • Click the Language button in your System Tray. It has an abbreviation for your current language and keyboard layout. Then click the language you want to use. This only appears when you have more than one language or keyboard installed.
   • Press and hold the Windows button and press the Spacebar to cycle between your installed languages and keyboards.
3. 
   3
   Press ⊞ Win+C to open the Charms menu. If the previous steps didn't resolve your issue, continue with this method. You can also open this by moving your mouse to the lower-right corner of the screen, or by swiping in from the right.
4. 
   4
   Click Settings

   

   . It's below an icon that resembles a gear in the Charms bar. This opens the Settings menu.
5. 
   5
   Click Control Panel. This opens the Windows Control Panel.

   • This may be under "Change PC settings" or "more PC settings" in the lower-right corner of the Settings menu.
6. 
   6
   Click Change input method. It's below "Clock, Language & Region" in the Control Panel. It's next to an icon that resembles a clock and a globe.
7. 
   7
   Click Options. It's to the right of the selected language in the "Change your language preferences" menu.

   • If the selected language is incorrect, click your preferred language in the list of languages. Click the button that says Move Up above the list of languages until your preferred language is at the top of the list.
   • If your preferred language is not listed, click Add Language at the top of the menu and select your preferred language. Then download the language package.
   • Additionally, you can click Remove next to any keyboards or input methods you don't use in the "Language Options" window to uninstall them.
8. 
   8
   Click Add an input method. It's the blue text in the area labeled "Input method".
9. 
   9
   Type your language or keyboard layout in the search bar. The search bar is in the upper-right corner of the "Input method" window. This displays a list of keyboard layouts and input methods.
10. 
    10
    Click your preferred keyboard layout. It's in the list of keyboard layouts and input methods. This selects the input method.
11. 
    11
    Click Add. It's in the lower-right corner of the "Input Method" window. This adds your input method and returns to the "Language Options" menu.
12. 
    12
    Click Save. It's in the lower-right corner of the "Language Options" menu. This saves your language and keyboard input settings. You can change between preferred languages and keyboard inputs by clicking the language icon in the taskbar (See Step 2).
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Method 6

Method 6 of 6:

Using Windows 7

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1. 
   1
   Check the NumLock and Fn+NumLock keys. Many laptops will convert a good chunk of the keyboard into a number pad if NumLock is enabled. Press "NumLock" or press "FN" + "NumLock" keys to make sure that it is disabled. Try typing again to see if your keys are fixed. If this doesn't fix your problem, you may have the wrong language selected.
2. 
   2
   Switch between your installed keyboards. If you have multiple keyboards installed that you want to switch between, there are a couple of ways that you can do it:

   • Click the icon that resembles a keyboard in the taskbar in the lower-right corner. This can be found next to the System Tray. If you don't see it, right-click the taskbar and select "Toolbars" → "Language bar."
   • Press and hold the Windows button and press the Spacebar to cycle between your installed languages.
3. 
   3
   Click the Windows Start menu

   

   . It's the button with the Windows logo. It's in the lower-right corner by default.
4. 
   4
   Click Control Panel. It's to the left in the Start menu. This launches the Control Panel. You can use the Control Panel to remove keyboards you don't use or install ones that you need.
5. 
   5
   Click Change keyboards or other input methods. It's below "Clock, Language & Region" in the Control Panel. It's next to an icon that resembles a clock and a globe.
6. 
   6
   Click the Keyboards and Languages tab. It's at the top of the "Region and Languages" window. This will open your keyboard options.
7. 
   7
   Click Change keyboards. It's near the top of the menu. This will open a list of your installed keyboards in a new window.
8. 
   8
   Click the Add button. If your preferred input language isn't listed, clicking the "Add" will allow you to browse through all of the available input languages.
9. 
   9
   Click your preferred language and check your preferred keyboard layout. Click your language in the list of languages to display a list of available regions and keyboard layouts. Click the checkbox next to your preferred keyboard layout.
10. 
    10
    Click Ok. This adds your preferred language and layout method.
11. 
    11
    Select the preferred keyboard layout. Use the drop-down menu below "Default input language" to select your preferred language and keyboard input.

    • Additionally, you can click any languages and keyboard methods you don't use in the "Installed services" list and click Remove to the right to uninstall those languages and keyboard inputs.
    • Click your preferred keyboard input in the list before "Installed Services" and click Move Up until your preferred list is at the top of the list.
12. 
    12
    Click Apply. This applies your language and keyboard settings. You can change between your preferred keyboard inputs by clicking the keyboard icon in the system tray at the bottom of the screen (See Step 2.).
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Community Q&A

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• Question

  When I press @ I get " - how can I change them around?

  

  Community Answer

  You might have it in a wrong language. If it's Windows, then the right bottom corner should provide you with other languages or try pressing Alt + Shift.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

  Yes No

  Not Helpful 59 Helpful 108
• Question

  What should I do if I have Windows 10 and my keys aren't working right?

  

  Community Answer

  Reset your computer and your keyboard settings. Check if you have any viruses on your computer; sometimes they mess up your keyboard config.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

  Yes No

  Not Helpful 21 Helpful 36
• Question

  When I input the numeric key as a capital for @, I get ", and when I input 3 for a hashtag, I get nothing. What can I do?

  

  Community Answer

  I had the same problem and it was resolved. I changed the language from English-United Kingdom to English United States International (I make it as my default keyboard language). Just follow the steps above for windows 7.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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  Not Helpful 34 Helpful 59

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Tips

• Your keyboard may simply be broken. If it suffered water damage, a short could be causing incorrect signals, resulting in the wrong characters appearing. You may need a replacement keyboard.
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• My Logitech K360 would do this when I pressed the space key, so I tested a bunch of key combos. The problem ended up being the "shift + space" combination. When you use this combo, it switches between languages. It happened all the time since I use those keys the most. It would drive me crazy, but I finally figured it out.

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