How to change qwerty to azerty Windows 8.1

Are you a Windows 8.1 user looking to switch your keyboard layout from QWERTY to AZERTY? Whether you're a native French speaker or simply prefer the AZERTY layout, making this adjustment can enhance your typing experience and productivity. Fortunately, Windows 8.1 offers simple methods to customize your keyboard settings. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to seamlessly transition from QWERTY to AZERTY on your Windows 8.1 system.
What shortcuts can I use to quickly switch from QWERTY to AZERTY and vice versa?

A Comprehensive Guide: Changing QWERTY to AZERTY Keyboard Layout on Windows 8.1

Before diving into the conversion process, let's briefly understand the differences between the QWERTY and AZERTY keyboard layouts. The QWERTY layout is the standard keyboard configuration for English-speaking regions, while the AZERTY layout is commonly used in French-speaking countries and regions. The primary distinction lies in the arrangement of keys, particularly the placement of letters and special characters.

Step-by-Step Guide to Change Keyboard Layout

Method 1: Using Control Panel

1. Access Control Panel: Navigate to the Control Panel on your Windows 8.1 system. You can do this by pressing the Windows key, typing "Control Panel," and hitting Enter.
2. Select Language: In the Control Panel, locate and click on the "Language" or "Region and Language" option.
3. Add a Language: Click on the "Add a language" button. Search for "French (France)" or any other variant of French that suits your preferences.
4. Set as Default: Once French is added, click on it and select "Set as default."
5. Change Keyboard Layout: After setting French as the default language, click on the "Options" button next to it. This will open a new window.
6. Add AZERTY Layout: In the new window, click on "Add an input method." Search for "French (France) - AZERTY" and add it to your keyboard layout options.
7. Remove QWERTY Layout (Optional): If you prefer, you can remove the QWERTY layout by clicking on it and selecting "Remove."
8. Apply Changes: Click "Save" or "Apply" to confirm your changes. You may need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Method 2: Using Settings

1. Open Settings: Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
2. Navigate to Time & Language: In the Settings app, click on "Time & Language."
3. Select Language: Under the "Language" section, click on "Add a language."
4. Add French Language: Search for "French (France)" or your preferred French variant and click on it to add it to your system.
5. Change Keyboard Layout: Once French is added, click on it and select "Options."
6. Add AZERTY Layout: In the options menu, click on "Add a keyboard" and choose "French (France) - AZERTY" from the list.
7. Set as Default: Make sure to set French as the default language if it's not already.
8. Apply Changes: Click "Save" or "Apply" to confirm your changes.

Verifying the Changes

1. Open a Text Editor: Open any text editor or word processing software.
2. Type Test Text: Start typing to ensure that the keys correspond to the AZERTY layout.
3. Check Special Characters: Verify that special characters such as accents (é, è, à) are easily accessible.

If everything looks correct, congratulations! You've successfully changed your keyboard layout from QWERTY to AZERTY on Windows 8.1.

Conclusion

Customizing your keyboard layout to match your preferences can significantly improve your typing speed and efficiency, especially if you're more comfortable with a particular layout like AZERTY. With Windows 8.1's intuitive interface, switching between different keyboard layouts is a straightforward process. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can seamlessly transition to the AZERTY layout and enjoy a more personalized computing experience.