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On Windows 8.1 it seems as though I can't have the keyboard layout I want - I am based in the UK and if I set my language to UK English it seems to think that means I want a US keyboard layout with it's zany interpretation of where the @ and " symbols belong, quite contrary to what is printed on my keys.

If I switch to the United Kingdom Extended layout, I get my basic layout correct but now if I want to use the backtick ( which I do if I'm posting on a StackExchange site ) it has turned into an annoying auto-deadkey and I can't find any way to turn it off. I know I can follow it with a space but why should I have to? The Symbol is right there on the key!

Is there a way to have a UK keyboard layout on Windows 8.1 without breaking the behaviour of my keyboard with unwanted and unexpected deadkeys?

glenatron
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2 Answers2

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can I have a UK English Keyboard layout with a usable ` key?

You need to configure the keyboard to use the non-extended version that works with your keyboard layout.

Windows 7

  • Start > Control Panel > Region and Language

  • Select the Keyboard and Languages tab

  • Press Change keyboards

  • Press Add

  • If you have a UK based keyboard layout select English (United Kingdom) > Keyboard > Show more ... > United Kingdom (not United Kingdom Extended)

    enter image description here

  • Press OK a few times

Windows 8.1

See Add a keyboard layout.

Community
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DavidPostill
  • 162,382
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The solution to this problem turned out to be the answer to another question: How do I remove English-US from Windows 8.1

Specifically I needed to add a UK English input method to the US English language. Once I had selected that, I could remove the US English language and now I got to keep the UK Keyboard layout for some reason. Doesn't make much sense, but at least it works!

Community
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glenatron
  • 175