Add Arabic on Windows
- 01
Open Settings
Press Windows key + I, or click the Start menu and choose Settings.
Win+I - 02
Go to Time & Language
In Windows 11, click Time & Language, then Language & Region. In Windows 10, click Time & Language, then Language in the sidebar.
Fig. settings → language & region - 03
Add a language
Click Add a language (Windows 11) or Add a preferred language (Windows 10).
- 04
Search for Arabic
Type "Arabic" in the search box. You'll see several options — Arabic (Saudi Arabia), Arabic (Egypt), and so on. Any of them work for typing. Pick the one that matches the dialect you're learning, or just go with Arabic (Saudi Arabia) if you're not sure.
Fig. add a language dialog with arabic options - 05
Install
Click Next, then Install. Windows downloads the language pack. You don't need to install handwriting or speech features unless you want them.
- 06
Switch to Arabic
Look at your taskbar — there's a new language indicator (usually says "ENG"). Click it and choose Arabic, or press Windows key + Space to switch.
Fig. taskbar language switcher
How to switch between English and Arabic
Press Windows + Space to cycle through your installed keyboards. Or use Alt + Shift if you prefer (this is the old shortcut and still works).
The Arabic 101 keyboard layout
Windows uses the standard Arabic 101 layout. Your physical keys still show English letters, so it helps to learn the mapping.