To type in Urdu in Microsoft Word, first add the Urdu keyboard in Windows (Settings > Time & Language > Language & region > add Urdu, or add the keyboard under a language you already have), then switch to it with the language button on the taskbar or Windows + Spacebar. In Word, turn on right-to-left with the Right-to-Left paragraph button on the Home tab (or press Ctrl + Right Shift), pick an Urdu font such as Jameel Noori Nastaleeq, and type. Word handles the right-to-left flow automatically.
Quick Answer
Add the Urdu keyboard in Windows > switch with Windows + Spacebar > in Word click Right-to-Left (Ctrl + Right Shift) > choose an Urdu font > type.
Steps to Type in Urdu
- Open Settings > Time & Language > Language & region and add Urdu, then open its language options and add the keyboard if needed.
- Switch to the Urdu keyboard with the language button on the taskbar or Windows + Spacebar.
- In Word, on the Home tab, click the Right-to-Left Text Direction button, or press Ctrl + Right Shift.
- Choose an Urdu font such as Jameel Noori Nastaleeq or Noto Nastaliq Urdu (install it first if it isn’t listed).
- Start typing. Use the on-screen keyboard (Windows + Ctrl + O) if you don’t know the key layout.
Helpful Settings
| Task | How |
|---|---|
| Switch keyboards | Windows + Spacebar, or the taskbar language button |
| Right-to-left paragraph | Home tab RTL button, or Ctrl + Right Shift |
| Left-to-right (for English) | LTR button, or Ctrl + Left Shift |
| On-screen keyboard | Windows + Ctrl + O |
| Install an Urdu font | Right-click the font file > Install |
Troubleshooting
- Letters don’t join up: Use a proper Nastaliq or Urdu Naskh font; some Latin fonts don’t shape Urdu.
- Text goes to the wrong side: Turn on Right-to-Left for that paragraph.
- Need to install a font: See adding a font to Word.
- Numbers show the wrong style: Set File > Options > Advanced > Numeral to Context or Arabic as you prefer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to download anything?
The Urdu keyboard is built into Windows. You may want to install a Nastaliq font for a traditional look.
Can I mix Urdu and English?
Yes. Switch keyboards with Windows + Spacebar and toggle text direction as needed.
Does this work in Word for Mac?
Yes, after adding an Urdu input source in macOS Keyboard settings and enabling right-to-left in Word.
Summary
- Add the Urdu keyboard in Windows.
- Switch to it with Windows + Spacebar.
- Turn on Right-to-Left in Word.
- Pick an Urdu font and type.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.