How to Use Japanese Keyboard on Windows 10
Setting up a Japanese keyboard on Windows 10 is super simple and can be done in just a few minutes. First, you’ll need to add the Japanese language pack, then enable the Japanese keyboard. Once that’s done, you can switch between English and Japanese with a quick keyboard shortcut. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Use Japanese Keyboard Windows 10
This tutorial will guide you through each step to set up and use a Japanese keyboard on your Windows 10 computer. By the end, you’ll be able to type in Japanese with ease.
Step 1: Open Settings
First, open the Settings app on your Windows 10 computer.
To do this, click on the Start menu and then select the gear icon labeled "Settings." Alternatively, you can press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open the Settings app directly.
Step 2: Go to Time & Language
Next, head over to the Time & Language section in Settings.
In the Settings window, look for the "Time & Language" option and click on it. This section is where you can change your system language and other regional settings.
Step 3: Click on Language
Now, click on the Language tab on the left sidebar.
In the Time & Language settings, you’ll see several options on the left side. Click "Language" to proceed to the language settings page.
Step 4: Add a Language
Click on "Add a language" to include Japanese.
In the Language settings, you’ll see a section called "Preferred languages." Click the "Add a language" button, which will open a new window with a list of available languages you can add.
Step 5: Select Japanese
Select Japanese from the list and click Next.
Scroll through the list until you find "Japanese" and click on it. Then, click the "Next" button at the bottom of the window.
Step 6: Install Language Pack
Click "Install" to add the Japanese language pack.
In the next window, you’ll see options to install the language pack and set Japanese as your display language if you want. Just click "Install," and Windows will start downloading the necessary files.
Step 7: Change Keyboard Layout
Once installed, change the keyboard layout to Japanese.
After the language pack is installed, go back to the Language settings. Find Japanese in the list of installed languages and click on it. Then, click "Options" and add the Japanese keyboard if it isn’t already added.
Step 8: Switch Keyboard Layout
Use the Windows key + Spacebar to switch between keyboards.
With everything set up, you can now switch between the English and Japanese keyboards by pressing the Windows key + Spacebar. This shortcut lets you toggle through your installed keyboards quickly.
Now that your Japanese keyboard is set up, you can start typing in Japanese. Just switch to the Japanese keyboard layout, and you’ll see that you can type both hiragana and katakana, as well as kanji.
Tips for Using Japanese Keyboard Windows 10
- When typing in Japanese, use the spacebar to convert hiragana to kanji.
- You can customize the Japanese input settings by going to the "Options" menu under Japanese in the Language settings.
- Learn common keyboard shortcuts for switching languages to make your workflow smoother.
- Practice typing to get familiar with the keyboard layout, especially if you’re new to it.
- Use online typing tools and games to improve your Japanese typing skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I switch back to the English keyboard?
You can switch back by pressing the Windows key + Spacebar. This will cycle through your installed keyboards.
Do I need an internet connection to install the Japanese pack?
Yes, an internet connection is required to download the language pack files.
Can I use the Japanese keyboard without changing my display language?
Absolutely! You can add the Japanese keyboard without changing the system’s display language.
Will this change my entire system language to Japanese?
No, unless you specifically choose to change the display language during the installation process.
Is it possible to remove the Japanese keyboard later?
Yes, you can remove it by going back to the Language settings and clicking "Remove" next to Japanese in the list of installed languages.
Summary of Steps to Use Japanese Keyboard Windows 10
- Open Settings.
- Go to Time & Language.
- Click on Language.
- Add a Language.
- Select Japanese.
- Install Language Pack.
- Change Keyboard Layout.
- Switch Keyboard Layout.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve successfully set up the Japanese keyboard on your Windows 10 computer. This will open up new horizons for you, whether you’re learning the language, working on a project, or just exploring something new.
Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you use the Japanese keyboard, the more comfortable you’ll become with it. There are plenty of online resources and typing tools to help you get better. Once you get the hang of it, typing in Japanese will feel as natural as typing in English.
So, go ahead and start typing away! Whether you’re sending an email, writing a report, or just chatting with friends, your new skill will definitely come in handy. And who knows? This might just be the start of your journey to mastering the Japanese language.

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.