Alt-Gr + Shift no longer switches keyboard language back to English after Windows 11 update

Omar Talaat 20 Reputation points
2025-12-04T12:01:05.89+00:00

Hi, After a recent Windows 11 update, my language shortcut stopped working properly.

I use Shift + Alt-Gr to switch between English and Arabic. It switches from English → Arabic, but it won’t switch back from Arabic → English. The shortcut only works in one direction.

I already checked language settings and keyboard layouts—no fix.

How can I restore the full toggle?

Thanks.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Settings
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6 answers

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  1. Q&A Assist
    2025-12-04T12:01:21.87+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    It seems that you are experiencing an issue with the keyboard language toggle after a Windows 11 update. Here are a few steps you can try to restore the full toggle functionality:

    1. Check Keyboard Shortcuts: Go to Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region. Under the "Preferred languages" section, click on your language and select "Options". Ensure that the keyboard shortcuts for switching languages are set correctly.
    2. Change Input Method: Sometimes, changing the input method can help. In the same settings menu, try adding a new keyboard layout for English and Arabic, then remove the old ones.
    3. Use PowerToys Keyboard Manager: If you have Microsoft PowerToys installed, you can use the Keyboard Manager utility to remap your keys. Ensure that PowerToys is running as an administrator to avoid any issues with remapping.
    4. Registry Edit: If the issue persists, you might consider checking the registry settings related to keyboard layouts, but be cautious as incorrect changes can cause system issues.
    5. Update Drivers: Ensure that your keyboard drivers are up to date. You can do this through Device Manager.
    6. Windows Updates: Make sure your Windows is fully updated, as Microsoft may release fixes for known issues in subsequent updates.

    If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may want to consider reaching out to Microsoft Support for further assistance.


    References:

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  2. Kimberly Olaño 19,855 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-12-04T12:37:20.0633333+00:00

    Thanks for sharing the details, Omar! Try to disable the “Advanced Keyboard Input Service” (Text Input Processor)

    This service sometimes hijacks the input switch when Alt-Gr is involved.

    Press Win + R, type:

    services.msc

    Find Touch Keyboard and Handwriting Panel Service

    Set Startup type → Disabled

    Click Stop

    Reboot

    This service hooks into the Text Input Processor (TIP) and interferes with custom language toggles such as Shift + Alt-Gr, especially with Arabic layouts.

    Best regards,
    Kimberly


  3. Kimberly Olaño 19,855 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-12-04T13:35:57.2733333+00:00

    Right, for your version it was removed not just renamed.

    Since the old service no longer exists, here is the new practical fix for 25H2 that restores language toggle behavior.

    Re-register Windows Input Text Services (25H2)

    This resets the entire input subsystem (wiservice + TextInputHost + TIP), which directly controls your shortcut.

    Open PowerShell (Admin) and run:

    Get-AppxPackage MicrosoftWindows.Client.Core | Reset-AppxPackage

    Then run:

    Get-AppxPackage MicrosoftWindowsNotepad | Reset-AppxPackage

    (Yes, Notepad is tied to the TextInputHost framework.)

    Then restart your PC.


  4. Kimberly Olaño 19,855 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-12-04T14:33:51.0666667+00:00

    This does not use | at all and works even with damaged IME/TextInputHost configs.

    Run in PowerShell (Admin):

    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

    Then:

    sfc /scannow

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  5. barkoosh 0 Reputation points
    2025-12-04T16:45:50.61+00:00

    When you say Alt-Gr, do you mean the right Alt key? Switching input language has always been done with left Alt + Shift. There isn’t even an option to use the right Alt key.

    On my PC, right Alt + Shift behaves the same way you described, but I’ve never used it.

    sc

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