Issue with Right Alt + Shift Not Switching Languages Properly in Windows

Question

Hello,

I am experiencing an issue in Windows with the keyboard shortcut Right Alt + Shift used for switching input languages. The shortcut works only when switching from English to Arabic, but it does not work when switching from Arabic back to English. Meanwhile, the Left Alt + Shift shortcut works normally in both directions.

I have already tried the following troubleshooting steps, but the problem persists:

Adjusting the Advanced Keyboard Settings.

Removing and re-adding the input languages.

Resetting the Input Language Hotkeys.

Testing with an external keyboard – the issue remains the same.

Running settings/tools as Administrator.

Fully updating the Windows system.

Despite all of this, Right Alt + Shift still does not work when switching from Arabic to English.

Please assist in resolving this issue, as it significantly affects my workflow and typing speed. Kindly advise if there is an update or specific configuration that can fix this problem.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi Mohamed,

Thank you for sharing your question. I understand how annoying this language switching thing is when you need it to work fast. Based on what Microsoft says and what others are seeing, I am here to help.

The reason Right Alt + Shift only goes one way (English to Arabic) is a bug in recent Windows updates (like KB5070311 for Windows 11). It's not your fault. Left Alt + Shift still works because the system likes it better. Right Alt (which is like AltGr) can mess with language switching, especially after updates.

Please follow these steps.

Double-Check Your Shortcut Settings

Head to Settings > Time & Language > Typing > Advanced keyboard settings.

Click Input language hotkeys → Change Key Sequence.

Make sure both Left and Right Alt + Shift are turned on for switching languages. Turn them back on if they aren't.

Use a Different Shortcut for Now

Try using Win + Spacebar to switch languages. People say it works even when Alt + Shift doesn't.

Look for Bad Updates

If this started after you updated Windows, get rid of the update that's causing trouble:

Go to Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates.

 

I hope this helps.

 

Best Regards,

Noel