Switch Keyboard Language (Win+Space / ⌃⌥Space)
Flip between your installed input languages with one shortcut — Windows and Mac keys side by side.
| Action | Mac | Windows | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Next input language / source | ⌃⌥Space | Win+Space | |
| Previous input source | ⌃Space | Win+Space (hold, then release) | |
| Switch keyboard layout (same language) | ⌃⌥Space | Alt+Shift (or Left Alt+Shift) | |
| Cycle all input methods | ⌃⌥Space (repeat) | Ctrl+Shift |
Switch languages with one key combo
On Windows press Win+Space to pop the input-language switcher and cycle through every keyboard you've added; hold Win and tap Space to keep moving. On the Mac press ⌃⌥Space (Control+Option+Space) to jump to the next input source, or ⌃Space (Control+Space) to go to the previous one.
Language vs keyboard layout
Windows separates input language (Win+Space) from keyboard layout within a language. The old Alt+Shift combo switches layout and Ctrl+Shift cycles keyboards — you can remap these under Settings → Time & language → Typing → Advanced keyboard settings. macOS treats each layout as an input source, so ⌃⌥Space steps through them all.
If the shortcut doesn't work
You need at least two input sources installed first. On Windows add them under Settings → Time & language → Language & region. On the Mac add them under System Settings → Keyboard → Input Sources, where you can also re-enable or change the ⌃Space / ⌃⌥Space shortcuts if Spotlight (⌘Space) is grabbing them.
FAQ
What is the switch keyboard language shortcut?
Windows: Win+Space to cycle input languages. Mac: Control+Option+Space (⌃⌥Space) for the next input source, or Control+Space (⌃Space) for the previous one.
How do I switch keyboard layout on Windows without changing language?
Press Alt+Shift (or Left Alt+Shift) to switch layout, and Ctrl+Shift to cycle keyboards within the current language.
The Mac shortcut opens Spotlight instead — why?
⌘Space is Spotlight. Language switching is ⌃Space / ⌃⌥Space (Control, not Command). If they conflict, change them under System Settings → Keyboard → Input Sources or Keyboard Shortcuts.