In a society that is rapidly becoming more digital, having the ability to type in your mother tongue can make a significant difference. If you speak Tamil as your main language, installing a Tamil keyboard on your Windows 10 device makes it easy to write in Tamil for various purposes like messages and documents. Windows 10 has the advantage of supporting various languages, including Tamil, and it is simple and fast to configure a Tamil keyboard.
In this detailed post, we will guide you through the process of adding a Tamil keyboard to Windows 10, addressing common problems, and exploring different keyboard layouts to enhance your typing experience in your preferred language. If you're using Windows 11, check out our complete guide for installing a Tamil keyboard in Windows 11.
Contents
Why Add a Tamil Keyboard to Windows 10?
Before we start setting up, let's explore the advantages of adding a Tamil keyboard.:
- Seamless Communication: Whether you are writing emails or chatting with your family and friends, typing in your native language Tamil enhances communication, making it easier to express your thoughts seamlessly.
- Increased Efficiency: Directly typing in Tamil using keyboard helps you to avoid language-translating tools and allows you to compose content faster.
- Professional Use: If your work involves creating Tamil contents or filling out Tamil documents, then Tamil keyboard will save you a lot of time.
Additionally, we will cover some tips like how to switch between Tamil and other languages in this post, ensuring a smooth experience if you are a bilingual user like Tamil and English or any other languages.
Steps to Add Tamil Keyboard
Step 1: Open the Settings App
To start, you will need to open the Settings menu on your Windows 10 computer.
- Quick Access: Press the Windows Key + I to open the Settings window menu instantly.
- Alternatively, you can click on the Start Menu then select the gear icon (Settings) from there to open the Settings menu.
Step 2: Navigate to Time & Language Settings
After opening the Settings menu:
- Select Time & Language from the menu.
- Then in the left sidebar, click on Language to access the language options.
Step 3: Add Tamil as a Preferred Language
Now, let’s we add a Tamil language from the list of languages available in the menu:
- Scroll down to Preferred Languages section.
- Then click on the Add a language button (represented by a + symbol).
- Then search bar will pops up, type Tamil or find தமிழ் in the list.
- Select தமிழ் and click Next.
Step 4: Install Tamil Language Features
After selecting Tamil language, Windows will ask you to install additional features in the prompt:
- Ensure that the Install language pack option is selected.
- You can also select Set as my Windows display language if you want to set Tamil language as a primary system interface language, though this is optional.
- Click Install to download and install the necessary packages for Tamil language.
Step 5: Configure the Tamil Keyboard Layout
Once the language package is installed, it is time to configure the Tamil keyboard layout.
- Go back to Settings > Time & Language > Language.
- Under Preferred languages, find Tamil and click Options.
- In the Keyboards section, click Add a keyboard, and you’ll see some options: Tamil (99), Tamil Phonetic and Tamil (InScript). Select the one that best suits your preference. If you're looking for different layout that are not listed in this, such as Tamil Typewriter, you can install third party softwares. For detailed guide on installing third party keyboard softwares with different types of layouts, refer this post: Best Tamil Keyboard Softwares for Windows
Note: For more information on the differences between these layouts, check out our detailed guide on Different Types of Keyboard layouts in Tamil . This guide can help you choose the right layout based on your typing style and requirements.
Step 6: Switching Between Keyboards
Now that your Tamil keyboard is installed, switching between it and other installed keyboards is straightforward:
- Keyboard Shortcut: Press Windows Key + Spacebar to toggle between your installed keyboard layouts quickly.
- Manual Switch: You can also switch by clicking on the Language Bar at the bottom-right corner of your taskbar.
Step 7: Start Typing in Tamil
With your Tamil keyboard set up and ready, you can start typing in Tamil immediately. Open any text editor like Microsoft Word, Notepad, or your preferred email client, and begin typing in Tamil characters.
Pro Tip: If you’re new to typing in Tamil, using the On-Screen Keyboard can be a helpful tool to get familiar with the layout. You can find it by typing On-Screen Keyboard in the Start Menu search bar and selecting it from the results.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While the process to add a Tamil keyboard in Windows 10 is generally smooth, you may encounter some issues along the way. Here are some common problems and how to resolve them.
1. Tamil Language Pack Not Installing Properly
- Solution: If the language pack isn’t downloading or installing, ensure that you have a stable internet connection. Try restarting your computer and check if the download resumes.
2. Keyboard Layout Not Switching
- Solution: If the keyboard layout doesn’t switch even after selecting it, go to Settings > Time & Language > Language and check if the Tamil keyboard has been added correctly. If necessary, remove and re-add the Tamil language and keyboard.
3. Wrong Characters Appearing
- Solution: If the wrong characters appear when typing, ensure you have selected the correct Tamil keyboard layout (Tamil 99 or InScript or Phonetic). Double-check that the input method is set to Tamil by using the language bar.
For more in-depth troubleshooting tips, don’t miss our dedicated Complete troubleshooting Guide where we address specific issues related to Tamil typing in Windows 10 and 11.
Tamil Keyboard Layout Options: Tamil 99 vs InScript vs Tamil Phonetic
When setting up a Tamil keyboard, Windows gives you the choice between three main layouts: Tamil 99 and InScript. Here’s a quick breakdown of each layout:
- Tamil 99: This is a modern phonetic layout, designed for ease of use, especially for beginners. The layout corresponds closely to the sounds of Tamil characters, making it a popular choice for casual users.
- InScript: This is a more traditional layout, which follows a systematic pattern for all Indian language scripts. While it can be more challenging to learn, it is ideal for users who are already familiar with typing Tamil on other devices like typewriters or mobile phones.
- Tamil Phonetic: This layout is designed for users who are familiar with Tamil sounds but not necessarily the traditional keyboard layouts. Each key corresponds to the closest matching Tamil sound. For example, typing "ka" produces "க", and "na" produces "ந". It's intuitive for those familiar with typing in Romanized Tamil, as it follows the natural pronunciation of the language.
For a full details of these layouts, including how to master them and which one is suit for you, read our post on Different Types of Tamil Keyboard Layouts.
Conclusion
Adding a Tamil keyboard to your Windows 10 is a simple yet powerful feature that can boost your productivity and enable seamless communication in your native language. By following the steps above, you can easily install and switch between Tamil and other languages as you needed.
Happy typing!