Fixing that Annoying “é” on Your Windows 10 Keyboard
So, you’re typing away, feeling like a productivity champ, only to see a pesky “é” appear where an apostrophe should be? Don’t worry, that’s a common Windows hiccup. Usually, it happens when your keyboard layout switches to another language—often French—that loves tossing that “é” around. Luckily, fixing it isn’t complicated. Just a few quick tweaks in your settings, and you’ll be back to normal typing in no time.
Time to Adjust Your Settings
Let’s get straight into fixing this. First, open your Settings. The easiest way? Press the Windows key and I together. This opens the Settings app faster than you can say “keyboard layout.” Once there, look for the “Time & Language” section. That’s your command centre for language and keyboard options.
Select Your Language
Click on “Language” from the menu on the left. Check your installed languages. You might see a few different ones listed. Make sure your default language—like English (Australia) or English (United Kingdom)—is set as the primary. Sometimes, language packs sneak in after updates, causing your keyboard to get a bit confused.
Review Your Keyboard Layouts
Click on your primary language and then hit the “Options” button. Here, you’ll see which keyboard layouts are active. If there’s one you don’t recognise, such as a French setup, remove it by clicking “Remove”. Keep things simple—usually, “Australian QWERTY” or “US QWERTY” is what you want.
If the issue persists, you might want to check your registry at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SYSTEM\\CurrentControlSet\\Control\\Keyboard Layouts or run a couple of commands in PowerShell, like:
Get-WinUserLanguageList
Set-WinUserLanguageList -LanguageList en-AU -ForceAdditional Steps to Keep Your Keyboard in Shape
- Check your language settings after Windows updates—sometimes they change without warning.
- Familiarise yourself with shortcuts like Alt + Shift or Windows key + Space to swap keyboard layouts quickly.
- Periodically review your language preferences, especially after major updates, to avoid surprises.
- Ensure your Windows is fully up to date; updates often include fixes for such issues. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- If problems keep cropping up, consider using tools like Microsoft PowerToys to remap your keys exactly how you like.
Common Questions About This Character Issue
Why does my keyboard type “é” instead of an apostrophe?
This usually means your keyboard layout has unexpectedly switched to another language, likely French. It happens more often than you’d think, especially with shortcut key conflicts.
How do I switch back to my usual keyboard layout?
Simply press Alt + Shift or Windows key + Space to cycle back to your preferred setup. If that doesn’t work, check your language settings manually in the Settings app.
What if the problem keeps coming back?
Make sure only the layouts you actually use are enabled. If it keeps reverting, consider resetting your language settings to default through PowerShell or restoring earlier system restore points.
Can I prevent this from happening again?
Absolutely. Keep your keyboard layouts tidy—only keep what you need. Also, review your language settings regularly. A bit of prevention can save a lot of headaches later.
Is there a quicker way to change my keyboard language?
You bet! Use Windows key + Space to rapidly switch between available layouts—perfect for when you suddenly realise you’re typing in French… again.
All in all, fixing an unwanted “é” on your keyboard isn’t too tricky once you know where to look. Often, it’s just a matter of adjusting a few settings. Remember to check your language preferences regularly—Windows has a habit of throwing curveballs. When your language and layout settings are aligned, you can type smoothly without that pesky “é” cropping up unexpectedly.
If further issues arise, don’t hesitate to jump onto community forums. Many users face this exact problem, and there’s plenty of advice out there to keep your keyboard playing nice.