How to Install and Use a Free Urdu Keyboard for Windows

====================================================================

Are you looking for ways to easily input text in the beautiful yet challenging language of Urdu on your windows PC? Look no further! In this article, we will guide you through downloading and installing an Urdu keyboard layout that is both free and easy to use.

Why Choose a Phonetic Urdu Keyboard?

-----------------------------------

Phonetic keyboards are designed with ease of use in mind. Unlike traditional character-based input methods where users must memorize the location of specific keys for each character, phonetic keyboards rely on sound similarity between English letters and their corresponding Urdu counterparts.

This makes them perfect for:

1. Beginners who want to learn how quickly without getting overwhelmed by complex characters.

2. Users looking for a faster alternative when typing frequently used words or phrases in urdu while still being able to switch back-and-forth easily with other languages installed on your computer system!

How To Install Urdu Keyboard For Windows

---------------------------------------

### Step 1: Download and Extract the Zip File

To start, you'll need to download an Urdu keyboard layout file that supports your operating system (in this case, windows). You can find several options online by simply searching for 'urdu keyboard for windows' or 'free urdu phonetic keyboard.' Once downloaded, extract the zip file into a folder of your choice.

### Step 2: Install the Keyboard Layout

After extracting the files, double-click on either `Urdu Phonetic` (for left-handed users) or `Urdu Phonetic RightHanded` depending upon whether you prefer typing with your right hand or not. Follow through with all prompts until installation is complete:

* Click 'Yes' when asked to confirm changes.

* If prompted again, select the language as English(United States).

### Step 3: Enable Urdu Keyboard

Once installed, go to Start > Control Panel (or Press ⊞ + R and type 'Control Panel') > Region & Language. Under 'Keyboards & Input Method', click on '+' at bottom left corner then look for 'Language' dropdown menu located above the list of keyboards available in your region.

### Step 4: Set Urdu as Default Keyboard

Select either `Urdu (Pakistan)` or `Urdu (India)`, depending upon which variant you prefer. Then, under 'Keyboard layout' section at bottom left corner, checkmark 'Use only these input methods' box below it will be a list of keyboard layouts - find the one with an Urdu flag icon next to its name.

### Step 5: Start Typing!

You're all set! To switch between languages on your Windows PC:

* Press Alt + Shift (or Ctrl + Spacebar) and select 'Urdu' from the language bar at top right corner of screen.

* Type away using the virtual keyboard or click directly with mouse pointer over individual keys.

Troubleshooting Tips

----------------

If you encounter any issues while installing or switching between languages:

1. Make sure that both English(United States) and Urdu keyboards are enabled in Region & Language settings.

2. Restart your computer if problems persist after trying above steps.

-------

With these simple instructions, you should now be able to easily input text in the beautiful language of Urdu on your Windows PC using a free phonetic keyboard layout! Whether you're a beginner looking for an easy way into this challenging yet rewarding language or simply want faster alternatives when typing frequently used words and phrases while still being able to switch between other languages installed on your computer with ease, we hope this article has been helpful in getting started. Happy typing!

Urdu keyboard for windows