The hindi typing shortcut key on Windows is Win + Space. It switches between the keyboard layouts you have added, so once a Hindi keyboard is installed, this one combination flips between English and Hindi typing. Alt + Shift does the same on many computers.
Which keys then produce which letters depends on the Hindi layout you pick: Inscript (Hindi Traditional), Hindi Phonetic, or the typewriter style Remington Gail used in government typing tests. The steps and differences are below.
Quick facts
Switch language
Win + SpaceOlder switch
Alt + ShiftAdd Hindi
Win + I, Time and languageBuilt in layouts
Hindi Traditional (Inscript), Hindi PhoneticTyping tests
Remington Gail, InscriptUnicode font
Mangal, Nirmala UI
Hindi typing shortcut key to switch keyboards
- Add Hindi once: in Settings (Win + I), go to the language section and add Hindi as a new language.
- Under Hindi, open Language options and choose a keyboard: Hindi Traditional for Inscript, or Hindi Phonetic.
- Press Win + Space to switch. The taskbar shows HIN or ENG.
- Type in any app: Word, a browser, chat or email.
If Win + Space shows a list, keep holding Win and tap Space until Hindi is selected. The change language shortcut page covers switching in more detail.
Hindi keyboard layouts compared
| Layout | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Hindi Traditional (Inscript) | Each key has a fixed Hindi letter, the same on all computers | Government and bank typing tests, fast typists |
| Hindi Phonetic | Type by sound: k gives the k letter, and so on | Beginners who know English typing |
| Remington Gail | Old typewriter arrangement, needs an extra input tool | Older court and office typing tests |
| Kruti Dev font typing | Non Unicode font with typewriter keys | Old documents and some tests |
Inscript and phonetic produce Unicode text that shows correctly everywhere. Kruti Dev text looks like English letters on a computer without the font; see Kruti Dev shortcut keys and Mangal font shortcut keys.
Shortcut keys while typing in Hindi
Office shortcuts keep working in Hindi mode: Ctrl + S saves, Ctrl + B makes bold, and so on. Inscript uses Shift for the second letter on each key, such as aspirated sounds, and AltGr or Ctrl + Alt for rare characters and the rupee sign. The halant or virama, which joins consonants, is on the key next to Enter in Inscript.
Remington Gail shortcut keys for typing tests
Remington Gail places letters like the old Hindi typewriter, which is why many typing institutes still teach it. Windows does not include it by default, so a separate Indian language input tool is needed. Check the notification of your exam: many recruitment tests now allow Inscript or require Unicode, which works with the built in Hindi Traditional keyboard and needs no extra software.
When Hindi typing does not work
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Win + Space does nothing | Only one keyboard is installed; add Hindi first |
| Letters come out wrong | A different Hindi layout is active; check the taskbar |
| Text shows as boxes | Use a Unicode font such as Mangal or Nirmala UI |
| Excel shortcut stops working | Ctrl + Shift may be switching languages; see the unhide guide |
Hindi on a Mac
On a Mac, add Hindi input sources in System Settings, then Keyboard, then Text Input. Switch with Control + Space or the globe key. Symbols such as the rupee sign are in rupee symbol shortcut, and other typing keys in symbol shortcut keys.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Hindi typing shortcut key?
How do I type Hindi on a laptop?
Add Hindi in language settings, choose Inscript or phonetic, and switch with Win + Space.
Which Hindi keyboard is best for beginners?
Hindi Phonetic, because you type by sound.
What is Remington Gail?
A typewriter style Hindi layout used in some typing tests. It needs a separate input tool.
What font should I use for Hindi?
A Unicode font such as Mangal or Nirmala UI.
Do Ctrl shortcuts work while typing Hindi?
Yes, Ctrl + S, Ctrl + C and others work as usual.