Overview

Sometimes a keyboard layout that was previously removed (for example Italian, Portuguese, or another language) may continue appearing in the taskbar of a Softdrive virtual machine, even though it no longer appears in Windows language settings.

This lingering keyboard layout can cause typing issues, incorrect characters, or confusion when switching input methods.

Applies To

• Softdrive Virtual Machines
• Windows 10 / Windows 11
• Users experiencing incorrect or persistent keyboard layouts

Prerequisites

• Access to the Softdrive virtual machine
• Permission to modify Windows language settings
• Administrative rights may be required in some environments

Procedure

1. Identify the Lingering Keyboard Layout
   • Check the taskbar inside the Softdrive virtual machine
   • Identify the keyboard layout that should no longer be present
2. Reinstall the Language
   • Open:

     Settings → Time & Language → Language & Region

   • Click Add a language
   • Reinstall the language associated with the lingering keyboard layout
3. Remove the Language Again
   • Return to:

     Settings → Time & Language → Language & Region

   • Select the language you just added
   • Click Remove
4. Verify the Issue is Resolved
   • Check the taskbar in the virtual machine
   • Confirm the unwanted keyboard layout no longer appears

Optional: Keep the Language but Remove Only the Keyboard Layout

If you want to keep the language installed while removing only the unwanted keyboard layout:

1. Open:

   Settings → Time & Language → Language & Region

2. Select the language
3. Open Language Options
4. Under the Keyboards section, remove only the unwanted layout

Expected Result

The unwanted keyboard layout no longer appears in the taskbar and typing behavior returns to normal.

Troubleshooting

• Ensure all changes are performed inside the Softdrive virtual machine and not on the local computer
• Restart the Softdrive session after modifying language settings if the issue persists
• Verify the correct keyboard layout remains selected after reconnecting
• If the issue continues, contact support@softdrive.co

Important Note

All changes must be performed inside the Softdrive virtual machine. Modifying keyboard settings on the local computer will not resolve the issue inside the VM.