Input method editor or EMI allows you to switch between the different keyboard languages in Windows 10. It is available in the taskbar and indicated by the selected language. So, if you use English, you should ENG. Some users have reported that IME is disabled on their Windows 10 computer. They can not switch between languages - or there is a cross sign instead of the name of the language. If so, in this article, we'll show you how you can correct the disabled Input Method Editor (IME) and switch between languages.
The Input Method Editor (IME) is disabled in Windows 10
The input method editor is essential for those who work in different languages. Follow these methods to solve the problem:
- Delete and add language
- Copy language files from an old installation
- Check the status of the entry indicator
- Bypass WSUS for a Domain Joined Domain
- Ungroup the domain and install the language.
Always be sure to type something when you change language. Sometimes keyboards are close in terms of language and it becomes difficult to tell the difference. However, if you are limited to typing in English, with the IME stuck on the "A" or "ENG" icon, follow these solutions.
1) Delete and add language
If you're having problems with a particular language set, it's best to delete them and add them back. Especially if it started after an update of the features.
- Click Settings> System> Time and Language> Language.
- Select the language, and then click Delete.
- Once removed from the system, add the language.
- On the same screen, click Add Preferred Language.
- Find the same language and install it.
- Restart the computer once, then press WIN + SPACEBAR to check if you can switch.
Make sure to press the spacebar several times to be able to see the interface. It is built in such a way that it allows any user to quickly switch to the next language.
We found a similar problem that would have been used, and the solution was to set the touch panel and handwriting panel service to manual.
2) Copy language files from an old installation
That would have helped some, so you can try it. If you still have a Windows.OLD folder or access to an earlier version of Windows, then:
- Go to C: Windows.OLD IME
- Copy language-specific DICs from C: Windows.OLD IME IMEJP.
- There should be three ".DIC" files – IMJPTK, IMJPZP and SDDS0411.
- Paste it in the new installation folder at the address C: Windows IME .
Once done, you will need to assign IMEJP to the administrator and give the administrator full control over this folder as well as all of its child folders and files.
You can also choose to delete the language-specific folder. In the case of Japanese, it is IMEJP.
3) Check the status of the entry indicator
Check if the input flag is enabled in the notification area settings.
- Right-click Taskbar> select Taskbar Settings.
- Scroll to find, and then click Enable or Disable System Icons.
- Select On from the drop-down menu of the input indicator.
- Click OK.
This is usually helpful when the indicator is missing, which creates confusion.
4) Bypass WSUS for domain joins PC
If you are using a computer that belongs to a domain, it is recommended that you bypass WSUS one time.
First create a system restore point, then open the runtime prompt.
Type the following text and press Enter:
REG ADD "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindowsWindowsUpdateAU" /v UseWUServer /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
Restart the Windows Update service with the help of the service manager.
Now go to the Time and Language settings and add the language again.
Then open the Registry Editor and navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE SOFTWARE Policies Microsoft Windows WindowsUpdate AU
Delete the UseWUServer key or set the value to 1
5) Ungroup the domain and install the language
On similar lines, you can also choose to unregister the domain, temporarily. It will remove any policy restrictions on the computer and allow you to resolve the problem. You will have to delete and add the language again.
If that does not work, you may have to follow a brutal method.
- Change the language for everything, including US English display and reboot
- Delete all languages other than the one you need most.
- Install the second or the other language
- Restart your computer.
The problem with secondary languages is not new. We have seen hundreds of discussions in Microsoft's answers where people are suffering from the coexistence of other languages that must coexist with American English. I hope that Microsoft can solve this type of problem to ensure that users can be productive, especially those who use it for business.
We hope these tips have helped you solve the problem where you see the disabled input method editor on Windows 10.