After setting override, Win+Space still cycles through layouts. Explanation: The override only sets the initial layout per window. You can still switch manually. If you don't want other layouts available at all, remove them from the language list entirely.
The override breaks touch keyboard or handwriting. Explanation: Some touch input methods are treated separately. The override applies mainly to physical keyboard layouts. Touch keyboard behavior is controlled elsewhere. Registry Location (for advanced users) If you prefer registry editing, the override setting is stored here: If you don't want other layouts available at
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Input Method Value name: "Override Default Input Method" Value data: e.g., "0409:00000409" (for English US) You can find the correct hex string for any layout by running Get-WinUserLanguageList in PowerShell and looking at the InputMethodTips property. | Setting | Behavior | |---------|----------| | No override (default) | Each app remembers its own last used input method. | | Override set to Layout X | Every app resets to Layout X whenever it gets focus. | Final Verdict: Use the override if you want a simple, predictable, single-keyboard experience across all apps. Avoid it if you need per-app language memory or use complex IMEs. For most typical users (one language, one keyboard), setting the override to your only layout is harmless and can prevent weird layout surprises. The override applies mainly to physical keyboard layouts