Adding Chinese Typing Input

Adding Chinese Typing Input

In our Chinese and Mandarin language class, we require typing in Chinese characters using Pinyin keyboard input.

Windows System


1. Go to Settings, Time & language > Language & region.


2. Click on the "Add a language" button


3. In the "Choose a language to install" field, enter "chinese" to search available languages. Then click on "Chinese (Simplified, China) to confirm.
4. In the "Install language features" dialogue box, almost all options there are optional. You DO NOT need Lanague Pack and MUST NOT tick "Set as Windows display language".  


5. You will have Basic typing installed for the Chinese language. If you have ticked other optional features in above screen, it will take longer to install.

6. To ensure you have the correct keyboard for input, you can click on the three dot option and choose "Language optoins" in the drop-down menu. Make sure the English one is at the top, so when you restart the computer, you will have English as the default keyboard input.

7. The language options screen will have the same optional features when you install a new language. They are available to download if you have not selected before. Down the button, Check the Keyboards to ensure "Microsoft Pinyin" is installed as part of the Basic typing.

8. If the keyboard input is installed correctly, you should have the keyboard options to change - it is located in the taskbar corner. You can use Windows + Space hotkeys.


Mac computers

1. On your Mac, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Language & Region.
2. In the General tab, on the left side Preferred languages field, check what languages you already have on this mac. If you don't have English, please click on the add "+" button down the bottom.
3. Type in "Chinese" or select "Chinese, Simplified

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