Windows – How to change the default IME input method in Windows 8.1

input-languageskeyboard shortcutswindows 8.1

I would like to know if there is a way to change the default input method while writing in Japanese.

I have several keyboard languages installed and change between them using the shortcut Windows + Space. They all work well.

But the thing is, when I select Japanese, the default input method is Half-width alphanumeric when I want Hiragana to be the default. I can change the input method through the taskbar, but I have to do this every time I open a program. So I tried changing the preferences, to no effect:

  1. I select the Japanese keyboard.
  2. I right-click on the "A" or "あ" that appears on the taskbar to open IME options, and go to "Properties".
  3. I open "Advances Settings for Microsoft IME".

What is wrong? What should I change so that the default is Hiragana? If this fails, is there a keyboard shortcut to change between Hiragana, Half-width alphanumeric, etc, so that I don't have to use the mouse every time?

Best Answer

I am having the same trouble and have not found a complete solution, but I found a shortcut that might help. Alt+` should let you switch from half-width alphanumeric to hiragana. As far as I can tell, it doesn't seem to work for the other input methods for Japanese, though.

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