When your keyboard starts typing “é” instead of the apostrophe (‘), it’s typically due to a change in the keyboard layout or input language settings. This issue is most commonly caused by:

  1. Canadian Multilingual Standard Keyboard Layout:
    • This layout replaces some standard keys, including the apostrophe, with accented characters like “é.”
  2. Accidental Shortcut Activation:
    • Keyboard shortcuts might have inadvertently switched your input language or layout.
  3. Application or Autocorrect Settings:
    • Specific software or apps might be overriding your standard keyboard output.
  4. Glitches in Windows Settings:
    • Rare bugs or unintentional changes in the regional and language settings.

How to Fix the Issue on Windows 10

Step 1: Check Your Keyboard Layout

  1. Open the Settings app by pressing Win + I.
  2. Navigate to Time & Language > Language.
  3. Under the Preferred languages section, select your primary language (e.g., English (United States)).
  4. Click Options.
  5. Under Keyboards, check if “Canadian Multilingual Standard” or another unintended layout is active.
  6. If so, select it and click Remove. Ensure “US Keyboard” or your intended layout is the default.

Step 2: Disable Language Switching Shortcuts

Sometimes, shortcuts like Alt + Shift or Ctrl + Shift can inadvertently change the keyboard layout.

  1. Go to Settings > Devices > Typing.
  2. Scroll down and select Advanced keyboard settings.
  3. Under Input language hotkeys, click Language bar options.
  4. In the new window, select Advanced Key Settings.
  5. Click Change Key Sequence, and either disable the shortcuts or set them to a key combination that you won’t accidentally press.

Step 3: Use the On-Screen Keyboard to Verify

  1. Press Win + Ctrl + O to open the on-screen keyboard.
  2. Check if pressing the apostrophe key still types “é.”
  3. If it does, the problem is in the layout settings. If not, your physical keyboard might be faulty.
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Step 4: Reset Regional and Language Settings

  1. Navigate to Settings > Time & Language > Region.
  2. Under Regional format, select your region (e.g., United States).
  3. Restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.

Additional Tips for Windows 10

Preventing the Issue

  1. Lock Your Layout:
    • Remove unused keyboard layouts from the system.
  2. Disable Language Hotkeys:
    • Avoid accidental activations by turning off keyboard shortcuts.
  3. Regular Updates:
    • Ensure Windows and keyboard drivers are updated to the latest version.
  4. Use a Standard Layout:
    • Stick to widely-used layouts like “US QWERTY” for consistency.