How to switch noVNC keyboard from QWERTY to AZERTY on your LumaDock VPS

Linux VPS (Ubuntu/Debian) — Set AZERTY

1. Open the noVNC console (or SSH) from your LumaDock panel.
2. Launch the keyboard configuration tool:

sudo dpkg-reconfigure keyboard-configuration

3. In the wizard:
   • Choose your keyboard model (use default if unsure).
   • Select your layout, e.g. French (AZERTY) or Belgian (AZERTY).
   • Finish and confirm.
4. Apply changes (either restart services or reboot):

sudo service keyboard-setup restart
sudo service console-setup restart
# or
sudo reboot

Result: The noVNC console, local TTY, and SSH will now use AZERTY.

Windows VPS — Set AZERTY

1. Open the noVNC console for your VPS.
2. Go to Start → Settings → Time & Language → Language & Region.
3. Under Preferred languages, click Add a language and select:
   • French (France) or French (Belgium) (AZERTY)
4. After installation, open the language Options → Add a keyboard → choose an AZERTY layout.
5. Set AZERTY as the default input method.

Result: Typing in noVNC now follows AZERTY. RDP sessions will also use AZERTY.

Optional — noVNC Toolbar Keyboard

Some noVNC sessions display a top-bar with a small keyboard icon:

• Click the icon and select French/Belgian AZERTY if available.
• Note: This setting is temporary and may reset after reconnect/reboot. Always configure the OS for a permanent fix.

Quick Workaround (Local OS)

If you need a temporary alignment without changing the VPS right now:

• Switch your local OS keyboard to match the VPS (e.g., set your laptop to QWERTY if the VPS is QWERTY).
• noVNC forwards keystrokes as-is, so layouts will align while you work.

Troubleshooting

• Linux: still QWERTY after changes — Ensure the wizard completed and AZERTY was selected. Then reboot: sudo reboot.
• Windows: still types QWERTY — Remove extra keyboards under Language & Region → Options and keep only AZERTY, or move AZERTY to top/default.
• Mismatched characters — Check your local OS layout toggle (e.g., Windows Win+Space, macOS input menu). Local and VPS layouts should match expectations.
• Special key combos — Use the noVNC Send Keys menu for Ctrl+Alt+Del or other sequences if your layout makes them hard to type.

FAQ

Does LumaDock force QWERTY in noVNC?
No. The layout is determined by the guest OS inside your VPS. Set AZERTY in Linux/Windows and noVNC will follow.

Will this affect SSH/RDP?
Yes. Once your OS uses AZERTY, SSH and RDP sessions from other clients will also respect AZERTY.

Can I mix local AZERTY with VPS QWERTY?
It works but is confusing. For consistency, align both sides or make the VPS the source of truth (recommended).