How to type Malayalam or other Indian languages in Windows

Google Input Tools

Google input tools is the first option to type any Indian languages. Google earlier had a windows binary that could be installed on your system, which provided offline typing especially in transliteration mode. But unfortunately, that's not available now, and the other available options are the Web Option - which allows you to type directly in a text box without any installation. But the drawback is that you have to copy-paste the text to your desired application/webpage after your typing is complete. Google input tools have a Chrome Browser extension, and that's quite useful if you are using Chrome as your browser and if your main usage is online. You can type seamlessly on any webpage in any Indian language. Again, you have to copy-paste the text to windows applications if you need them out of the browser.

Microsoft I​ndic Language Input Tool (ILIT) - Bhasha

Microsoft Indic Language Input Tool helps you enter Indian language text easily into any Microsoft Windows applications. The primary input mechanism is transliteration. Additionally, it provides a visual keyboard to assist with editing words that do not transliterate properly. Click here to download Microsoft I​ndic Language Input Tool (ILIT) - Bhasha setup.

Just run the setup to install. A language selection will be available in the system tray on the bottom right of your desktop. Use Ctrl+Spacebar to switch. You can type using this anywhere offline or online.

But before installation, please ensure that you have .NET Framework version 2.0 installed on your system. Windows version 7/8/10 normally have only 4.5 version or above pre-installed. To install .NET 3.5 on Windows 8 / 8.1 / 10 online see this. To install on Windows 7 see this. To download offline installers see this.

If you have an installation media for Windows 8 / 8.1 / 10 like a DVD / USB, open command window by typing CMD, and run the following command with administrator priveleges:
Dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:NetFX3 /source:F:\sources\sxs /LimitAccess where F: is the drive with windows media. Read this for more.

Azhagi Plus

Azhagi+ is a supremely easy, fast, unique and feature-rich transliteration software which helps one to type in 16 Indian languages. This is a sleek <1mb sized compact portable software. No installation is required, just run whenever you need, minimize the window and start typing. Download here.