Changing Language in Outlook [Complete Guide]

If Outlook is displaying menus, buttons, settings, or other interface elements in a language you do not prefer, you can change the Outlook display language to make the application easier to use.

Outlook also lets you control the language used for composing emails. This means you can use one language for Outlook’s interface and another language when writing messages. For example, you can keep the Outlook interface in English while adding another language for writing and spell checking emails.

The exact steps can vary depending on whether you are using new Outlook, classic Outlook, or Outlook on the web.

In this guide, we will cover the main methods so you can change the language even if you are completely new to Outlook.

Table of Contents

How to Change Language in Outlook?

You can change the language in Outlook by opening its settings and selecting your preferred language. In new Outlook and Outlook on the web, the display language can generally be changed from the Outlook settings. In classic Outlook, language options are available through the Microsoft Office language settings.

If you want to change the language used while writing emails, you may need to add another proofing language separately. This controls spelling, grammar, and other writing assistance rather than changing the entire Outlook interface.

Let’s explore each step in detail.

Step 1: Open Outlook Settings

First, open Outlook on your computer or open Outlook on the web through your browser. If you are using the desktop application, make sure you are signed in to the account whose language settings you want to change.

If you are using new Outlook, look toward the upper-right corner of the window and select the Settings button. It usually appears as a gear-shaped icon. This opens a panel containing different Outlook customization options.

If you are using Outlook on the web, open Outlook in your browser and select Settings in the upper-right corner. You may initially see only a small settings panel. If the option you need is not visible there, select View all Outlook settings to open the complete settings page.

This full settings area is where you can find options related to language, time, calendar, email, and other Outlook features.

Step 2: Find the Language and Time Settings

After opening the complete Outlook settings, look for the section related to General settings. Select Language and time if it is available.

This section controls how Outlook displays information such as menus, commands, dates, and other interface elements. Depending on your version of Outlook, the wording or location of this setting may look slightly different.

You should see a Language option that shows the language currently selected for Outlook. Selecting this option allows you to choose another language.

If you cannot immediately find the language setting, use the search field within Outlook settings and search for language. This can be especially useful for beginners because Outlook contains many different configuration options.

Step 3: Select Your Preferred Display Language

Now select the language you want Outlook to use. Outlook may display a list of supported languages, so scroll through the available options until you find your preferred language.

For example, if Outlook is currently displayed in English and you want to use Spanish, select Spanish from the available language list. Similarly, you can choose another supported language according to your preference.

After selecting the language, look for an option such as Save, Save changes, or a similar confirmation control. Some versions of Outlook may apply the change automatically.

The Outlook interface may need to refresh before the new language becomes visible. In some situations, you may need to close and reopen Outlook for the change to take effect.

Step 4: Change the Language in Classic Outlook

If you are using classic Outlook, the process is slightly different because its language settings are connected to Microsoft Office.

Open Outlook and select File from the upper-left corner. Next, select Options to open the Outlook Options window.

Look for Language in the left-hand menu. You should now see options for Office display language and Office authoring and proofing languages.

Under the display language section, select the language you want to use for Outlook’s menus and interface. If the language is already installed, you can select it and set it as your preferred language.

If the language is not available, Microsoft Office may provide an option to install the required language pack. Follow the instructions provided by Microsoft to complete the installation.

After changing the display language, close Outlook and reopen it. This gives Office an opportunity to apply the new language throughout the application.

Add a Language for Writing Emails

Changing the Outlook interface language does not necessarily change the language used for writing messages. If you frequently write emails in another language, you may also want to configure the authoring and proofing language.

In classic Outlook, return to File > Options > Language. Under the authoring and proofing language section, select Add a Language if the language you need is not already listed.

Choose your preferred language and follow the instructions to install any required proofing tools. These tools can provide features such as spell checking and grammar assistance for that language.

This is particularly useful if you communicate with people in different languages and want Outlook to correctly check your written messages.

Change the Language in Outlook on the Web

If you primarily use Outlook through a web browser, you can change the language without changing your Windows language.

Open Outlook on the web and select Settings. Select View all Outlook settings, then open General and choose Language and time.

Under the language section, choose your preferred display language. Review the available options and select the one you want.

Save the change if Outlook asks you to do so. The interface should update to the selected language. If the change does not appear immediately, refresh the browser page or sign out and sign back in.

Change the Windows Language When Necessary

Sometimes Outlook may follow language preferences configured at the operating system or Microsoft account level. If you cannot find the language you need inside Outlook, checking your Windows language settings may help.

Open Windows Settings and select Time & language. Then open Language & region. Here, you can review the Windows display language and installed language packs.

If the required language is not installed, you can add it from the available language options. After installing the language, you may need to sign out of Windows or restart the computer before all applications recognize the change.

Keep in mind that changing the Windows display language can affect more than Outlook, so use this method only when you want the broader Windows environment to use another language.

FAQs

Why is Outlook still showing the old language?

If Outlook continues displaying the previous language, close the application completely and reopen it. You can also sign out and sign back in if you are using Outlook on the web. In some cases, a language pack may need to be installed before the selected language can be used.

Can I use a different language for emails and Outlook menus?

Yes. Outlook can use one language for its interface and another for email composition and proofing. This allows you to keep the menus in your preferred language while writing messages in another language.

Does changing Outlook language change Windows language?

No, not necessarily. Changing the Outlook display language generally affects Outlook rather than the entire Windows interface. However, some Microsoft applications can share Office or account-level language preferences.

Why can’t I find my language in Outlook?

The available languages depend on the Outlook version and Microsoft language support. If your preferred language is missing, check whether an appropriate Microsoft Office language pack or Windows language pack needs to be installed.

Do I need to restart Outlook after changing the language?

It is a good idea to restart Outlook after changing its language. Some language changes are not displayed until the application has been closed and reopened.

Summary

Changing the language in Outlook is straightforward once you know which version you are using. New Outlook and Outlook on the web generally provide language controls through Outlook settings, while classic Outlook manages many language options through Microsoft Office settings.

Remember that the display language and writing language are separate settings. The display language changes menus and interface elements, while the authoring and proofing language controls features such as spelling and grammar assistance.

If you are new to Outlook, start by checking Settings > General > Language and time. If you are using classic Outlook, check File > Options > Language.

After selecting your preferred language, restart Outlook if necessary to apply the changes.