How to Change Language in Windows 11 [Step By Step]
Changing the language in Windows 11 involves installing a new language pack and setting it as the primary display language. A language pack contains translated system text such as menus, dialogs, settings, and help content.
Once you install a language pack, you can choose it as the default system language. Windows will then display most interface elements in that language. This includes the Start menu, Settings app, File Explorer, notifications, and system messages.
Another important thing to understand is the difference between “display language” and “keyboard language”.
The display language controls the language used by the Windows interface.
The keyboard language determines how your keyboard types characters. For example, you may use English for the system but add Spanish or Hindi keyboard input for typing.
Windows 11 allows you to install multiple languages and switch between them whenever needed. This feature is especially useful for multilingual users, students, or professionals working in international environments.
Now, let’s learn the steps to change the language in Windows 11 step by step.
How to Change Language in Windows 11?
To change the language in Windows 11, open Settings, go to Time & Language, select Language & Region, click Add a Language, choose your preferred language, install the language pack, and set it as the Windows display language. Restart your computer to apply the changes.
Below is a complete guide to help you change the language in Windows 11.
Step 1: Open the Settings Application
The first step is to open the Settings application in Windows 11. This is where all system configuration options are located, including language settings.
To open Settings, click on the Start menu located in the taskbar. After the Start menu opens, click on the Settings icon, which looks like a gear.
Another faster method is to press the Windows + I keys on your keyboard. This shortcut instantly opens the Settings window.
Once the Settings window appears, you will see different categories such as System, Bluetooth & Devices, Network & Internet, Personalization, Apps, Accounts, Time & Language, and more.
The language settings are located inside the Time & Language section.
Step 2: Navigate to the ‘Time & Language’ Section
After opening Settings, look at the menu on the left side of the window.
Find and click on the option labeled “Time & Language”. This section controls settings related to date, time, speech, typing, and language preferences.
Once you click on it, a new page will open showing several options, including Language & Region, Typing, Speech, and Date & Time.
To change the system language, you need to open Language & Region.
Click on “Language & Region” to continue.
Step 3: Open the ‘Language & Region’ Settings
The Language & Region page is where you manage all installed languages on your system.
At the top of the page, you will see the Windows display language section. This shows the language currently used by your system.
Below that, there is a section called Preferred languages. This list displays all languages currently installed on your computer.
If your desired language is not already listed here, you need to add it manually using the Add a language option.
This leads to the next step.
Step 4: Click ‘Add a Language’
Under the Preferred languages section, you will see a button labeled “Add a language”.
Clicking this button will open a search window where you can find and select any language supported by Windows 11.
Windows supports dozens of languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Hindi, Arabic, and many others.
In the search bar, type the name of the language you want to install.
Once you see the language in the list, click it, then press Next.
Step 5: Install the Language Pack
After selecting the language, Windows will show a list of features that can be installed with the language pack.
These features may include ‘Language pack’, ‘Text to speech’, ‘Speech recognition’, and ‘Handwriting support’, depending on the language.
Make sure the “Install language pack” option is selected, as it is required to change the Windows display language.
You will also see an option called “Set as my Windows display language”. If you select this option, Windows will automatically apply the language after installation.
Click Install to begin downloading the language pack.
The installation process may take a few minutes, depending on your internet speed.
Step 6: Set the New Windows Display Language
Once the language pack is installed, you can set it as the default system language.
Go back to the Language & Region page and find the Windows display language dropdown menu.
Click the dropdown menu and select the language you just installed.
After selecting it, Windows may ask you to sign out or restart your computer to apply the changes.
This step is necessary because the system needs to reload the interface using the new language files.
Step 7: Sign Out or Restart Your Computer
After choosing the new display language, Windows will prompt you to sign out of your account.
Click the Sign out button. Your computer will log out and then return to the login screen.
When you sign back in, you will notice that most of the Windows interface is now displayed in the new language.
This includes menus, system messages, notifications, settings, and other interface elements.
Your language change is now successfully applied.
FAQs
Can I use multiple languages in Windows 11?
Yes, Windows 11 allows you to install and use multiple languages. You can switch between them anytime from the Language & Region settings.
Does changing the language affect installed apps?
Changing the Windows display language mainly affects system menus and settings. Some apps may follow the system language, while others may have their own language settings.
Do I need an internet connection to install a new language?
Yes, Windows usually needs an internet connection to download the language pack from Microsoft servers.
Can I remove a language after installing it?
Yes, you can remove any language from the Preferred languages list in the Language & Region settings. Simply click the three-dot menu next to the language and choose Remove.
Will changing the language delete my files?
No, changing the system language does not affect your files, documents, or installed programs.