To change the Windows 11 system language, open Settings > Time & language > Language & region, install the language if needed, then select it under Windows display language. Save your work and close open apps first; Windows requires you to sign out and back in to apply the change.
Install a language pack
- Connect the PC to the internet and save your open work.
- Open Start > Settings > Time & language > Language & region.
- Beside Preferred languages, select Add a language.
- Search for and select the language you want, then select Next.
- In Install language features, keep Language pack selected. Speech and handwriting features may also be available as optional downloads.
- If you want to switch to this language immediately and the option appears, select Set as my Windows display language.
- Select Install and wait for the download and installation to finish.
Change the Windows display language
The Windows display language determines the language used by the Windows user interface, including Settings and File Explorer. If you did not choose to set the language during installation, select it from the display-language menu after installation.
- Open Settings > Time & language > Language & region.
- Under Windows display language, open the menu and select the language you want to use.
- Accept the sign-out prompt, or sign out manually if Windows does not show one.
- Sign back in to apply the change.
Some Windows elements may remain in another language if the selected language is not fully localized.
Display language, keyboard layout, and app language
These settings serve different purposes. Changing a keyboard layout affects the characters your keys produce; it does not change the Windows display language. Microsoft Store apps and websites can follow the first supported language in Preferred languages, which you can reorder independently.
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| Setting | What it affects | Where to change it |
|---|---|---|
| Windows display language | Windows interface text, including Settings and File Explorer | Settings > Time & language > Language & region, under Windows display language |
| Keyboard layout | Which characters keys produce | Settings > Time & language > Language & region, in the language’s options |
| Preferred languages order | The first supported language used by Microsoft Store apps and websites | Reorder languages under Preferred languages |
Check the keyboard at sign-in
Changing the display language can also affect the keyboard layout. Before entering your password, check the input-language icon on the sign-in screen and select the right layout if necessary. This is especially important when layouts place letters, punctuation, or symbols in different positions.
If Windows says only one display language is allowed
A message such as “Only one language pack allowed” or “Your Windows license supports only one display language” can indicate that the installed edition is a single-language edition. Check Settings > System > About and look under Windows specifications for the edition. Changing the keyboard layout does not remove a display-language restriction.
Change Microsoft Office language separately
Changing the Windows display language does not necessarily change Office’s interface or authoring language. Microsoft directs users to Microsoft 365 language packs for Office language preferences.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.FAQ
Why did changing the keyboard not change Windows 11’s language?
A keyboard layout controls typing, while the Windows display language controls Windows interface text. Change the display language under Settings > Time & language > Language & region.
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Do I need to sign out after changing the Windows display language?
Yes. Sign out and sign back in to apply the changed display language. Save your work and close open apps before installing or switching languages.
Why is a language missing from the display-language menu?
Install it first using Add a language under Settings > Time & language > Language & region. The PC needs an internet connection to download language features.
Why does Windows say my license supports only one display language?
The installed Windows edition may be a single-language edition. Check the edition under Settings > System > About, in Windows specifications.
Will changing the Windows display language change Microsoft Office?
Not necessarily. Office has separate language preferences, and Microsoft provides Microsoft 365 language packs for Office.
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