Where to find language settings on Windows and Mac

The language setting lives in your system preferences, not in individual programs. On Windows, you go to Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region. On Mac, open System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions) > General > Language & Region. Both operating systems let you change the language that menus, buttons, and system messages display in.

The change takes effect after you restart your computer or sign out and back in. Some programs may need to be closed and reopened to show the new language. If you have multiple user accounts on the computer, each account has its own language setting—changing it for one account does not affect the others.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows language settings are in Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region; Mac settings are in System Settings > General > Language & Region.
  • You can add multiple languages and set a preferred order, so your computer uses your first choice when possible and falls back to the second if something is not translated.
  • Changing the system language affects menus and system messages but not documents you have already created or typed.
  • Some programs installed from outside the Microsoft Store or Mac App Store may not support all languages, even after you change your system language.
  • You can change the keyboard layout separately from the display language, so you can type in one language while reading menus in another.

Adding a new language on Windows

Open Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region. Under "Languages," click Add a Language. A list of available languages appears. Find the one you want, click it, and then click Next. Windows asks whether you want to set it as your display language right away or just add it to your list. If you choose to set it now, the system language changes when ready.

If you add a language but do not set it as your primary one, it stays in your language list. You can reorder languages by dragging them—Windows tries to use the top language first, then moves down the list if something is not translated. To remove a language you no longer need, click it in the list and select Remove.

Adding a new language on Mac

Go to System Settings > General > Language & Region. Click the plus sign under "Preferred Languages" to add a new one. A dropdown menu shows all available languages. Select the language you want and click Add. The new language appears in your list. To make it your primary language, drag it to the top of the list, and Mac will ask you to restart to explore the change.

If you want to remove a language, click it in the list and then click the minus sign. Mac keeps at least one language active at all times, so you cannot remove your only language. Like Windows, Mac uses the top language in your list first and falls back to the next one if something is not translated.

Changing your keyboard layout separately

Your keyboard layout and your display language are two separate settings. You might want English menus but a French keyboard layout so you can type accented characters, or vice versa. On Windows, go to Settings > Time & Language > Keyboard. Click Add a Keyboard and choose the layout you want. You can then switch between layouts using the language indicator in your taskbar (usually near the clock).

On Mac, go to System Settings > Keyboard > Input Sources. Click the plus sign to add a new input source, select the language and layout you want, and click Add. Once added, you can switch between keyboard layouts by clicking the input menu in the top-right corner of your screen or by pressing Control + Space (if you have that shortcut enabled).

What happens to your files and programs when you change language

Changing your system language does not change the language of documents you have already created. A Word document written in English stays in English. Your photos, videos, and spreadsheets are unaffected. The change only applies to the operating system itself—menus, dialog boxes, system messages, and settings screens.

Programs you have installed may or may not support the new language. Microsoft Office, Google Chrome, and most major software update their display language automatically when you change your system language. Older programs or specialized software might not, especially if they were installed from a developer's website rather than an app store. If a program does not switch languages, you usually have to change its language in the program's own settings.

Troubleshooting when language changes do not take effect

If you change your language but menus still appear in the old language, restart your computer. Some programs cache their language settings in memory, so closing and reopening them is often enough, but a full restart is more reliable. Make sure you actually clicked explore or OK after selecting your new language—it is straightforward to open the settings, change the option, and close the window without saving.

If a program still shows the wrong language after restart, check whether that program has its own language setting. Open the program, look for Preferences, Settings, or Options (usually in the menu bar or a gear icon), and search for "Language." Some programs, especially older ones or those designed for a specific region, override your system language. If you cannot find a language option in the program, it may not support the language you chose, and you may need to use a different program or contact the developer.

Regional settings versus language

Your language setting controls what language the system displays in. Your regional format controls how dates, times, currency, and numbers appear. On Windows, these are in the same Language & Region menu but as separate options. You can have English menus with German regional formatting (so dates show as 25.12.2024 instead of 12/25/2024), or any other combination.

On Mac, regional format is also in Language & Region settings. Click Region to choose your region separately from your language. This is useful if you live in one country but work in another, or if you prefer one region's date format but another region's language.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use multiple languages at the same time?

Yes. Add multiple languages to your system, and your computer will use the top one as the default. Programs and websites can detect your language list and may offer content in your second or third choice if your primary language is not available. You can also switch your keyboard layout on the fly to type in different languages without changing your display language.

Will changing my language affect my password or login?

No. Your password remains the same regardless of what language your system displays in. You type it the same way you always have. The keyboard layout you use to type it might change if you switch layouts, but the actual characters you enter do not change.

What if I change my language and cannot read the menus anymore?

Go back to Settings (or System Settings on Mac) and look for the icon that looks like a globe or the word "Language." Even if you cannot read the label, the settings menu is usually organized the same way. If you are completely lost, restart your computer and try again—sometimes the display catches up after a restart. As a last resort, you can reset your language to English by using your system's recovery or reset options.

Do I need to read language packs?

Windows and Mac both include most major languages built in. You do not need to read anything separately. If you choose a language and your system says it is not available, that language may not be supported on your version of Windows or Mac, or you may need to check for system updates first.