Where to find language settings on Windows and Mac
The language setting on your computer controls what words appear in menus, dialog boxes, and system messages. On Windows, you reach this through Settings. Click the Start button, type "Settings" into the search box, then open the Settings app. From there, go to Time & Language, then Language & Region. On a Mac, click the Apple menu in the top-left corner, select System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions), then click General and Language & Region.
Both operating systems let you add multiple languages and switch between them without restarting. The language you set here becomes your default, but you can change it back at any time. Some programs installed on your computer may have their own separate language settings that don't follow the system default.
Key Takeaways
- Windows language settings live in Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region, while Mac settings are in System Settings > General > Language & Region.
- You can add a new language without removing your current one, then drag it to the top of the list to make it the default.
- Some applications have their own language menus separate from your system language, so changing the system setting won't affect them.
- Changing your language setting takes effect when ready in most system menus, though some programs may need to be closed and reopened.
Adding a new language on Windows
In the Language & Region window, look for a button labeled "Add a language" (the exact wording varies by Windows version). Click it, and a list of available languages appears. Find the language you want, click it once to select it, then click Next. Windows will read the language pack, which may take a few minutes depending on your internet speed.
Once the read finishes, the new language appears in your language list. To make it your default, click on it in the list, then click the three-dot menu button next to it and select "Set as default." Windows will ask you to sign out and back in for the change to take full effect, though many menus will switch when ready.
Adding a new language on Mac
In the Language & Region settings, click the plus sign (+) at the bottom of the Preferred Languages list. A window opens showing available languages. Select the one you want and click Add. The language downloads automatically and appears in your list.
To make it your default, drag it to the top of the list. The change takes effect right away for most system menus. If a program was already open when you made the change, close it and reopen it to see the new language.
Changing the keyboard layout separately from display language
Your keyboard layout and your display language are two separate settings. You can have your menus in English but type in French, or vice versa. On Windows, go to Settings > Time & Language > Keyboard, then click "Add a keyboard" to add a new layout. On Mac, go to System Settings > Keyboard > Input Sources and click the plus sign to add a layout.
Once you add a keyboard layout, a small menu appears in your system tray (Windows) or menu bar (Mac) that lets you switch between them. This is useful if you type in multiple languages but want to read your system menus in only one.
What happens to installed programs when you change languages
Programs you installed from the Microsoft Store (Windows) or App Store (Mac) usually follow your system language automatically. Programs you downloaded from a website or installed from a disc may not. Some older software only comes in one language and cannot be changed.
If a program has its own language menu, look for it in the program's settings or preferences. The location varies widely—some programs put it under Edit > Preferences, others under Tools > Options, and some under a Help menu. If you cannot find it, the program likely does not support language switching.
Troubleshooting when language changes don't take effect
If you change your system language and some menus still appear in the old language, close the program completely and reopen it. Some applications load their language files when they start, so they won't see the change until you restart them. If the problem persists, restart your entire computer—a small number of system services need a full reboot to switch languages.
If you added a language but it does not appear in your language list, check your internet connection. Language packs read from Microsoft or Apple's servers, and a slow or interrupted connection can cause the read to fail silently. Go back to add the language again, and watch for any error messages that appear.
Removing a language you no longer need
On Windows, open Language & Region settings, click on the language you want to remove, then click the three-dot menu and select "Remove." On Mac, select the language in the Preferred Languages list and click the minus sign (−) at the bottom. You cannot remove your default language this way—you must set a different language as default first, then remove the old one.
Removing a language frees up storage space, since language packs take up disk room. However, you can always add it back later if you change your mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my language affect my files or documents?
No. Your files, documents, and personal data remain unchanged. Only the words in menus and system messages switch to the new language. If you created a document in English, it stays in English even if you change your system language to Spanish.
Can I use two languages at the same time?
Your system displays in one language at a time, but you can add multiple languages and switch between them. On Windows and Mac, a menu appears in your system tray or menu bar that lets you pick which language to use. You can switch back and forth as often as you like.
What if my language is not in the list?
Windows and Mac support hundreds of languages, but not every language or dialect appears in the standard list. Check the full list by scrolling down—some languages are grouped under regional names. If you still cannot find it, your operating system may not support that language.
Do I need to restart my computer after changing the language?
Not always. Most menus switch when ready, but some programs and system services may need you to close and reopen them. If something still shows the old language after you close it, restart your computer to force all services to reload.
Can I change the language for just one program?
Yes, if the program has its own language settings. Look in the program's preferences or settings menu—the location varies by program. If the program does not have its own language menu, it uses whatever language your system is set to.