How to Change Your Computer's Language Settings

Change your computer's language in Settings or System Preferences

The steps depend on whether you use Windows or macOS, but both let you switch languages without restarting your computer. On Windows 11 and 10, you go to Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region. On macOS, you go to System Settings > General > Language & Region. Once you pick a new language, your menus, dialog boxes, and system messages switch over within seconds.

You do not need to reinstall Windows or macOS to change the language. The language files are already on your computer — you are just telling it which one to display. If you switch back and forth between languages, both stay installed and ready to use.

Key Takeaways

Windows 11 and 10 users change language in Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region, then select a language from the list.
macOS users go to System Settings > General > Language & Region and choose a language, then click "Update Locale" if prompted.
Your keyboard layout may stay the same after you change the display language, so you may need to add a matching keyboard layout separately.
Changing the system language does not change the language of programs you installed from outside the Microsoft Store or App Store — those follow their own language settings.

Step-by-step for Windows 11

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then press Enter. Click Time & Language on the left side. Click Language & Region. Under Preferred Languages, you will see your current language listed first. Click the plus sign (+) next to "Add a language." A list of available languages appears. Find and click the language you want, then click Next.

A second screen asks whether you want to set this language as your display language. Check the box that says "Set as my display language," then click Install. Windows downloads the language pack — this usually takes 30 seconds to 2 minutes depending on your internet speed. Once the read finishes, your menus and system messages switch to the new language when ready. You do not have to restart.

If you want to type in the new language, you also need to add a keyboard layout. On the same Language & Region page, scroll down to Related Settings and click Keyboard. Click Add a Keyboard and select the keyboard layout that matches your new language. Now when you switch languages, you can also switch your keyboard layout using the language switcher in your taskbar (usually a small flag or language code in the bottom right corner).

Step-by-step for macOS

Click the Apple menu in the top left corner and select System Settings. Click General on the left sidebar. Click Language & Region. You will see your current language listed under Preferred Languages. Click the plus sign (+) at the bottom of the list. A dropdown menu shows all available languages. Select the language you want and click Add.

Drag the new language to the top of the list to make it your primary display language. macOS may ask you to click "Update Locale" to explore the change. Your system language switches within a few seconds. Unlike Windows, macOS does not require you to read a separate language pack — the languages are built into the operating system.

To add a keyboard layout for typing in the new language, go back to System Settings, click General, then click Keyboard. Click Input Sources, then click the plus sign (+). Find your language in the list, select the keyboard layout you want, and click Add. You can now switch between keyboard layouts using the input menu in the top right corner of your screen.

What happens to your programs and files

Programs that came with Windows or macOS — like Notepad, Calculator, Mail, or Safari — will switch to your new language. However, programs you downloaded from the Microsoft Store, App Store, or other sources may not. Many third-party programs have their own language settings buried in their Preferences or Settings menu. You may need to open each program and look for a Language or Localization option.

Your files and documents do not change. A Word document or spreadsheet stays in whatever language you wrote it in. Changing your system language only changes the labels and buttons you see on screen, not the content of your files.

Switching between multiple languages

If you work in more than one language, you can install as many languages as you want. On Windows, add each language the same way you added the first one. Set whichever language you want to use right now as your display language by clicking it in the Language & Region settings and selecting "Set as default." On macOS, drag whichever language you want to the top of the Preferred Languages list.

You can switch your keyboard layout without switching your entire system language. On Windows, use the language switcher in your taskbar (the small icon in the bottom right). On macOS, use the input menu in the top right corner. This lets you type in French while your menus stay in English, for example.

Troubleshooting common problems

If your language does not appear in the list, your version of Windows or macOS may not support it. Windows 11 and 10 support over 100 languages, but some older or regional languages may not be available. Check Microsoft's official language list to confirm. On macOS, the list of supported languages is shorter — if your language is not there, macOS does not include it.

If you change your language but some programs still show in English, those programs have their own language settings. Open the program, look for Preferences, Settings, or Options (usually in a menu at the top or in a gear icon), and search for Language or Localization. Some programs, especially older ones, may only support a few languages and cannot be changed.

If your keyboard layout does not match your new display language, you added the language but not the keyboard. Go back to your keyboard settings (Keyboard > Input Sources on macOS, or Settings > Time & Language > Keyboard on Windows 11) and add the keyboard layout separately. Once you do, you can switch between them using the language switcher in your taskbar or input menu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to restart my computer after changing the language?

No. Both Windows and macOS switch your display language when ready without restarting. If you change your language and nothing happens, try logging out and logging back in, but a full restart is not necessary.

Can I have two languages showing at the same time?

No, your system displays in one language at a time. However, you can switch between languages in seconds using the language switcher in your taskbar (Windows) or input menu (macOS). Some programs let you set a different language than your system language, but most follow your system setting.

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

On Windows, look for the gear icon (Settings) in your taskbar or press the Windows key. On macOS, click the Apple menu. Even if you cannot read the words, the Settings icon looks the same. Once you open Settings, look for the flag icon or the word that looks like your old language, click it, and select your language from the list. The layout is the same in every language.

Will changing my language affect my Microsoft or Apple account?

Your account language and your system language are separate. Changing your system language does not change the language of your email, OneDrive, iCloud, or other account settings. If you want to change those too, you can do it in your account settings on the Microsoft or Apple website.

Can I use a language that is not in the official list?

No. Windows and macOS only support the languages in their official lists. If your language is not there, you cannot change your system language to it. Some third-party programs may support additional languages, but your operating system cannot.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.