Where to find language settings on Windows and Mac
The language setting lives in your system preferences, not in individual programs. On Windows, open Settings (the gear icon in your Start menu), then go to Time & Language, then Language. On Mac, open System Settings, click General, then Language & Region. Both paths take about 30 seconds to reach.
Windows shows your current language at the top of the Language page. Mac displays it under Preferred Languages. Either way, you will see a list of languages already installed on your machine, plus an option to add more. The steps differ slightly between the two, so follow the section for your operating system.
Key Takeaways
- Windows language settings are in Settings > Time & Language > Language; Mac settings are in System Settings > General > Language & Region.
- You can change your display language without downloading anything if that language is already installed, which most common languages are.
- Adding a new language takes a few minutes because your computer downloads the language files from Microsoft or Apple.
- Changing the language affects menus, buttons, and system messages, but not documents you have already created.
- Some programs (like Microsoft Office or Chrome) have their own language settings separate from your system language.
Changing language on Windows 10 and Windows 11
Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then click the Settings app. Select Time & Language on the left side, then click Language. You will see a section called "Installed languages" with your current language listed first.
If the language you want is already in that list, click it, then click "Set as default" at the top of the window. Windows will ask you to sign out and sign back in for the change to take full effect. Your menus and system messages will switch to that language the next time you log in.
If your language is not in the list, click "Add a language" at the top. A window opens showing available languages. Find the one you want, click it, then click "Next". Windows will read the language files (this takes 2 to 10 minutes depending on your internet speed). Once the read finishes, follow the "Set as default" step above.
Changing language on Mac
Open System Settings by clicking the Apple menu in the top left corner and selecting System Settings. Click General in the sidebar, then click Language & Region. You will see "Preferred Languages" with your current language at the top.
To switch to a different language, click the plus sign (+) at the bottom of the Preferred Languages list. A window opens showing available languages. Find the one you want and double-click it. The language moves to the top of your list and becomes active when ready — you do not need to restart.
If you want to remove a language from your list, click it, then click the minus sign (−) below the list. This does not affect your system language; it only removes the language from your preferences. Mac will keep your current display language active.
What happens when you change your system language
Changing your system language affects the words you see in Windows or Mac menus, buttons, dialog boxes, and system messages. The File menu becomes Fichier (French) or Archivo (Spanish), for example. Your desktop background and files do not change — only the interface language changes.
Programs you have installed may or may not switch to the new language. Microsoft Office, Google Chrome, and Firefox usually follow your system language automatically. Smaller or older programs sometimes stay in English even after you change your system language. You can usually change those programs' language inside their own settings.
Documents, spreadsheets, and other files you created stay in the language they were written in. Changing your system language does not translate existing documents. If you need to translate a document, you will need a translation tool or service separate from your language settings.
Adding a language without making it your default
You might want to add a language for spell-checking or keyboard input without changing your entire system to that language. On Windows, go to Settings > Time & Language > Language, add the language you want, then do not click "Set as default". The language will be available for spell-checking and keyboard switching, but your menus will stay in your original language.
On Mac, adding a language to your Preferred Languages list automatically makes it available for spell-checking and keyboard input. You can reorder the languages by dragging them — whichever is at the top is your display language, but all languages in the list are available for typing and checking. To use a different keyboard layout, go to System Settings > Keyboard > Input Sources and add the language there.
Switching between languages while you work
Once you have added multiple languages, you can switch between them without restarting. On Windows, click the language indicator in the bottom right corner of your taskbar (it shows your current language code, like "ENG" or "FRA"). A menu appears showing all your installed languages. Click the one you want to use right now. Your keyboard layout and spell-checker switch when ready.
On Mac, click the Input menu in the top right corner (it shows a flag or language code). Select the language you want. Your keyboard layout switches right away, and spell-checking will use that language in programs that support it. You can also set a keyboard shortcut to switch languages faster — go to System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts > Input Sources and assign a key combination.
Troubleshooting language changes that did not work
If you changed your language but menus are still in English, restart your computer. Windows especially requires a restart for system language changes to take full effect. On Mac, most changes happen when ready, but some programs may need to be closed and reopened.
If a language you want is not showing up in the available languages list, your computer may not have downloaded it yet. On Windows, make sure you are connected to the internet and try clicking "Add a language" again — the list updates when you open that window. On Mac, all major languages are usually available, but if you do not see one, check that you are signed in to your Apple account and have an active internet connection.
If your keyboard is typing in the wrong language, check your keyboard layout setting separately from your display language. On Windows, go to Settings > Time & Language > Keyboard and make sure the correct keyboard layout is selected. On Mac, check System Settings > Keyboard > Input Sources and confirm the right language is checked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my language delete my files or programs?
No. Changing your system language only changes the words you see in menus and buttons. All your files, programs, and documents stay exactly as they are. You can switch back to your original language at any time without losing anything.
Can I use two languages at the same time?
Yes. You can add multiple languages to your system and switch between them while you work. Your keyboard layout and spell-checker will change to match whichever language you select, but your display language (menus and buttons) will stay in your default language unless you set a different one as default.
Do I need to read anything to add a new language?
Most common languages are already on your computer and do not need downloading. Less common languages may require a read that takes a few minutes. Windows will tell you if a read is needed when you try to add the language. Mac usually has all major languages ready to use.
What if my program is still in English after I changed my system language?
Some programs have their own language settings that override your system language. Open the program, look for Preferences, Settings, or Options (usually in a menu at the top), and search for Language. Change it there. If the program does not have a language setting, it may only be available in English.
Can I change the language just for one program?
Yes. Most programs let you change their language independently in their own settings or preferences menu. Your system language will stay the same, and only that program will switch. This is useful if you want your computer menus in English but need one program to display in another language.