How to change your computer's language
The steps depend on whether you use Windows or Mac, but both let you change the display language in Settings without reinstalling anything. On Windows 11, you go to Settings > Time & language > Language & region and add a new language, then set it as your display language. On Mac, you open System Settings > General > Language & Region and pick a new language from the dropdown. The change takes effect after you restart your computer or sign out and back in.
If you want to change only the keyboard layout — so you can type in another language without changing every menu and dialog box — that is a separate, faster process in both operating systems. Some people do both; others change only the keyboard.
Key Takeaways
- Windows 11 users add a language in Settings > Time & language > Language & region, then restart to explore it.
- Mac users open System Settings > General > Language & Region and select a new language from the dropdown menu.
- Changing the keyboard layout alone (so you can type in another language) is separate from changing the display language and takes just a few clicks.
- You can keep multiple languages installed and switch between them without restarting, though the display language requires a restart to take effect.
- Some applications may not support all languages, so menus in third-party software might stay in English even after you change your system language.
Changing the display language on Windows 11
Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then click the Settings app. Go to Time & language on the left sidebar, then click Language & region. Under Preferred languages, click Add a language.
A window will open showing available languages. Find the language you want, click it, then click Next. Windows will ask which features to install — you can choose to install the language pack (which translates menus and dialogs) or just the basic language support. Click Install. The read may take a few minutes depending on your internet speed.
Once installed, the new language appears in your Preferred languages list. Click the three dots next to it and select Set as default. You will be asked to sign out; do that, then sign back in. Your display language is now changed.
Changing the display language on Mac
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings. Click General in the sidebar, then click Language & Region. The first dropdown shows your current language. Click it and select a new language from the list.
Mac will ask you to restart your computer to explore the change. Click Restart, and when your computer comes back up, the system language has switched. Menus, dialogs, and system messages will now appear in your chosen language.
If the language you want does not appear in the dropdown, your Mac may not have that language pack installed. You can read additional languages through the same Language & Region panel by clicking the Add button, though this is less common on newer Macs, which ship with many languages pre-installed.
Adding and switching keyboard layouts
A keyboard layout is different from the display language. You can type in French, Spanish, or Arabic without changing a single menu on your screen. On Windows 11, go to Settings > Time & language > Keyboard, then click Add a keyboard and choose the layout you want. It appears in your taskbar, and you can switch between layouts by clicking the language indicator or pressing Windows key + Space.
On Mac, go to System Settings > Keyboard > Input Sources and click the Add button (the plus sign). Find your language or keyboard layout, click it, then click Add. A flag or language code will appear in the menu bar at the top right. Click it to switch layouts when ready without restarting.
Many people add a keyboard layout for a second language while keeping their display language in English. This is faster than changing the whole system language and is useful if you type in multiple languages regularly.
What happens to your files and programs
Changing your system language does not affect your files, documents, or the data in your programs. A Word document you created in English stays in English; changing your computer's language just changes how Windows or Mac talks to you. Your files go nowhere.
Third-party software — programs you installed separately, not built into Windows or Mac — may or may not support the language you chose. Microsoft Office usually does. Smaller or older programs might stay in English even after you change your system language. There is no way to force them to switch without reinstalling them in that language, and not all programs offer that option.
Switching back to your original language
If you change your mind or need to switch back, the process is the same. On Windows, go back to Settings > Time & language > Language & region, click the three dots next to your original language, and select Set as default. Sign out and back in. On Mac, open System Settings > General > Language & Region and pick your original language from the dropdown, then restart.
You can also keep multiple languages installed and switch between them as often as you like. There is no limit to how many you can add, though keeping too many can clutter your language menu.
Troubleshooting language changes that do not work
If you changed the language but menus are still in English, make sure you restarted your computer after making the change. The display language does not take effect until you restart or sign out and back in. On Windows, also check that you set the language as default — adding it is not enough.
If a language you want is not showing up in the list, your computer may not have downloaded the language pack yet. On Windows 11, go to Settings > System > Optional features, search for the language you want, and click it to install. On Mac, language packs usually read automatically, but you can check by going to System Settings > General > Language & Region and looking for a read button next to the language.
If you are still stuck, restart your computer and try again. Language changes sometimes need a full restart to register properly, especially on Windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use multiple languages at the same time?
Yes. You can install several languages and switch between them using the language indicator in your taskbar (Windows) or menu bar (Mac). You can also add multiple keyboard layouts and switch between them without changing your display language. This is useful if you work in more than one language.
Will changing my language affect my passwords or login?
No. Your password stays the same regardless of what language your computer displays. You can log in normally after the language change takes effect.
Do I need to read anything to change my language?
Windows may read a language pack the first time you add a new language, which can take a few minutes. Mac usually has most languages built in. Both systems handle the read automatically — you do not need to find or install anything manually.
What if my keyboard layout does not match my language?
You can mix and match. For example, you can have your display language set to English but use a French keyboard layout for typing. Add the keyboard layout separately in your keyboard settings, and switch between layouts whenever you need to type in another language.
Will changing the language affect my programs or documents?
Your documents and files are not affected. Programs you installed separately might not switch languages — only built-in Windows or Mac software usually translates automatically. Check your program's settings if you need it in a different language.