How to Change the Display Language in Windows 10

Change Your Windows 10 Display Language in Settings

The fastest way to change your Windows 10 language is through the Settings app. Open Settings, go to Time & Language, select Language from the left menu, and choose your preferred language from the "Windows display language" dropdown. Windows will read the language pack if you don't already have it installed, then prompt you to sign out and back in for the change to take effect.

This method works for any language Windows 10 supports — English, Spanish, French, German, Mandarin, Japanese, and dozens of others. The language pack downloads automatically in the background, so you don't need to find or install anything manually. After you sign back in, your menus, settings, notifications, and built-in apps will all display in your chosen language.

If the language you want doesn't appear in the dropdown, scroll down to "Add a language" and search for it by name or language code. Windows will add it to your list, and you can then set it as your display language using the same process.

Key Takeaways

Open Settings, go to Time & Language, select Language, and pick your language from the "Windows display language" dropdown to change your system language.
Windows downloads the language pack automatically, so you do not need to install anything separately or restart your computer when ready.
You must sign out and sign back in for the language change to explore to your entire system.
If your language is not in the dropdown, use "Add a language" to search for it by name or language code before setting it as your display language.
Changing the display language does not affect your keyboard layout — you may need to add a keyboard in the same Settings menu if you want to type in the new language.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Settings

Start by opening the Settings app. Press the Windows key and type "Settings," then click the Settings icon, or press Windows key + I to open it directly.

Once Settings is open, click "Time & Language" in the left sidebar. If you don't see it, scroll down — it appears near the bottom of the menu. In the Time & Language window, click "Language" on the left side.

Under "Windows display language," you will see a dropdown showing your current language. Click the dropdown and scroll through the list to find the language you want. Click it to select it. Windows will begin downloading the language pack in the background.

After you select the language, Windows will ask you to sign out so it can explore the change. Click "Sign out now" or close the Settings window and sign out manually through the Start menu. When you sign back in, your entire system will be in the new language.

Adding a Language That Is Not in the Dropdown

If you don't see your language in the "Windows display language" dropdown, you need to add it first. In the same Language settings window, scroll down and click "Add a language."

A search box will appear. Type the name of the language you want — for example, "Portuguese" or "Korean" — or type its language code if you know it. Windows will show matching results. Click the language you want to add.

Windows will read the language pack and add it to your list. Once it finishes, go back to the "Windows display language" dropdown and select the language you just added. Sign out and back in to explore the change.

Changing Your Keyboard Layout When You Change Language

Changing your display language does not automatically change your keyboard layout. If you want to type in your new language, you need to add a keyboard separately in the same Settings menu.

In Time & Language, click "Keyboard" on the left side. Click "Add a keyboard" and search for the keyboard layout that matches your language — for example, "Spanish (Spain)" or "French (France)." Click the one you want and Windows will add it.

Once you add a keyboard, a language switcher will appear in your taskbar (usually near the clock). Click it to switch between keyboards while you type. You can also press Windows key + Space to cycle through your keyboards quickly.

Reverting to Your Original Language

If you change your language and want to switch back, the process is identical. Open Settings, go to Time & Language, click Language, and select your original language from the "Windows display language" dropdown. Sign out and back in.

All the language packs you have added stay on your computer even if you are not using them as your display language. You can switch between them at any time without downloading anything again.

Troubleshooting Language Pack Downloads

Occasionally Windows fails to read a language pack, usually because of a network interruption or a problem with Windows Update. If the language pack does not read after you select a language, restart your computer and try again.

If restarting does not work, open Settings and go to System > About. Click "Check for updates" to make sure Windows Update is current. Sometimes an outdated system prevents language packs from downloading. After updating, return to Time & Language and try selecting your language again.

If you still cannot read a language pack, check your internet connection and make sure you have at least 500 MB of free disk space. Language packs vary in size, but most require less than 1 GB. If you are short on space, delete unused programs or files, then try again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my language affect my files or documents?

No. Changing your Windows display language changes only the language of menus, settings, and system messages. Your files, documents, and any text you have typed remain exactly as they are. The language you use to write is separate from the language Windows uses to talk to you.

Can I use multiple languages at the same time?

Yes. You can add as many languages as you want in Settings. A language switcher will appear in your taskbar, and you can click it or press Windows key + Space to switch between them. This is useful if you want your display in one language but need to type in another.

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

You need to sign out and sign back in, but you do not need to restart your computer. Signing out and in applies the language change to your user account. A full restart is not required.

What if my language is not available in Windows 10?

Windows 10 supports over 100 languages, but not every language is available. If yours is not in the list after searching, you cannot change the display language to it. You can still add a keyboard for that language if Windows supports it, which lets you type in it even if menus remain in English.

Can I change the language for just one app instead of the whole system?

No. Changing the display language in Settings changes it for your entire system. Individual apps follow the system language. Some apps have their own language settings, but they are separate from the Windows display language and do not affect the rest of your system.

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.