Change Your Windows 11 Display Language in Settings

To change the language Windows 11 displays on your screen, open Settings by pressing Windows key + I, then go to Time & language in the left sidebar. Select Language & region, and you will see a list of installed languages under "Preferred languages." Click the language you want to use, then select Set as default. Windows will ask you to sign out and back in for the change to take effect.

If the language you want is not already installed, scroll down to the bottom of the Language & region page and click Add a language. A window will open showing available languages. Find and click the one you need, then click Next. Windows will read and install it, which usually takes a few minutes depending on your internet speed. Once installed, follow the steps above to set it as your default.

The language change affects your entire system—menus, dialog boxes, notifications, and built-in apps will all switch to your chosen language. Some third-party programs may not follow this change and will continue to display in their own language settings.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, go to Time & language, then Language & region to find your display language options.
  • If your language is not installed, click Add a language, select it from the list, and let Windows read it.
  • Click Set as default on your chosen language, then sign out and back in to complete the change.
  • The language change applies to Windows menus and built-in apps, but third-party programs may not follow it.
  • You can add multiple languages and switch between them without reinstalling Windows.

Install Additional Languages Before Setting as Default

Windows 11 comes with English pre-installed, but you may need to read other languages first. The read size varies—most languages are between 100 MB and 500 MB. Make sure you have a stable internet connection before starting, as interruptions can leave the installation incomplete.

After you click Add a language and select your language, Windows shows you optional downloads like handwriting recognition or text-to-speech for that language. You do not need these to use the language for your display—they are extras. Uncheck them if you want a faster read, or leave them checked if you want those features available.

Switch Between Languages Without Restarting

Once you have multiple languages installed, you can switch between them quickly using the language switcher in your taskbar. Look for a small box showing your current language code (like "ENG" for English) in the bottom right corner of your screen, near the clock. Click it to see all your installed languages and select a different one.

This taskbar switcher changes the language when ready without requiring a restart. However, some programs you have open may not update their language until you close and reopen them. The Windows system itself—Settings, File Explorer, and notifications—will switch right away.

Change the Keyboard Layout Separately From Display Language

Your keyboard layout and your display language are two separate settings. You can have Windows display in English but type using a French keyboard layout, or vice versa. To add a keyboard layout, go to Settings > Time & language > Language & region, click your language, then select Keyboard. Click Add a keyboard and choose the layout you want.

Once added, you can switch keyboard layouts using the same taskbar language switcher. This is useful if you need to type in multiple languages or use a non-English keyboard layout while keeping your menus in English.

Remove Languages You No Longer Need

If you have installed languages you no longer use, you can remove them to free up disk space. Go to Settings > Time & language > Language & region, click the language you want to remove, and select Remove. Windows will uninstall it when ready. You cannot remove your default language this way—you must set a different language as default first.

Removing a language also removes any keyboard layouts associated with it. If you think you might need the language again later, you can always reinstall it using the same Add a language process.

Troubleshoot Language Installation Problems

If a language fails to read, check your internet connection and try again. If the read keeps stopping, restart your computer and attempt the installation once more. Some languages are larger than others and may take longer—give the read at least 10 to 15 minutes before assuming it has failed.

If you see an error message during installation, make sure you have at least 2 GB of free disk space. You can check this by opening Settings > System > Storage. If you are low on space, delete files you no longer need or uninstall unused programs, then try the language installation again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my display language affect my files or documents?

No. Changing the language Windows displays does not change the content of your files, documents, or any data on your computer. It only changes how the Windows system itself presents menus, buttons, and messages to you.

Can I use Windows 11 in multiple languages at the same time?

You can install multiple languages and switch between them, but only one can be your default display language at a time. You can change your default language as often as you want by going back to Settings and selecting a different one.

What happens to my programs when I change the Windows language?

Built-in Windows programs like Notepad and File Explorer will display in your new language. Third-party programs like Microsoft Office or Chrome may or may not follow the Windows language setting—it depends on how each program is designed. Some programs have their own language settings you need to change separately.

Do I need to restart Windows after changing the language?

Yes, you must sign out and sign back in for the display language change to take effect across your entire system. A straightforward restart is not enough—you need to log out of your user account and log back in.

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

Most built-in Windows programs follow the system language setting. For third-party programs, check their own settings menu—many have a Language or Preferences option where you can choose independently of Windows.