Change Display Language Preferences Easily Windows 11 & 10 (Ultimate Guide)

Tired of navigating a new computer in an unfamiliar language? You’re in the right place. This guide shows you how to change display language preferences easily windows, putting you back in control. Let’s dive in and make your PC feel like your own again.

• Common Reasons to Change Your Windows Display Language

Common Reasons to Change Your Windows Display Language

Before we get to the “how,” let’s quickly cover the “why.” You might need to change your display language if you:

• Purchased a computer from another country.
• Are working in a multilingual household or office.
• Are learning a new language and want to immerse yourself in it.
• Simply prefer to use your computer in your native tongue.

Quick Steps: For Those in a Hurry

If you’re already familiar with Windows and just need a quick reminder, here’s the direct path:

• Windows 11: Settings > Time & Language > Language & region > Add a language.
• Windows 10: Settings > Time & Language > Language > Add a preferred language.

For a more detailed walkthrough with pictures, continue reading below.

Before You Begin: A Quick Checklist

For a smooth process, ensure you have these three things ready:

• Administrator Privileges: You must be logged in to an account with administrator rights to install or remove language packs.
• A Stable Internet Connection: Language packs are downloaded from Microsoft’s servers.
• Sufficient Disk Space: Language packs can take up a significant amount of space, sometimes over a gigabyte.

How to Change Display Language Preferences Easily For Windows 11

Windows 11 features a streamlined interface that makes changing your language straightforward. First things first, let’s walk through the process together, one simple step at a time.

Step 1: Open the Settings App

To begin, you need to open your computer’s main control panel. You can do this by clicking the Start button on your taskbar and selecting the Settings cogwheel. For a quicker route, simply press the Windows Key + I on your keyboard.

Step 2: Navigate to ‘Time & Language’

Once the Settings window is open, look at the navigation menu on the left-hand side. From this list, click on the Time & language option.

Step 3: Select ‘Language & Region’

Next, a new set of options will appear in the main part of the window. Here, you will click on the Language & region section to proceed.

Step 4: Add a New Language

Now, you’ll see a list of your currently installed languages. To add another one, click the blue + Add a language button.

A pop-up window will appear, allowing you to search for the language you wish to install. Find your desired language and click Next.

Step 5: Install and Set the New Display Language

On the final screen, you’ll see checkboxes for optional language features like Text-to-speech or Handwriting. For a standard installation, you can leave these as they are.

Most importantly, ensure the checkbox for Set as my Windows display language is ticked. After that, click the Install button. Windows will then download and install the language pack. You may need to sign out and sign back in for the changes to take full effect.

How to Change Display Language Preferences Easily for Windows 10

For those using Windows 10, the process is just as simple, though the menus look slightly different. Let’s get your preferred language set up right away.

Step 1: Open Your Windows Settings

First, click the Start button and select the Settings gear icon. Alternatively, press the Windows Key + I shortcut.

Step 2: Go to ‘Time & Language’

In the main Windows Settings hub, find and click on the Time & Language option.

Step 3: Select the ‘Language’ Tab

On the following screen, look to the left-hand menu and click on the Language tab.

Step 4: Add and Install a Preferred Language

Under the ‘Preferred languages’ heading, click the + Add a preferred language button. Search for and select the language you want, then click Next.

You’ll see several checkboxes for optional features. Make sure the Install language pack and Set as my Windows display language boxes are checked, and finally, click Install.

Beyond the Display: Applying Language Settings System-Wide

Changing the display language is a great start, but for a truly immersive experience, you’ll want to apply these settings everywhere.

Syncing Language for the Welcome Screen and New Accounts

To ensure your login screen appears in the correct language, you must sync your settings.

1. From the Language settings page, click on Administrative language settings.
2. In the new pop-up window, under the ‘Administrative’ tab, click the Copy settings… button.
3. Finally, tick the boxes for Welcome screen and system accounts and New user accounts. Click OK.

How to Add or Change Your Keyboard Layout

Sometimes, a new display language requires a new keyboard layout. You can easily add one by navigating back to Language settings, clicking on your newly installed language, selecting Options, and then clicking + Add a keyboard.

For more detailed information on managing keyboard layouts, you can refer to the official Microsoft Support documentation.

A Note on Language Packs (LPs) vs. Language Interface Packs (LIPs)

You may notice that some languages offer more complete translation than others. This is because Windows uses two types: a full Language Pack (LP) provides a translation for nearly the entire operating system, while a Language Interface Pack (LIP) only translates the most commonly used menus and dialog boxes, relying on a base language (like English) for the rest.

For Advanced Users: Change Display Language Using PowerShell

If you prefer using the command line or need to script this process for multiple machines, you can use PowerShell.

1. Right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
2. To see the currently installed languages on your system, type Get-WinUserLanguageList and press Enter.
3. To set your display language, use the command Set-WinUserLanguageList -LanguageList [language code], replacing [language code] with the one you want (e.g., fr-FR for French or es-ES for Spanish).
4. You will need to sign out and back in for the changes to apply.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with a simple process, you can sometimes run into a snag. Here’s how to solve the most common problems.

Problem: The Language Pack Fails to Install

If you get an error message while downloading the language pack, try these steps:

1. Check Your Internet Connection: Language packs are large files and require a stable connection.
2. Run Windows Update: Language packs are delivered via the Windows Update service. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for updates. Installing any pending updates can often resolve the issue.

Problem: The Display Language is Not Applied Everywhere

If you notice that some system menus or apps are still in the old language after signing back in, it’s likely the settings weren’t copied system-wide. Revisit the “Syncing Language for the Welcome Screen and New Accounts” section above and ensure you complete that process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

And there you have it! In just a few simple steps, you’ve successfully changed the display language on your Windows 10 or 11 computer. By following this guide, you’ve not only updated your main display but also learned how to create a consistent language experience across your login screen, keyboard, and new user accounts.

Now you can navigate your PC with confidence and ease. If you found this guide helpful, please share it with others who might benefit! Have any questions or tips of your own? Drop them in the comments section below—we’d love to hear from you.

Zachary Allen 'The Geek'

IT Security / Cyber Security Experts.
Technology Enthusiasm.
Love to read, test and write about IT, Cyber Security and Technology.
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