How to change system language on Windows 11 or Windows 10

Windows 10 change language.

On Windows 11, Microsoft makes it easy to change the system language settings if you made a mistake during the initial setup or the device came with the wrong language.

Regardless of the reason, if you must change the language settings, you can download, install, and apply a new configuration through the "Time & language" settings without reinstalling Windows 11.

In this how-to guide, I will walk you through the steps to change the computer's default language.

How to change default language on Windows 11

If the computer's language is incorrect, you can change the settings without reinstalling anything with these instructions.

Disable sync for language settings

Since the language preferences will sync across devices, if you only want to update the settings on a particular device, you will have to disable the language settings synchronization option. Of course, you can skip these instructions if you want the new settings to sync across devices.

To turn off syncing the language preferences on Windows 11, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Accounts.
3. Click the Windows backup page in the right side.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

4. Click the "Remember my preferences" setting.
5. Clear the "Language preferences and dictionary" option.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

Once you complete the steps, you can change the language settings without affecting all the other computers connected to the same Microsoft account.

Change language settings

To change the Windows 11 default language, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Time & language.
3. Click the Language & region page in the right side.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

4. Click the Add a language button for the "Preferred languages" setting under the "Language" section.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

5. Search for the new language.

• Quick tip: You can search the country's name to find the language faster.

6. Select the language.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

7. Click the Next button.
8. (Optional) Check the optional language features to install on Windows 11.
9. Check the "Set as my Windows display language" option.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

10. Click the Install button.
11. Click the Sign out button.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

12. Sign into the account to start using the new language.

After you complete the steps, the display language will apply throughout the experience, including the Sign-in screen, Settings app, File Explorer, Desktop, apps, browser, and the web.

Configure region settings

Also, if you are changing the language settings because you are in a different location, you may also need to adjust the region settings.

To set different region settings on Windows 11, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Time & language.
3. Click the Language & region page in the right side.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

4. Use the Country or region setting to select the current location under the "Region" section (if applicable).

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

5. Use the "Regional format" setting to select the correct formats for the new region's date and time (if applicable).

• Quick tip: You can also expand the setting and click the "Change formats" button to change other regional settings, including calendar, first day of the week, short date, and time format.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

6. Click the "Administrative language settings" option under the "Related settings" section.
7. Click the Administrative tab.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

8. Click the "Change system locale" button under the "Language for non-Unicode programs" section.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

9. Select the new system locale by specifying the new language.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

10. Click the OK button.
11. Click the Cancel button.
12. Click the Copy settings button.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

13. Check the "Welcome screen and system accounts" and "New user accounts" options under the "Copy your current settings to" section.

(Image credit: Copy language settings)

14. Click the OK button.
15. Click the OK button again.
16. Click the Restart now button.

Once you complete the steps, the laptop or desktop computer will display the correct region settings.

Although you would rarely have to adjust or add more languages to Windows 11, these settings can come in handy to match the local settings if you are in a different region of the globe or when getting a computer that comes with various settings. You only need to remember that changing the language settings will cause the Microsoft Store and web browsers to show content based on those settings.

More resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:

• Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know
• Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know

How to change default system language on Windows 10

Windows 10 will guide you through configuring your preferred language during the initial setup, but if you didn't select the correct option or use a device already configured with a different language, you don't have to struggle when your requirements are different, nor do you have to reinstall the operating system.

If you have to change the device's default language settings, you can do this using the Settings app without reinstalling Windows 10.

In this how-to guide, I will walk you through the steps to change the system's default language on Windows 10.

If the incorrect language is configured on Windows 10, you can adjust the system settings to configure the correct language without reinstallation.

Disable language sync

On Windows 10, when using a Microsoft account, some of your preferences (including language) will sync across the device. If you only plan to change the settings on the computer, you should turn off the option to sync your language settings to prevent changing the same settings on other devices.

To disable language preference sync on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Accounts.
3. Click on Sync your settings.
4. Under the "Individual sync settings" section, turn off the Language preferences toggle switch.

(Image credit: Future)

Once you complete the steps, you can change the language settings without affecting the other devices connected with the same Microsoft account.

Change system language settings

To change the system default language, close your apps, and use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Time & Language.
3. Click on Language.
4. Under the "Preferred languages" section, click the "Add a language" button.

(Image credit: Future)

5. Search for the correct setting using the language or country name.
6. Select the package from the result.

(Image credit: Future)

7. Click the Next button.
8. Check the "Install language pack" option.
9. Check the "Set as my Windows display language" option.

(Image credit: Future)

10. Check the additional features as needed — for example, "Text-to-speech" and "Handwriting."
11. Click the Install button.
12. Click the "Yes, sign out now" button.
13. Sign back into the account.

After you complete the steps, the Windows 10 language will change across the experience, including the Sign-in screen, Settings app, File Explorer, Desktop, apps, browser, and websites you visit.

Change system region settings

You will also have to change the region settings if you need to adjust the language settings because you are in a different region.

To change the local region settings, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Time & Language.
3. Click on Region.
4. Under the "Region" section, select the current location with the "Country or region" drop-down menu (if applicable).

(Image credit: Future)

5. Under the "Regional format" section, select the formats for the region's date and time with the "Current format" drop-down menu (if applicable).
6. Click on Language.
7. Under the "Related settings" section, click the "Administrative language settings" option.

(Image credit: Future)

8. Click the Administrative tab.
9. Under the "Language for non-Unicode programs" section, click the "Change system locale" button.

(Image credit: Future)

10. Select the new system locale language with the "Current system locale" drop-down menu.

(Image credit: Future)

11. Click the OK button.
12. Click the Copy settings button in the "Administrative" tab.

(Image credit: Future)

13. Under the "Copy your current settings to" section, check the "Welcome screen and system accounts" and "New user accounts" options.

(Image credit: Future)

14. Click the OK button.
15. Click the OK button again.
16. Click the Restart now button.

Once you complete the steps, the settings will apply, and the computer will use the correct region settings.

You rarely have to change or add other languages on Windows 10. However, changing these settings may come in handy in organizations working with people who need to use different preferences. It's also a helpful feature to match the locale settings if you relocate to another region or when buying a new laptop that ships from a different country.

The only caveat with changing the region settings is that it will also change the settings for the Microsoft Store, which may block access to certain apps and services, depending on the location. In the same way, you can change the region settings to access an application from the Microsoft Store that is only available in a specific region.

More resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:

• Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know
• Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know