How to Change the System Language in Windows 11

When you purchase a computer or install Windows 11 for the first time, it defaults to the primary language of your region (typically English in North America and the UK). However, Windows 11 is a truly global operating system that supports dozens of different languages for its menus, settings, and built-in applications. Whether you are bilingual, learning a new language, or bought a computer from overseas and need to translate the interface back to your native tongue, you can easily download and apply a new system language.

How to Download and Install a New Language Pack

Before you can switch languages, you must download the specific translation files from Microsoft’s servers.

1. Click the Start button on your taskbar and open the Settings app (the gear icon).
2. In the left-hand sidebar menu, click on Time & language.
3. In the main window, click on Language & region.
4. Look for the section labeled “Preferred languages.” Next to “Add a language,” click the blue Add a language button.
5. A pop-up window will appear containing a massive list of global languages. You can scroll through the list or type the name of the language you want (e.g., “Spanish” or “Español”) into the search bar at the top.
6. Select the specific dialect you need (e.g., Spanish (Mexico) vs. Spanish (Spain)) and click Next.
7. The installation screen will appear. Important: Ensure the box labeled Set as my Windows display language is checked. If you want Cortana to understand this language or if you want to type using this language’s keyboard layout, leave the other optional boxes checked as well.
8. Click the Install button.
9. Windows will now download the language pack. You will see a progress bar. This may take several minutes depending on your internet connection.

How to Apply the New Language

Language changes require a system refresh to rewrite the text in all your menus and applications.

1. Once the download is complete, look at the top of the “Language & region” settings page.
2. Locate the drop-down menu labeled Windows display language.
3. Click the menu and verify that your newly downloaded language is selected.
4. As soon as you change the selection, a prompt will appear warning you that Windows needs to sign you out to apply the new display language.
5. Ensure you have saved any open documents and closed your applications.
6. Click the Sign out button in the prompt.
7. Your screen will briefly go black and return you to the Windows lock screen.
8. Log back into your account. When the desktop loads, all of your start menu items, settings menus, and file explorer tabs will be translated into your chosen language.