How to Change the Default Language in Windows 11

Pankil is a Civil Engineer turned freelance writer. Since his arrival at Guiding Tech in 2021, he delves into the world of how-tos, and troubleshooting guides for Android, iOS, and Windows. Besides his new-found love for mechanical keyboards, he’s a disciplined footfall fan and loves international travel with his wife.

How to Change the Display Language in Windows 11

Windows 11 supports various languages. To change the display language on your PC, download the relevant language pack and apply the changes. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1:Press theWindows key + Ito open the Settings app. Then, go toTime & language > Language & region.

Step 2:Click theAdd a languagebutton next to Preferred languages.

Step 3:In the “Choose a language to install” window, use the search bar at the top to type the name of the language you wish to download. Alternatively, search for available languages by typing the name of a country.

Step 4:Select thelanguageyou wish to use.

Step 5:Under Language preferences, tick the box forSet as my Windows display languageand clickInstall.

Windows will start downloading the language pack. Once downloaded, sign out and sign back in to apply the changes. Doing so will change the default language for apps, menus, and the keyboard.

Windows will sync these changes across devices connected using a Microsoft account. However, if you don’t want that, you canprevent Windows from syncinglanguage preferences.

How to Change Language for Welcome Screen and New User Accounts in Windows 11

Although you can easily change the display language through the Settings app, that change only applies to the current user account. The change in the language will not reflect on the Windows 11 welcome screen, system accounts, and the new user accounts you create. For that, you must use theControl Panel on Windows.

Once you’ve changed the default language for your current user account, here’s how to apply the change to the rest of your user accounts.

Step 1:Click thesearch iconon the taskbar. Typecontrol paneland select the first result.

Step 2:Change the view type to small or large icons using the drop-down menu at the top right. Then, click onRegion.

Step 3:Switch to theAdministrativetab and clickCopy settings.

Step 4:Mark the boxes forWelcome screen and system accountsandNew user accountsand clickOK.

Reboot your PC, and the new language will be applied everywhere, including the welcome screen.

How to Change the Keyboard Language in Windows 11

If you’re looking to type in a foreign language, Windows also lets you change the keyboard language without changing the display language on your PC.

Step 1:Press theWindows key + Ito open the Settings app and head toTime & language > Typing.

Step 2:Go toAdvanced keyboard settings.

Step 3:Use the drop-down menu under Override for default input method and select anew languagefor the keyboard.

Optionally, you can uncheckUse the desktop language bar when it’s available. This will allow you to switch between keyboard languages directly from the taskbar.

Alternatively, you can also use theWindows key + Spacebarshortcut to switch between different keyboard languages. The changes will take effect instantly, and you should be able to type in another language.

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Last updated on 02 September, 2024

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