Windows 11 is designed to be more user-friendly, inclusive, and customizable than ever before. One of its most powerful personalization features is the ability to change your system language. Whether you’ve purchased a new laptop that came with a foreign language, you’re learning a new language, or you simply prefer a different interface, switching languages in Windows 11 is quick and easy.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions on how to change your display language, keyboard input language, regional settings, and even speech preferences. By the end, you’ll be able to fully customize your Windows 11 experience to suit your needs.
📌 Key Takeaways
You can change the display language of Windows 11 in just a few steps.
Language packs may need to be downloaded from Microsoft before use.
You can also switch keyboard input languages and regional formats.
These changes affect menus, apps, notifications, and Cortana/voice typing.
Windows 11 supports multiple languages—you can switch between them anytime.
Why Change the Language in Windows 11?
There are several reasons why you might want to adjust your Windows 11 language settings:
🖥️ Default mismatch: Your PC may come pre-installed with a language you don’t understand.
🌍 Work or study needs: You may need multiple languages for school, business, or communication.
🎓 Language learning: Switching your system language helps immerse you in your new language.
✈️ Travel and relocation: If you move to another country, adjusting the regional format makes apps and settings more accurate.
Understanding Language Options in Windows 11
Before diving into the steps, let’s clarify the different types of language settings in Windows 11:
| Language Setting | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Display Language | Changes the language for menus, system messages, and apps. |
| Input Language | Defines the keyboard layout for typing. |
| Regional Format | Affects date, time, currency, and number formats. |
| Speech Language | Sets the preferred language for voice recognition and Cortana. |
How to Change Language in Windows 11 (Step-by-Step)
Changing your display language in Windows 11 only takes a few minutes. Here’s how:
Step 1: Open Settings
Click the Start menu.
Select Settings (gear icon).
Shortcut: Press Windows + I.
Step 2: Go to Time & Language
In Settings, choose Time & Language from the left-hand menu.
Click on Language & region.
Step 3: Add a New Language
Under Preferred languages, click Add a language.
Search for your desired language (e.g., Spanish, French, Arabic).
Select it and click Next.
Step 4: Install the Language Pack
Windows will show available features:
Set as my display language
Text-to-speech
Handwriting
Speech recognition
Check the options you want and click Install.
Step 5: Switch Display Language
Once installed, go back to Language & region.
Under Windows display language, choose the new language.
You’ll be prompted to Sign out and sign back in for changes to apply.
✅ Done! Your system menus, apps, and notifications will now display in your selected language.
How to Change Keyboard Input Language in Windows 11
Many users need multiple keyboard layouts for typing. Here’s how to switch them:
Adding a Keyboard Layout
Open Settings → Time & Language → Language & region.
Select the language you installed.
Click the three dots (…) → Language options.
Under Keyboards, click Add a keyboard and choose your layout.
Switching Between Keyboards
Use Windows + Spacebar to toggle between input languages.
Or click the Language icon in the taskbar and select manually.
How to Change Regional Format in Windows 11
If you’ve moved countries or need local formatting:
Open Settings → Time & Language → Language & region.
Scroll to Region → Choose your Country/region.
Adjust Regional format for date, time, and currency preferences.
Example: Switching from US English to UK English will change 12-hour time (AM/PM) to 24-hour time and adjust date formats (MM/DD/YYYY → DD/MM/YYYY).
How to Change Speech Language in Windows 11
If you use voice typing, dictation, or Cortana, updating your speech settings is helpful.
Go to Settings → Time & Language → Speech.
Under Speech language, select your preferred option.
Download additional speech packs if necessary.
How to Quickly Switch Between Installed Languages
Windows 11 makes it easy to toggle between multiple languages:
Keyboard shortcut: Press Windows + Spacebar.
Taskbar menu: Click the Language icon near the clock.
Voice commands: Use Cortana (if supported in your language).
Common Issues When Changing Language (and Fixes)
Even though the process is straightforward, some users face challenges. Let’s look at the most common issues:
1. Language Pack Won’t Install
Ensure you’re connected to the internet.
Check Windows Update for pending updates.
Restart and try again.
2. Wrong Keyboard Layout
Go to Language options and remove unused keyboards.
Re-add the correct layout.
3. Apps Still in Old Language
Some apps have independent language settings.
Check inside the app’s settings.
4. Cortana Not Available
Cortana supports limited languages. If unavailable, try using voice typing instead.
Best Practices for Multilingual Windows 11 Users
Install only the languages you need to avoid clutter.
Set a default input method to prevent accidental switches.
Use language shortcuts for faster typing.
Keep your system updated to ensure language packs install correctly.
Advanced Tip: Change System Locale for Non-Unicode Programs
Some older software may not display characters correctly. To fix this:
Open Control Panel → Clock and Region → Region.
Go to the Administrative tab.
Click Change system locale.
Select the language required by your program.
Restart your PC.
Conclusion
Changing the language in Windows 11 is a straightforward process, whether you want to switch the display language, keyboard input method, regional format, or speech settings. With just a few clicks in Settings, you can transform your system into a multilingual powerhouse.
👉 Whether you’re adapting to a new country, learning a language, or just prefer a different layout, Windows 11 gives you the tools to make your computer feel truly yours.
FAQs: How to Change Language in Windows 11
1. Can I use more than one language on Windows 11?
Yes! You can install multiple display and input languages and switch between them anytime.
2. Do I need to pay for language packs?
No, Microsoft provides language packs for free via Windows Update.
3. Why didn’t my apps change language after switching?
Some apps manage language independently. Check inside the app’s own settings.
4. How do I remove a language I don’t use?
Go to Settings → Language & region → Three dots → Remove.
5. Will changing language affect my files?
No, changing system language won’t delete or alter your personal files. It only affects the interface.