Have you ever tried to run a program on your Windows 11 PC, only to see strange symbols or question marks instead of text? That usually happens because your system locale doesn’t match the language the app was built for. The good news is: you can fix it easily by changing the system locale in Windows 11.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what system locale is, why it matters, and step-by-step methods to change it. Whether you’re installing region-specific software, playing older games, or working with multilingual documents, this tutorial will help you configure your system properly.
Key Takeaways
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System locale controls how Windows 11 displays non-Unicode programs.
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It’s different from the display language or region settings.
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You can change it via Control Panel > Region settings.
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Restart is required after applying changes.
What Is System Locale in Windows 11?
The system locale determines which language set Windows uses to display non-Unicode programs. Unlike the display language (which changes your menus and system UI), the system locale ensures apps coded in specific languages (like Japanese, Chinese, or Russian) show correctly.
👉 Example: If you’re running a Japanese game but your system locale is English (US), the text may appear as boxes or gibberish. Changing the system locale to Japanese fixes the issue.
When Do You Need to Change System Locale?
You should adjust your system locale if you:
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Run older apps not designed for Unicode.
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Play region-specific games (common for Japanese or Korean titles).
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Work with international software that doesn’t display text properly.
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Need to support multilingual environments on one PC.
How to Check Your Current System Locale
Before changing, it’s good to know what your PC is set to.
Steps:
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Press Windows + R, type
control, and hit Enter. -
Go to Clock and Region > Region.
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Open the Administrative tab.
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Under Current system locale, you’ll see the current setting (e.g., English (United States)).
How to Change System Locale on Windows 11 (Step-by-Step)
Here’s the exact process:
Step 1: Open Control Panel
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Press Windows + S and search for Control Panel.
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Open it and switch the view to Category.
Step 2: Go to Region Settings
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Click Clock and Region.
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Select Region from the options.
Step 3: Open Administrative Tab
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In the Region window, click the Administrative tab.
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Look for the Language for non-Unicode programs section.
Step 4: Change System Locale
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Click Change system locale….
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A dropdown menu will appear.
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Select the desired language (e.g., Japanese (Japan)).
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Click OK.
Step 5: Restart Your Computer
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Windows will ask you to restart.
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After reboot, your system locale will be updated.
👉 Now, non-Unicode apps will display text correctly in the chosen language.
Alternative Method: Change System Locale via Settings
Though most users use Control Panel, you can also navigate through modern Settings.
Steps:
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Press Windows + I to open Settings.
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Go to Time & language > Language & region.
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Scroll down and click Administrative language settings.
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This opens the Region > Administrative tab, where you can follow the same steps as above.
How to Revert Back to Default Locale
If apps or text start acting strangely after changing system locale, you can switch back:
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Open Control Panel > Region > Administrative tab.
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Click Change system locale….
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Select your original language (e.g., English (United States)).
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Restart your PC.
Difference Between System Locale, Display Language, and Region
| Feature | Purpose | Affects |
|---|---|---|
| System Locale | Handles non-Unicode apps | Legacy apps, games, certain characters |
| Display Language | Changes Windows interface | Menus, settings, notifications |
| Region | Sets regional formatting | Date, time, currency |
👉 Changing system locale won’t change your Windows menus or date format.
Troubleshooting: Issues After Changing Locale
If something doesn’t work right:
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App still shows garbled text – Make sure you selected the correct locale.
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Keyboard input doesn’t match – Add a matching input language under Settings > Time & language > Language & region.
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Programs crash – Some older apps may still not run correctly; try compatibility mode.
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System-wide changes – Remember, this affects all non-Unicode apps, not just one.
Tips for Multilingual Users
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Use multiple input languages alongside system locale.
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If you only need certain characters, consider installing language packs instead of changing locale.
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For professional use, consider running region-specific apps in a virtual machine to avoid conflicts.
Conclusion
Changing the system locale on Windows 11 is a straightforward process that can solve display issues for older or region-specific programs. By following the steps in Control Panel > Region > Administrative tab, you can switch locales easily and ensure apps show the correct characters.
Whether you’re a gamer running Japanese titles or a professional working with international software, adjusting system locale ensures smoother performance and better compatibility.
FAQs About Changing System Locale on Windows 11
1. Does changing system locale affect my display language?
No. Your Windows menus and system text stay the same. It only affects non-Unicode apps.
2. Do I need to restart after changing system locale?
Yes. Windows requires a reboot to apply the change.
3. Can I set different locales for different apps?
No. System locale applies globally to all non-Unicode programs.
4. Will changing system locale slow down my PC?
No. It only affects how text is displayed in certain apps.
5. How do I know which locale to choose?
Choose the locale that matches the language of the program you want to run (e.g., Japanese for Japanese apps).