How to Change Language on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 16, 2025

Windows 11 is a modern operating system that supports multiple languages, making it easy for users worldwide to personalize their PC experience. Whether you bought a laptop that came with the wrong default language, or you want to switch your interface to another language for comfort, Windows 11 allows you to change it quickly.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you exactly how to change the language on Windows 11, including display language, keyboard input, and regional settings.

🔑 Key Takeaways

  • You can change Windows 11 display language via Settings > Time & Language > Language & region.

  • Microsoft Store lets you download language packs for free.

  • You can also adjust keyboard input language, speech recognition, and regional formats.

  • Changing the display language may require signing out or restarting your PC.

  • Windows 11 Pro and Home support multiple languages, but some editions may limit advanced features.

Why Change the Language on Windows 11?

There are several reasons why you may want to switch the language on your Windows 11 PC:

  • Bought a laptop overseas with a different default language.

  • Need to work in multiple languages (e.g., English + Spanish).

  • Prefer localized menus and settings.

  • Using your PC for language learning.

  • Accessibility and ease of use for family members.

How to Change Display Language on Windows 11 (Step-by-Step)

Here’s the most common method to change the entire system language.

Steps:

  1. Open Settings

    • Press Windows + I to launch Settings.

  2. Go to Time & Language

    • From the left menu, select Time & language.

  3. Open Language & Region

    • Click Language & region from the right panel.

  4. Add a Language

    • Under the Preferred languages section, click Add a language.

  5. Choose Your Language

    • In the search box, type the language you want (e.g., Spanish, French, Arabic).

    • Select it and click Next.

  6. Install Language Features

    • Check Set as my Windows display language if you want menus and settings in this language.

    • Click Install.

  7. Sign Out & Back In

    • Windows may prompt you to sign out to apply the change.

    • After signing back in, your Windows interface will appear in the new language.

How to Change Keyboard Input Language in Windows 11

Sometimes you only want to switch the keyboard input language, not the entire display language.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

  2. Go to Time & language > Language & region.

  3. Under your chosen language, click the three dots (…) > Language options.

  4. Click Add a keyboard and select your preferred keyboard layout.

  5. To switch between keyboards, press Windows + Spacebar anytime.

💡 Tip: You can add multiple keyboards (e.g., English QWERTY, French AZERTY, Arabic).

How to Change Regional Format (Date, Time, Currency)

If you want your PC to display date, time, and currency formats in another style (e.g., US vs UK English):

  1. Go to Settings > Time & language > Language & region.

  2. Scroll to Regional format.

  3. Select your preferred country/region (e.g., United States, United Kingdom, Japan).

  4. Your calendar, number, and currency formats will update.

How to Change Speech & Voice Language

Windows 11 also supports speech recognition and voice commands in different languages.

  1. Open Settings > Time & language > Speech.

  2. Under Speech language, select your preferred option.

  3. Download additional speech packs if required.

Things to Keep in Mind

  • Some apps may still display in the original language if they don’t support localization.

  • Windows updates sometimes reset regional settings — recheck after major updates.

  • If you share your PC with others, each account can have different display languages.

  • A restart or sign-out is usually required for the full language change.

Troubleshooting: Can’t Change Language on Windows 11?

  • Language pack won’t install?
    → Ensure you’re connected to the internet and signed into Microsoft Store.

  • Keyboard not switching?
    → Check shortcut settings under Advanced keyboard settings.

  • Some parts still in old language?
    → Restart your PC and check if all features of the language pack are installed.

Comparison of Language Options

Feature What It Changes Example
Display Language Menus, settings, apps, notifications English → Spanish
Keyboard Input Typing layout and shortcuts QWERTY → AZERTY
Regional Format Date, time, currency, numbers US → UK
Speech Language Dictation, voice typing, Cortana English → German

Conclusion

Changing the language on Windows 11 is simple and highly customizable. You can update your system display language, keyboard input, regional format, and speech recognition to suit your needs.

Whether you want a complete language switch or just a different keyboard layout, Windows 11 gives you full flexibility in a few clicks.

FAQs: Changing Language on Windows 11

1. Can I use multiple languages on Windows 11?
Yes. You can install multiple languages and switch between them anytime.

2. Do I need to pay for additional language packs?
No. All official Microsoft language packs are free to download.

3. Why are some apps not changing language?
Some third-party apps don’t support localization and will stay in their default language.

4. Can each user account have a different language?
Yes. Each user can select their own display and input language.

5. Do I need to restart after changing the language?
Most changes require you to sign out and sign back in. Some may need a restart.

Related Posts:

Scroll to Top