Quick Answer
To change the language in Windows 11, press Windows Key plus I to open Settings, click Time and language, choose Language and region, then click Add a language. Pick your target language, install the language pack, tick Set as my Windows display language, and sign out.
When you sign back in, the Start menu, taskbar, Settings, and File Explorer all switch to the new language. The process is identical for adding a second keyboard layout.
Why You Might Want to Change Language
Windows 11 supports more than 100 display languages and each one can be installed alongside your existing setup. Common reasons to switch include:
- You bought a second hand computer set up in a different country.
- You share the machine with a family member who prefers another language.
- You are actively learning a new language and want full immersion.
- You need to type in a non English script like Spanish, Arabic, or Hindi.
You do not need to reinstall Windows or wipe your data. Microsoft ships language packs as add ons that can be downloaded any time.
Before You Start
Save any open work. The final step requires signing out, which closes every open app. You also need:
- An active internet connection to download the language pack.
- An administrator account, or your computer admin to approve the install.
- About 200 to 500 MB of free disk space depending on the language.
Step 1: Open the Language Settings
Press Windows Key plus I together to open the Settings window. In the left sidebar, scroll down and click Time and language. In the main panel, click Language and region.
This page shows your current Windows display language, your preferred languages, and your regional format.
Step 2: Add Your New Language
Under the Preferred languages section, click the Add a language button. A search window opens.
- Type the name of the language you want, for example Spanish, French, or German.
- Pick the regional variant from the list, such as Spanish Mexico or French Canada. Variants control date formats and spell check rules.
- Click Next.
The next screen shows optional features like a language pack, speech recognition, handwriting, and basic typing. The language pack is required for the system text. The other options are useful but not essential.
Step 3: Set It as Your Display Language
On the same install screen, tick the box labeled Set as my Windows display language. If you forget this step, the language installs but the Windows interface stays the same.
Click Install. Windows downloads the pack from Microsoft servers, which usually takes 1 to 5 minutes depending on your connection.
Step 4: Sign Out to Apply the Change
Once the install completes, Windows shows a yellow banner that says it needs to sign you out to finish the change. Save your open files, then click Sign out.
When you sign back into your user profile, every system area is translated. That includes Start, taskbar, Settings, File Explorer, dialog boxes, error messages, and built in apps like Calculator and Photos.
Optional: Match Regional Formats
Date, time, currency, and number formats are controlled separately from display language. Open Settings, Time and language, Language and region, then look for Regional format.
Pick the country that matches your local conventions. For example, switching to Germany changes the date to dd.mm.yyyy and the decimal separator to a comma.
Adding a Keyboard Layout Only
If you only need to type accented or non English characters without translating the menus, skip the display language change. From Settings, Time and language, Language and region, click the three dots next to your existing language, choose Language options, then add a new keyboard layout.
Switch between keyboards on the fly with Windows Key plus Space.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- If Set as my Windows display language is greyed out, the full language pack did not download. Reinstall while connected to a reliable network.
- If menus stay in the old language after sign out, restart the computer fully and check that the new language is at the top of the Preferred languages list.
- If certain Microsoft Store apps stay in the old language, open the Store, click your profile picture, then Settings, and enable Update apps automatically.
The Takeaway
Changing the language in Windows 11 takes about five minutes and a sign out. Add the language, set it as your display language, and Microsoft handles the rest. Your installed apps and files stay exactly where you left them.
