Windows 11 makes it easy to change the system language settings if you made a mistake during the initial setup or the computer came with the wrong language.
Regardless of the reason, if you must change the language settings, you can download, install, and apply a new configuration through the “Time & language” settings without reinstalling Windows 11.
In this Windows 11 guide, we will walk you through the steps to change the computer’s default language.
How to change default language on Windows 11
If the device came with the wrong language, you can change the settings without reinstalling anything. You only need to follow these instructions.
Disable sync for language settings
Since the language preferences will sync across devices, which means that if you only want to update the settings on a particular computer, you will need to disable the language settings synchronization option. Of course, you can skip these instructions if you want the new settings to sync across devices.
To stop syncing the language preferences on Windows 11, use these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Accounts.
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Click the Windows backup page in the right side.
Source: Windows Central - Click the Remember my preferences setting.
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Clear the Language preferences option.
Source: Windows Central
Once you complete the steps, you can proceed to change the language settings without affecting all the other computers connected with the same Microsoft account.
Change language settings
To change the Windows 11 default language, use these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Time & language.
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Click the Language & region page in the right side.
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Under the “Language” section, click the Add a language button for the “Preferred languages” setting.
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Search for the new language.
Quick tip: You can search the country’s name to find the language faster.
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Select the language.
Source: Windows Central - Click the Next button.
- (Optional) Check the optional language features to install on Windows 11.
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Check the Set as my Windows display language option.
Source: Windows Central - Click the Install button.
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Click the Sign out button.
Source: Windows Central - Sign into the account to start using the new language.
After you complete the steps, the display language will apply throughout the experience, including the Sign-in screen, Settings app, File Explorer, Desktop, apps, browser, and the web.
Configure region settings
Also, if you are changing the language settings because you are in a different location, you may also need to adjust the region settings.
To set different region settings on Windows 11, use these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Time & language.
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Click the Language & region page in the right side.
Source: Windows Central -
Under the “Region” section, use the Country or region setting to select the current location (if applicable).
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Use the “Regional format” setting to select the correct formats for the new region’s date and time (if applicable).
Source: Windows CentralQuick tip: You can also expand the setting and click the Change formats button to change other regional settings, including calendar, first day of the week, short date, and time format.
- Under the “Related settings” section, click the Administrative language settings option.
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Click the Administrative tab.
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Under the “Language for non-Unicode programs” section, click the Change system locale button.
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Select the new system locale by specifying the new language.
Source: Windows Central - Click the OK button.
- Click the Cancel button.
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Click the Copy settings button.
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Under the “Copy your current settings to” section, check the Welcome screen and system accounts and New user accounts options.
Source: Windows Central - Click the OK button.
- Click the OK button again.
- Click the Restart now button.
Once you complete the steps, the laptop or desktop computer will display the correct region settings.
Although users rarely need to adjust or add more languages to Windows 11, these settings can come in handy to match the local settings if you are in a different region of the globe or when getting a computer comes with different settings. The only thing you need to remember is that changing the language settings will cause the Microsoft Store and web browsers to show content based on those settings.
More Windows resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:
