How to change system language on Windows 10

Source: Windows Central

On Windows 10, the initial setup process offers you the option to set the default language. However, if you made a mistake or using a device already configured, you don’t have to struggle with the incorrect settings when your requirements are different.

If you have to change your device’s language settings, you can complete this task using the Settings app without reinstalling Windows 10.

In this Windows 10 guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to change your device’s system default language.

How to change default system language on Windows 10

If you’re using a computer with the incorrect language configuration, it’s unnecessary to reinstall Windows 10. You only need to adjust a few settings to set the appropriate language.

Disable language sync

On Windows 10 configured with a Microsoft account, the language preferences will sync across devices. In the case that you only need the settings on one computer, it’s recommended to disable the option to sync the language settings before making any changes to prevent the new configuration from overwriting the settings on your other devices.

To stop syncing the language preferences on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Accounts.
3. Click on Sync your settings.

Under the «Individual sync settings» section, turn off the Language preferences toggle switch.

Source: Windows Central

Once you complete the steps, you can change the language settings without affecting your other devices.

Change language settings

To change the system default language, close running applications, and use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Time & Language.
3. Click on Language.

Under the «Preferred languages» section, click the Add a language button.

Source: Windows Central

Select the language package from the result.

Source: Windows Central

Check the Set as my display language option.

Source: Windows Central

Click the Yes, sign out now button.

Source: Windows Central

After you complete the steps, the display language will change across the entire Windows 10 experience, including the Sign-in screen, Settings app, File Explorer, Desktop, apps, browser, and websites you visit. Depending on your new settings, Windows 10 may prompt you to review your privacy settings again.

Change region settings

In the case that you are adjusting the Windows 10 language because you’re now in a different region, you’ll also need to change the region settings.

To change the local region settings on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Time & Language.
3. Click on Region.

Use the «Country or region» drop-down menu to select the current location (if applicable).

Source: Windows Central

Under the «Related settings» section, click the Administrative language settings option on the right side.

Source: Windows Central

Under the «Language for non-Unicode programs» section, click the Change system locale button.

Source: Windows Central

Select the new system local by specifying the new language.

Source: Windows Central

In the «Administrative» tab, click the Copy settings button.

Source: Windows Central

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 computer will now use the correct region settings.

Typically, users never have to worry about changing or installing additional languages. However, the ability to change language-related settings may come in handy for organizations working with people that need to use different preferences. It’s also a useful feature to match the local settings if you relocate to another region or when buying a new device that ships from a different country.

The only caveat about changing the region settings is that you may lose access to Cortana, and the Microsoft Store may show different contents depending on the region you specified.

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For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

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Change my Language Pack to English (Windows 7 Professional)

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but as stated in the title, I have W7 Professional Edition installed, so I can’t do that.

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Please see the information in the article below regarding Windows 7 anytime upgrade which you can upgrade from your version of Windows 7 to Ultimate or Enterprise:

Hope this helps!

Debra
Microsoft Answers Support Engineer
Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think

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Sorry, this is not a satisfactory answer. Of course one can upgrade or change the entire OS. That’s not the point (it would be if you could do it for free. )

The point is: I don’t wont/need multi-lang support, I just want to change my language from Spanish to English. That’s one language and don’t want to pay for more.

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Sorry, this is not a satisfactory answer. Of course one can upgrade or change the entire OS. That’s not the point (it would be if you could do it for free. )

The point is: I don’t wont/need multi-lang support, I just want to change my language from Spanish to English. That’s one language and don’t want to pay for more.

The reality is that the MUI (Multilingual User Interface) language packs are the only files that are capable of changing the language in windows from one parent language to another parent language (Spanish to English).

These files can only be installed on Windows 7 Ultimate or Enterprise editions. Whether you are only going to install one language or all 35 languages does not change the requirements.

Ronnie Vernon MVP – Windows Desktop Experience

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I just bought a Lenovo and somehow it must have been initialized by a previous owner then returned for some reason.

It was bought in Canada and therefore has two Default languages to install the Parent language.

Since it’s already been activated in French . how do I revert back to English . ( Win 7 Pro ).

Why are there two choices to install and then have NO choices to revert back to the one you want?

I may have to RESTORE the PC and get back to the start and PICK a language from there . not very thrilled with MS for their inability to make available the change of Display languages. CASH grab if you ask me . ( by asking users to Upgrade to higher version and charge some more )

Plain stupid . yet they can get away with it.

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I just bought a Lenovo and somehow it must have been initialized by a previous owner then returned for some reason.

It was bought in Canada and therefore has two Default languages to install the Parent language.

Since it’s already been activated in French . how do I revert back to English . ( Win 7 Pro ).

Why are there two choices to install and then have NO choices to revert back to the one you want?

I may have to RESTORE the PC and get back to the start and PICK a language from there . not very thrilled with MS for their inability to make available the change of Display languages. CASH grab if you ask me . ( by asking users to Upgrade to higher version and charge some more )

Plain stupid . yet they can get away with it.

There are always exceptions to any rule.

Canada is unique because they have 2 Official languages. I’m sure that there is a rule there that any computer sold in that country must include the ability to select either of those 2 languages, when the computer is first purchased.

There are more examples of this around the world. Several Scandinavian countries have 3 or 4 official languages and computers sold in those countries must include the ability to select among those different languages/dialects.

When you bought that computer, the seller should have made the fact that it was activated in the French language, perfectly clear, prior to the purchase. Microsoft has no control over this.

Ronnie Vernon MVP – Windows Expert — Consumer

Can I change my system language in «Windows 7 Professional» with «Microsoft Windows 7 Language Pack»?

Install complete language — MUI

To install a different language — Multilingual User Interface (MUI) — you need to have Windows 7 Ultimate. If you don’t have Ultimate you can do an Anytime Upgrade to Ultimate. There are 35 languages to chose from, they are listed under «Language Packs» at this website:

Anytime Upgrade to Windows 7 Ultimate

Type Anytime Upgrade in the Search programs and files box in the Start menu and click on the Windows Anytime Upgrade icon. From there, you can buy an Anytime Upgrade to Windows 7 Ultimate. Then your can enter your Anytime Upgrade product key and perform a simple upgrade to Windows 7 Ultimate so you can install a different language. All programs and files will stay on the computer. If you’re unable to buy online in your area a local store may sell Anytime Upgrades, or you can buy the version of Windows 7 you want.

Install New Multilingual User Interface (MUI) in Windows 7 Ultimate:

1. Start -> All Programs —> Windows Update —> Optional Updates.

2. Open optional Updates and go to the section Windows 7 Language Packs.

3. Tick the Multilingual User Interface (MUI) you want and click OK

4. Proceed with Install Updates

How to change the Windows 7 Display Language:

1. Go to Start -> Control Panel -> Clock, Language, and Region / Change the display language

2. Switch the display language in the Choose a display language drop down menu.

4. Restart for the changes to take effect (this will affect only the user profile under which you are currently logged on).