How To Change The Display Language In Windows 10

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Microsoft used to offer separate language packs for each supported language in earlier Windows versions e.g., Windows 8.1, Windows 7 and Windows XP. But from Windows 10, the language packs can be installed directly from Windows Settings free of cost.

You can add multiple languages to Windows 10 and change the display language on the fly using the language toolbar. This is useful for systems which are used by multiple users who prefer different languages.

Please note that not all language packs support all display items. Some languages may only support a small set of text to be translated while the other text remains in the default language. If you want to use Windows 10 in a specific language fully, you should download and install Windows 10 in that specific language. The following features are available in the Windows 10 language packs:

  • Display language
  • Text to speech
  • Speech recognition
  • Handwriting

Install a new language using Windows 10 Settings

Installing a language pack is very simple using Windows Settings. Just follow the steps below:

  1. Go to Windows Settings (Windows key + i)
  2. Select Time & Language –> Language
Add a preferred language to Windows 10
Add a preferred language to Windows 10
Restore missing audio Enhancements ...
Restore missing audio Enhancements tab in Sound options in Windows
  • There are two options here.
    Windows Display language
    Preferred languages
    The first option is for installing a local experience pack and it will take you to Microsoft Store to download and install the language of your choice.
    The second option is actually the setting for your language preferences. If you click on Add a preferred language, it will also let you add the language pack of your choice.
    For me, adding a preferred language is easier as it not only installs the language but also lets me configure different language settings. So we will use the second option.
  • Click on + icon beside Add a preferred language
  • Choose a language to install and click Next.
  • Choose a language to install
    Choose a language to install
  • On the next screen, you can choose different language features you want to add. You can check the Install language pack to install all features. Checking the checkbox “Set as my display language” will instantly set the display language after it is installed.
  • Install language features
    Install language features
  • Clicking the Install button will automatically download and install your desired language pack .
  • How to change the language on Windows 10

    Now whenever you want to change Windows language, just go to Windows Settings –> Time & Language –> Language and choose your language from the dropdown menu. You will need to log off and log on again in order to change the language.

    You can change the language to English or your primary language using the same way.

    Change the keyboard input language in Windows 10

    To change the keyboard input language in Windows 10 on the fly, you can use the language bar. Here are the steps to enable the language bar:

    1. Go to Windows Settings –> Time & Language –> Language
    2. Click on Choose an input method to always use as default
       

       

    Choose an input method to always use as default
    Choose an input method to always use as default
  • This will open Advanced keyboard settings. Click on Language bar options
     

     

  • language bar option
    language bar options
  • Under Language bar, choose Docked in the taskbar. Once you click apply, you will see the language bar in your taskbar.
  • language bar in system tray
    language bar in the system tray

    If you have any issues following the steps above, please let us know in the comments below.

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    Usman Khurshid
    Usman Khurshid is a seasoned IT Pro with over 15 years of experience in the IT industry. He has experience in everything from IT support, helpdesk, sysadmin, network admin, and cloud computing. He is also certified in Microsoft Technologies (MCTS and MCSA) and also Cisco Certified Professional in Routing and Switching.

    4 comments

    • walid

      How to use English Number Always even in Arabic Characters Context ?..

      • Usman Khurshid
        A
        Usman Khurshid

        You can use Windows key + Space to quickly switch between English and Arabic.

    • Aurea

      Hi, the information is great, but what happens when it’s the Single Language version of Windows 10? It doesn’t accept more than one language pack.
      I bought my computer and Windows comes in Spanish, but I prefer it in English. Is there a way to successfully do it where everything changes to the desired language?
      Thanks in advance.

    • ARRA

      VERY NICE!@!

    Leave your comment