- The system language can be changed from the Settings panel. Windows.
- You can add, remove, or prioritize multiple languages according to your preferences.
- Windows requires you to log out to apply the new selected language.
- Some versions of Windows limit language switching without a system update.
If you've ever purchased a computer in another country or are simply interested in setting your operating system to a different language for work, school, or personal preference, knowing how to change the system language in Windows is essential. Whether you're using Windows 10 or Windows 11, the system offers quite intuitive tools to modify the main language, add new languages or delete those you no longer use.
In this article we are going to teach you How to change the system language step by step in Windows 10 and Windows 11, using official and secure methods, taking into account both the interface and the options available for each version of the operating system. We also explain how to manage the language bar, input methods, synchronization with your Microsoft account, and how to troubleshoot common issues that may arise during the process.
Change the system language in Windows 10
Windows 10 allows you to easily change the operating system language from the settings panel. Here's how.
1. Access system settings
Click on the Home and then on the icon of the gear to open the window ConfigurationYou can also open it from the notification panel or using the keyboard shortcut Windows + I.
2. Go to the 'Time and Language' section
Once inside Settings, go to the section Time and language. From there, select Region and language or directly Language from the left side menu.
3. Add a new language
Click on the Add a language. This will take you to a screen with a list of available languages. Find the language you want to install, select it, and if required, choose the corresponding regional variant (for example, Spanish for Spain or Mexico). If you want to change the language of your choice, WhatsApp, you must follow a similar process, which you can consult here.
4. Install the language pack
After selecting the language, press NextThe system will ask you which components you want to install: display language, speech syntax, recognition, etc. Select the options you need and click on Install.
5. Set the new language as default
Once installed, the language will appear in the list. Click on it and select Set as defaultWindows will prompt you to log out to apply the changes. You can do so immediately or wait until the next startup.
6. Language not listed?
In some cases, the desired language may not be available directly and may need to be installed from the Microsoft Store. Find the language, access its file and press Get. Then go back to Settings to install it like any other. If you need to change the language in Adobe Illustrator, the process has its own specifics; you can see it here. here.
Change the system language in Windows 11
The process in Windows 11 is similar, although with slight changes to the interface and menu names.
1. Open settings
Click on Home and select Configuration or use the keyboard shortcut Windows + I.
2. Go to 'Time and Language'
In the side menu, select Time and language and then enter Language and region.
3. Add a new language
Click on Add a languageA list will appear from which you can search and select the language you want to install. Click Next and then Install.
4. Set the language as default
Check the box Set as my Windows display language if you want to apply it immediately. As with Windows 10, you'll need to log out to complete the change.
Manage multiple languages and input methods
Once you've installed multiple languages, you can easily switch between them. In both Windows 10 and 11, Windows display language You can choose the one you prefer. If you also need to change the language on your keyboard, you can check out how to do it. here.
In addition, the system allows you to add keyboard layouts and switch between them using the language bar or shortcuts like Alt+Shift o Windows + Space.
Recover the previous language
If you've changed your system language but want to go back to your previous one, you can do so without uninstalling anything. Simply repeat the steps above and set the previous language as your default; there's no need to delete the newly installed language.
In case you have changed the language to one you do not master, you can always identify the icons (such as the Settings gear) or use keyboard shortcuts to move to the corresponding section.
Disable language synchronization
If you use a Microsoft accountLanguage preferences sync across all your devices. If you want to avoid this and change the language only on one device, follow these steps:
- Opens Configuration.
- Click on Accounts.
- Choose Synchronize settings.
- Disable the option Language preferences in the Individual Sync Settings section.
In Windows 11, this option is within Backup in Windows within the section of Accounts, where you can also manage which preferences are synchronized.
Advanced language options
Windows allows you to modify different parts of the system independently, not just the language itself. You can adjust:
- System language
- Language of the apps and websites
- Regional format (e.g. date, time, currency)
- Keyboard language
- Voice language (for attendees, dictation, and more)
For example, you can have the system in Spanish, but the applications in English, or vice versa. You can even activate non-native accent recognition if you're using a foreign language. If you want to change the language in another specific program, such as Spotify, check out our guide here.
Important: Single language versions
On some devices (especially portable cheap or imported), you may come across a version of Single-language WindowsIn these cases, when you try to install a new language, you'll see messages like:
- "Only one language pack is allowed"
- "His Windows license only supports one display language»
When this happens, the only way to change the language is upgrade to a higher edition, such as Windows 10 Pro or Windows 11 Home, which may require purchasing a new license.
How to remove installed languages
If you no longer need a language, you can delete it to save space and simplify setup:
- Go to Language settings.
- Click on More options next to the language you want to delete.
- press Remove. Both the language pack and its associated input methods will be removed.
This process is similar in both versions of Windows. Remember that you can't delete the language currently set as the default; you'll need to change it to another language first before removing it.
Changing the language in Windows 10 and 11 is a process accessible from System Preferences. It allows you to add, manage, or remove languages according to your needs, as long as your version of Windows allows it. Additionally, you can adjust other settings such as keyboard, regional format o voice languageAnd including avoid synchronizations between devices. With all these tools, you can customize the operating system experience to perfectly suit your language preferences.
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