How to change system language on Windows 10

By Mauro Huculak
published

Do you need to change the default language on Windows 10? In this guide, we'll show you how without reinstallation.

Windows 10 change language
Windows 10 change language (Image credit: Windows Central)

Although Windows 10 will help you configure the default language during the initial setup, if you didn't select the correct option or use a computer already configured with a different language, you don't have to struggle when your requirements are different.

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

In this Windows 10 guide, we will walk you through the steps to change the system default language on your computer.

How to change default system language on Windows 10

If you happen to be using the incorrect language on Windows 10, you can adjust the system settings to configure the correct language without reinstallation.

Disable language sync

On Windows 10, when using a Microsoft account, some of your preferences (including language) will sync across the device. If you only plan to change the settings on the computer, you should disable the option to sync your language settings to prevent changing the same settings on other devices.

To disable language preference sync on Windows 10, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Accounts.
  3. Click on Sync your settings.
  4. Under the "Individual sync settings" section, turn off the Language preferences toggle switch.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

Once you complete the steps, you can change the language settings without affecting the other devices connected with the same Microsoft account.

Change system language settings

To change the system default language, close your apps, and use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Time & Language.
  3. Click on Language.
  4. Under the "Preferred languages" section, click the Add a language button.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Search for the new language using the language or country name.
  2. Select the package from the result.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Click the Next button.
  2. Check the Install language pack option.
  3. Check the Set as my Windows display language option.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Check the additional features as needed — for example, "Text-to-speech" and "Handwriting."
  2. Click the Install button.
  3. Click the Yes, sign out now button.
  4. Sign back into the account.

After you complete the steps, the Windows 10 language will change across the experience, including the Sign-in screen, Settings app, File Explorer, Desktop, apps, browser, and websites you visit.

Change system region settings

You will also have to change the region settings if you need to adjust the language settings because you are in a different region.

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

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Time & Language.
  3. Click on Region.
  4. Under the "Region" section, select the current location with the "Country or region" drop-down menu (if applicable).

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Under the "Regional format" section, select the formats for the region's date and time with the "Current format" drop-down menu (if applicable).
  2. Click on Language.
  3. Under the "Related settings" section, click the Administrative language settings option.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Click the Administrative tab.
  2. Under the "Language for non-Unicode programs" section, click the Change system locale button.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Select the new system locale language with the "Current system locale" drop-down menu.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Click the OK button.
  2. Click the Copy settings button in the "Administrative" tab.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Under the "Copy your current settings to" section, check the Welcome screen and system accounts and New user accounts options.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Click the OK button.
  2. Click the OK button again.
  3. Click the Restart now button.

Once you complete the steps, the settings will apply, and the computer will now use the correct region settings.

Usually, you rarely have to change or install additional languages on Windows 10. However, changing these settings may come in handy in organizations working with people who need to use different preferences. It's also a helpful feature to match the locale settings if you relocate to another region or when buying a new device that ships from a different country.

The only caveat with changing the region settings is that it will also change the settings for the Microsoft Store, which may block access to certain apps and services, depending on the location. In the same way, you can change the region settings to access an application from the Microsoft Store that is only available in a specific region. If you happen to be one of the remaining users using Cortana, consider changing the region settings that may prevent you from accessing the digital assistant.

More Windows resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:

Mauro Huculak
Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is technical writer for WindowsCentral.com. His primary focus is to write comprehensive how-tos to help users get the most out of Windows 10 and its many related technologies. He has an IT background with professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTIA, and he's a recognized member of the Microsoft MVP community.