Changing the language in Windows 11 is very useful when you want your PC to feel more comfortable and easier to use. Maybe you bought a laptop from another country, maybe Windows installed in the wrong language, or maybe you want to switch to your native language for better understanding. Some users also prefer changing only the keyboard language, while keeping the display language the same.
The good news is that Windows 11 makes language switching simple. You can change the Windows display language, add multiple languages, and switch keyboards anytime. You can also control language settings for apps, websites, and regional formatting.
In this guide, you will learn how to change the language in Windows 11, step-by-step, using easy methods. I will also explain common problems and how to fix them.
What Does “Language” Mean in Windows 11?
Before changing anything, it helps to understand that Windows 11 has different language settings.
Windows 11 language settings include:
Windows display language (changes menus, Settings, Start, File Explorer)
Keyboard input language (changes typing layout)
Speech language (voice typing and speech features)
Regional format (date, time, currency, number format)
Some people only want to change typing language, while others want to change the full Windows interface language.
Step 1: Open Language Settings in Windows 11
First, you need to reach the language settings menu.
Steps:
Click the Start button
Open Settings
Click Time & language
Select Language & region
This is the main place where Windows 11 manages all language-related options.
How to Change Windows Display Language in Windows 11
The display language controls most Windows menus, settings, and system text.
Step 2: Add a New Language
If the language you want is not installed yet, you need to add it first.
Steps:
In Language & region, go to the Language section
Click Add a language
Search for your preferred language
Select it
Click Next
Windows will show options like:
Language pack
Text-to-speech
Speech recognition
Handwriting
You can check the options you want and click Install.
Windows will download the language pack, so your PC must be connected to the internet.
Step 3: Set It as the Windows Display Language
After the language installs, you can set it as the main display language.
Steps:
Go back to Language & region
Find Windows display language
Click the dropdown menu
Select your installed language
After selecting the language, Windows will usually ask you to sign out to apply the changes.
Click Sign out
Log in again
Now Windows 11 will show the entire interface in your selected language.
How to Change Keyboard Language in Windows 11
Many users don’t want to change the Windows display language, but they want to type in another language. Windows 11 supports multiple keyboard layouts, and you can switch quickly anytime.
Step 1: Add a Keyboard Layout
Steps:
Open Settings
Go to Time & language
Click Language & region
Select your preferred language from the list
Click the three dots next to it
Choose Language options
Now go to Keyboards:
Click Add a keyboard
Choose the keyboard layout you want
For example, you can add:
English (US)
English (UK)
Hindi
French (AZERTY)
Spanish (Latin America)
Step 2: Switch Between Keyboard Languages
Once you add multiple keyboard layouts, you can switch quickly.
Shortcut:
Press Windows + Space
This opens the keyboard language switcher. Select the one you want.
You can also click the language icon on the taskbar (like ENG, FRA, etc.) and switch from there.
How to Remove a Language in Windows 11
If you added a language by mistake or no longer need it, you can remove it easily.
Steps:
Open Settings
Go to Time & language
Click Language & region
Find the language you want to remove
Click the three dots
Select Remove
If the Remove option is greyed out, it usually means that language is currently being used as the display language or input method. Switch to a different language first and then remove it.
How to Change Region Format (Date, Time, Currency)
Sometimes you want the language to stay the same, but you want the date format or currency format to match your country.
Steps:
Open Settings
Go to Time & language
Click Language & region
Scroll to Region
Select your country in the Country or region dropdown
Now find Regional format:
Click the dropdown
Select a format that matches your preference
This controls how Windows shows:
Date format (MM/DD/YYYY or DD/MM/YYYY)
Time format
Currency symbol
Number format
This is helpful for users who want English language but local date formatting.
How to Change Language for the Lock Screen and New User Accounts
In some PCs, you change the language in Windows, but the lock screen still stays in the old language. This happens because system accounts use separate settings.
To fix this:
Open Control Panel
Go to Clock and Region
Click Region
Go to the Administrative tab
Click Copy settings
Now you will see options like:
Welcome screen and system accounts
New user accounts
Tick both options and apply changes.
This will copy your current language settings to the lock screen and future accounts.
How to Change the Default Input Language
If you added multiple keyboards, Windows may choose the wrong default keyboard when you restart.
To set the default keyboard:
Open Settings
Go to Time & language
Click Typing
Select Advanced keyboard settings
Choose your preferred default input method
This helps if Windows keeps switching back to another keyboard automatically.
How to Download Language Pack If It Fails
Sometimes Windows cannot download a language pack. This can happen due to connection issues or update problems.
Here are quick fixes:
Restart your PC and try again
Make sure Windows Update is working
Turn off VPN or Proxy
Try a different WiFi network
Install pending updates first
You can also check optional updates:
Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates
Sometimes language packs install more smoothly after updating Windows.
Common Problems After Changing Language (And Fixes)
Problem 1: Language Changed but Some Apps Still Show Old Language
Some apps use their own language settings. For example, browsers and Microsoft Office apps may keep a separate language preference.
Fix:
Change language settings inside that specific app
Update the app from Microsoft Store
Restart the PC after changing Windows language
Problem 2: Keyboard Language Keeps Switching Automatically
Fix:
Go to Advanced keyboard settings
Set a default input method
Disable “Let me use a different input method for each app window” if needed
This ensures Windows sticks to your chosen keyboard layout.
Problem 3: Language Options Not Showing on Taskbar
Fix:
Go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar
Enable input indicator or language icon if available
Ensure you added at least two keyboard layouts
Once multiple keyboards are active, Windows usually shows the language switcher automatically.
Final Thoughts
Changing the language in Windows 11 is easy once you know the right menu. You can change the full Windows display language through Settings > Time & language > Language & region, add new language packs, and sign out to apply the new language. If you only want typing changes, you can add keyboard layouts and switch instantly using Windows + Space.
Windows 11 also allows you to change region formats, remove unwanted languages, and copy language settings to the lock screen and new accounts for a complete language switch.
