Last Updated on September 8, 2025
Computer users often face the test of changing the pre-set language of their operating system, either from English to the language of their choice or from another language to English. However, with some basic formatting skills, customizing the operating system’s language is simple.
This do-it-yourself procedure works for the most up-to-date versions of Windows, including Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10.
How to change the Windows display language
Go to Control Panel > Windows Update and download the optional Windows Update Language Pack. Other operating systems, including Windows Vista, may require a slightly modified procedure.
Press the Windows + I key. Click now and Language > region and Language > add a language.
Find the language you want to add and download the necessary language packs by clicking Options. Then click Set as Default. If possible, set the country or region to receive the local content.
Then press the Windows + X key to start the Power User menu. Click Control Panel > Add a language > Advanced Settings > Apply the language settings to the Welcome screen, system accounts, and new user accounts.
In the Start screen management and new user accounts section of the Administration tab, click Copy Settings, and then select the boxes next to the Welcome screen and the system accounts and new per-user accounts. Click OK twice.
When you restart the computer, the new default language must be that chosen during the process.