Windows 10 supports changing the default language. You no longer need to be concerned about the default language when you buy a computer — if you prefer to use a different language, you can change it at any time.

This is particularly useful for environments where multiple users access a single computer and those users prefer different languages. You can download and install additional languages for Windows 10 to view menus, dialog boxes, and other user interface items in your preferred language.

Install a Language in Windows 10



  • Sign in to Windows 10 using an administrative account. Go to “Start Menu” and go to “Settings > Time & Language”.
  • Select “Region & language” on the left pane, and click “Add a language” on the right pane.
  • A new window will open, offering you languages that are available and can be installed on your computer. The languages are listed in alphabetical order according to the default Windows language. Click on the language you want, and it will start downloading.
  • Go back to the “Time & Language” screen and click on the language you just installed. You’ll see three options: “Set as default”, “Options”, “Remove”. Under “Options”, click “Download” to download the language pack and keyboard for that language.
  • If you open “Control Panel > Languages”, you’ll see the traditional settings which you are familiar with.


Change the Display Language

To change the language of the user account you are currently using, select a language, then click “Set as default.” You’ll see a notification appear under the language that reads, “Will be display language after next sign-in.” Sign out of Windows and sign back in, and your new display language will be set. If you want to change the language of another user account, sign in to that account first.

Change the Language of Welcome Screen and New User Accounts

Applying a language pack to a user account may not necessarily change the Windows default system language used in Welcome, Sign In, Sign Out, Shutdown screens, Start menu section titles, and Built In Administrator account.

To make this thing work, you should at least install one additional language pack, and one user account must be using a different display language than the default install language. If the computer only has one user account its display language must have been changed.

  • Open “Control Panel > Region” (Control Panel in icon view)
  • Select the “Administrative” tab and click “Copy settings”.
  • On this screen you can copy your current language (make sure your user language is set to the one you want to use everywhere) to the system account which will cause everything to show up in the language you choose. You also have an option to set it as default for new users. Once finished, restart the computer.