How to Add a Language in Windows 11

Want to use Windows 11 in another language? Here’s how to add one to your computer.

Why Add a Language?

Adding a language opens up several features. You can switch Windows menus and settings to your preferred language. You’ll unlock speech features — talk to your computer instead of typing, or have it read text aloud to you.

• Change Windows menus and settings to another language.
• Use speech features like talking to your computer or hearing it read text aloud.
• Type with the right keyboard layout for that language.
• Write by hand if your device supports it.

Steps to Add a Language

Open Settings

Press the Win + I keys on your keyboard to open the Settings app.

Go to Language Settings

Look for Time & language in the left sidebar, click it, then click Language & region in the main area. Or click this link to open directly: Open Language & region settings

Add a Language

Under Preferred languages, click the Add a language button.

Pick Your Language

Find the language you want (for example, “English (United Kingdom)”), select it, and click Next.

Choose Optional Features

You’ll see several optional features you can install. Language pack (the files that translate all your Windows menus and buttons) switches your interface to this language. Text-to-speech reads text out loud to you. Speech recognition lets you talk instead of type.

• Language pack: Changes Windows menus to this language.
• Text-to-speech: Lets Windows read text out loud.
• Speech recognition: Talk to your PC instead of typing.
• Handwriting: Write on your device and Windows will understand.
• Keyboard layout: Changes the keyboard to match the language.

After picking what you want, click Install.

Wait for Installation

Windows will download and set up the language and features you chose.

Set as Display Language (Optional)

Want Windows to actually use this language for menus and settings? Check Set as my Windows display language before installing. You’ll then need to sign out and sign back in to apply the change.

Important Notes

If you have the Single Language Edition of Windows 11 (a restricted version usually pre-installed on budget PCs), you won’t be able to change the display language. You’d need to upgrade to Windows 11 Home or Pro first.

Adding languages can help you use Windows in your preferred language and enjoy features like voice typing and reading aloud.

Summary

1. Open Settings with Win + I.
2. Go to Time & language > Language & region.
3. Click Add a language and pick your language.
4. Choose extra features if you want (text-to-speech, keyboard, etc.).
5. Click Install and wait for it to finish.
6. Sign out and back in if you set the new language as your display language.

That’s all there is to it. Windows 11 will now work in your new language, and you can switch between languages anytime from the language bar.

Learn More

Official Microsoft Guide: Install a Language in Windows 11

Change Display Language and Keyboard Settings

Download Voices for Text-to-Speech