How to Add a Language in Windows 11
Adding a new language to Windows 11 takes a few clicks.
Open Settings by pressing Win+I, then navigate to Time & language Language & region. Click “Add a language,” select your desired language, choose optional features, and click “Install.” Sign out and back in to set it as your display language.
Why Add a Language?
Windows 11 lets you swap system menus into a more comfortable language, unlock voice dictation tools, and load regional keyboard layouts.
- 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
Open the Settings app by pressing the Win + I keys on your keyboard.
Go to Language Settings
Navigation starts inside the main Windows settings panel. Open Settings and click on ‘Time & language’ in the left menu, then select ‘Language & region’. This screen serves as the hub for managing all installed languages.
Add a Language
Under Preferred languages, click the Add a language button.
Pick Your Language
Find the language you want to add, like "English (United Kingdom)". Once selected from the list, click "Next" to begin the installation.
Choose Optional Features
Windows 11 supports extra features during language setup to improve usability. This includes a language pack to change menus and text, text-to-speech (synthesised voice reading) so Windows reads things aloud, or speech recognition for voice commands.
- 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 preferred options, click Install.
Wait for Installation
Windows downloads and sets up the language and features chosen during setup.
Set as Display Language (Optional)
To use this new language for menus and settings, check the box labelled "Set as my Windows display language" before installation. Users must sign out and sign back in to apply the change.
Important Notes
Windows 11 Single Language editions restrict display language changes unless users upgrade their operating system version. However, adding other languages remains beneficial for accessing tools like voice typing or reading text aloud.
Multilingual support ensures that regional voice commands and text-to-speech tools function correctly alongside the preferred display language.
Summary
- Open Settings with
Win + I. - Go to Time & language > Language & region.
- Click Add a language and pick your language.
- Choose extra features if you want (text-to-speech, keyboard, etc.).
- Click Install and wait for it to finish.
- Sign out and back in if you set the new language as your display language.
To add a language in Windows 11, open Settings by pressing Win + I. Then, go to Time & language > Language & region, and click Add a language to pick the preferred language and any extra features like text-to-speech. After installation completes, sign out and back in when setting it as the active display language.
Learn More
Official Microsoft Guide: Install a Language in Windows 11
Change Display Language and Keyboard Settings
Download Voices for Text-to-Speech
How do I add more languages on 🪟 Windows 11?
To add more languages on Windows 11, go to Settings, then Time & language, and Language. Under Preferred language, select Add a language and type or scroll to find the required option.
Why is my language bar missing?
Method 1: Add or remove Language Bar via Settings app Press Win + I to open Settings. Go to Time & language > Typing > Advanced keyboard settings. Under Switching input methods: To make the Language Bar appear, select the checkbox labelled "Use the desktop Language Bar when it's available."
Was this guide helpful?
About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
No comments yet — be the first to share your thoughts!