How to Change Live Captions Language in Windows 11
Changing the Live Captions language in Windows 11 lets you get text for any audio playing on your PC in the language you understand best.
Live Captions is a built-in Windows 11 tool that turns spoken audio from videos, calls, or any other app into text shown on your screen in real time. This makes it easier to follow along, especially if you have trouble hearing or if the audio is in a language you don’t speak.
To get accurate captions, you need to make sure the language Windows uses for Live Captions matches the language of the audio you’re listening to.
When you choose a new language for Live Captions in Windows 11, your computer downloads the correct language files automatically. Windows 11 supports over 30 languages for Live Captions.
To change the Live Captions language, first install the desired language pack in Settings Time & language Language & region, ensuring Speech recognition is checked. Then, turn on Live Captions (⊞ Win+Ctrl+L), click the gear icon, and select Caption language from the menu.
How to Download and Install New Language Packs
To change your Live Captions language in Windows 11, you first need to install the correct language pack. Open Windows Settings, go to the Time & language section, and select Language & region. Click ‘Add a language’. Make sure to check the ‘Speech recognition’ box when adding the language so it works properly with Live Captions. Finally, click Install.
- Open Settings by pressing ⊞ Win+I.
- Go to Time & language and select Language & region.
- Click the Add a language button.
- Search for your desired language and click Next.
- Check the box for Speech recognition to ensure it works with Live Captions.
- Click Install.
How to Switch Your Language in Live Captions
Switching your Live Captions language in Windows 11 is possible once you have the correct language pack installed. Turn on Live Captions using ⊞ Win+Ctrl+L, then click the settings gear icon within the caption window. From the menu, select ‘Caption language’ and choose the language you want from the list provided.
- Turn on Live Captions by pressing WINDOWS + CTRL + L.
- Click the Settings gear icon inside the Live Captions window.
- Select Caption language from the menu.
- Choose your preferred language from the list.
After you pick your language, a small message appears on the caption bar. This confirms the computer is ready to process audio in that language.
Language Support and Technical Limitations
Live Captions uses your computer's processing power to work offline. It requires specific language packs to be installed for different languages.
Summary
Changing the Live Captions language in Windows 11 is simple and greatly improves accessibility by letting you see captions in your preferred language.
What languages does live captions support for transcription?
Windows 11 Live Captions currently supports a wide range of major global languages including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, and more. Microsoft frequently updates this list. You can view the full list of supported languages by checking the Language & region settings menu on your Windows 11 device.
Why is my preferred language not appearing in the settings menu?
How to change FaceTime live caption language?
This feature is for iPhone 15 Pro Max or later models. Start or accept a FaceTime call as you normally would. Does this feature also work with regular phone calls?
What languages are supported by Apple live captions?
Live Captions is currently available only on iPhone 11 and later, provided the primary language is set to English (US) or English (Canada).
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!