How To Change The Primary Language Display Order In Settings Time And Language Language And Region

Understanding Windows Language Settings

Windows language settings are split into two main categories to help you control how text appears on your screen. The display language changes the text you see on menus, windows, apps, and websites, while preferred languages act as a ranked list that Windows checks from top to bottom to set your primary display language.

• Display Language: This changes the text you see on menus, windows, apps, and websites.
• Preferred Languages: This is a list of languages you use. Windows checks this list from top to bottom. The language at the very top becomes your display language if it supports it.
• Regional Format: This changes how your computer shows dates, times, currency, and the first day of the week based on your location.

To change your primary display language in Windows 11, you need to adjust your Preferred Languages list in the Settings ⚙️ app. Moving your preferred language to the top spot of the list tells Windows to use that specific language for menus, apps, and websites. You can complete this language adjustment in less than 60 seconds by dragging your chosen language to the very top of the available list.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Change the Primary Language Display Order in Settings Time and Language Language and Region

Let us walk through the exact process to update your display language. You can follow these steps right on your screen.

Step 1Open the Windows Settings Menu

1. Click the Start button at the bottom of your screen. It looks like the Windows logo.
2. Type the word Settings on your keyboard.
3. Click the Settings app icon that appears in the search results. (You can also press the Windows Key + I keys on your keyboard at the same time to open Settings instantly.)

Step 2Navigate to Time & Language

Once the Settings window opens, you will see a list of categories on the left side (or on the main page if your window is smaller).

Look for the option that says Time & language. It often has a small clock or language icon next to it.

Click on Time & language to open its menu.

Step 3Go to Language and Region

Now you are in the time and language section. Here, you will find settings for your clock, speech, and regional preferences.

Click on the option labeled Language & region.

On this page, you will see a section called Preferred languages. This is where Windows keeps track of all the languages you use.

Step 4Add Your Desired Language (If It Is Not Listed)

If the language you want to use is already in your preferred languages list, you can skip to Step 5. If it is not there, you need to add it first.

1. Click the Add a language button next to the Preferred languages heading. A new window will pop up showing a long list of languages.

Type the name of your language into the search bar, or scroll down to find it.

1. Click on your language to select it.
2. Click the Next button at the bottom of the window.
3. On the next screen, you will see optional features like "Install language pack" and "Set as my Windows display language." Make sure the box for setting it as your display language is checked.

1. Click the Install button. *(Note: This step requires administrator privileges. If a security prompt appears asking for permission to make changes, click Yes or enter your administrator password.)*

📝Good to Know

Wait a few moments for Windows to download and install the language pack. An active internet connection is required for this step.

Step 5Change the Display Language Order

Once your language is in the preferred list, you need to make sure it is sitting at the very top of that list.

1. Find your preferred language in the Preferred languages list under Language & region.
2. Click the three dots (...) button next to that language.
3. Click on Move up until your language is sitting proudly at position number one. (Alternatively, you can simply click and drag the language box to the very top of the list.)

Look just above the list for a drop-down menu labeled Windows display language. Click that menu and select your newly moved language to make sure it is active.

Step 6Sign Out and Sign Back In

Windows needs a quick refresh to apply your new display language across all apps, menus, and system screens.

1. Save any open work and close your running programs.
2. Click the Start button again.
3. Click your user account icon at the top or side of the Start menu.
4. Click Sign out.

Once you reach the sign-in screen, log back into your account using your standard password or PIN.

When your desktop loads, all your menus, system buttons, and Windows apps will appear in your chosen language.

Expert Tip: Managing Regional Formats and App Languages

Regional formats are managed in Windows by scrolling down on the language and region settings page to match your local habits for dates, times, and numbers. This ensures that websites, apps, and system calendars display information correctly according to your specific geographic location.

Go back to the Settings > Time & language > Language & region menu. Look further down the page for the Region section. Here, you can change your country or region, as well as your regional format. Changing the regional format ensures that your calendar starts on the right day of the week (like Monday versus Sunday) and that temperatures, times, and dates match your local expectations.

Additionally, some third-party apps download their own language files independently. If an app you use every day still appears in the wrong language after you update Windows, open that specific app's settings menu and look for a "Language" or "General" tab to change it there.

Summary

Changing your primary language display order in Windows is done by navigating to Settings, opening Time & language, and selecting Language & region. From there, you can add language packs, organize your preferred list, and sign out to make sure your new display language takes full effect.