How to Change Windows Terminal Language in Windows 11
Changing the language in Windows Terminal updates just the app menus to your preferred language without changing the language for your whole Windows 11 PC. Windows Terminal is the built-in Microsoft app that holds PowerShell, Command Prompt, and Linux tools in one window.
You can override the default system language in less than a minute by editing the settings file. This quick fix works on Windows 11 version 21H2 and newer releases.
Change the Windows Terminal language by opening Settings, navigating to the Appearance tab, selecting your preferred language from the dropdown, saving, and restarting the application. This setting overrides the system’s default language for Terminal only.
What is Windows Terminal?
Windows Terminal, a modern app for Windows 11, combines command-line tools like Command Prompt and PowerShell into a single window. Tabs and extensive customization options make this app more flexible than older console tools. Overriding the Windows Terminal language to a preferred setting happens without altering the rest of the operating system.
Windows Terminal surpasses older command-line apps with expanded features. Multiple tabs open simultaneously, window panes split into sections, and the app supports over 1,000 different symbols. Terminal colors and backgrounds also adapt to match personal style preferences.
Why Does Windows Terminal Use a Certain Language?
By default, Terminal inherits whatever display language your PC uses. Override this behavior when you want a different language for your command line without touching system-wide settings.
How to Change the Language in Windows Terminal
Step 1Open Windows Terminal
Press the Win, type Terminal into the search bar, and select the app from the results.

Step 2Open the Settings
Once Terminal opens, look at the top title bar. Click the small down arrow ▼ button next to the tabs and select Settings. Alternatively, press the Ctrl + , (comma) key combination on the keyboard.

Step 3Change the Language
The Settings window houses an Appearance tab on the left sidebar. Locate the option labeled Language (requires relaunch). Selecting it reveals a list of available languages for the interface.

Step 4Save and Restart
Click the Save button at the bottom of the window to apply the changes. Close Windows Terminal completely and relaunch it. Your new language choice applies immediately once you relaunch the app.
Your new language choice applies immediately once you relaunch the app.
Summary
- Windows Terminal is a modern app for command-line tools in Windows 11.
- It uses your Windows system language by default, but you can set a different language inside the app itself.
- Changing the language is simple: open Terminal, go to Settings → Appearance, pick a new language, save, and restart Terminal.
Changing the Windows Terminal language in Windows 11 lets you run the app in a different tongue than the rest of the operating system. Terminal matches system settings by default, but manual overrides live inside the app menu. Opening Terminal, visiting Settings, choosing Appearance, picking a language, saving modifications, and restarting finishes the process.
- How to Open Command Prompt in Windows 11
- How to Open PowerShell in Windows 11
- How to Install Linux on Windows 11 (WSL)
- How to Change Windows 11 Display Language
Readers with questions about changing the Windows Terminal language in Windows 11 can leave a comment below the article. Community feedback helps shape future tutorials.
What is Windows Terminal language?
Terminal functions as a command-line front-end. The program hosts multiple text-based shells inside a multi-tabbed window. Command Prompt, PowerShell, and Bash on WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) run inside this environment out of the box.
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Richard
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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.
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