How to add multiple display languages on Windows 10

Here are the steps to add and manage multiple display languages using the settings available on Windows 10 version 1803 (April 2018 Update).

Adding a new language on WIndows 10
Adding a new language on WIndows 10

On Windows 10, you can add multiple display languages, or change your default language to anything you want to suit your preference for apps, websites, and features like Settings and File Explorer.

In this guide, you’ll learn the easy steps to install additional languages, set one as your new default, and change its settings on Windows 10 with the experience available starting with version 1803 (April 2018 Update).

How to add another language on Windows 10

In order to install another display language on Windows 10, do the following:

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Click on Time & Language.

  3. Click on Region & language.

  4. Under “Languages,” click the Add a language button.

    Region and languages settings on Windows 10
    Region and languages settings on Windows 10
  5. Search and select the language you want to add. (Starting with the Windows 10 April 2018 Update, you’ll also see icons next to the name representing the supported features (Display language, Text-to-speech, Speech recognition, Handwriting) for each language.)

    Quick Tip: As you type a search, a link to the Microsoft Store will appear to get more languages, in case you can’t find the package you need.
  6. Click the Next button.

    Choose a language to install on Windows 10
    Choose a language to install on Windows 10
  7. If there are additional features supported, you’ll be prompted to install them. Click the Install button. (If you don’t want to set it as your new default, clear the Set as my Windows display language option.)

    Install languages features on Windows 10
    Install languages features on Windows 10

Once you’ve completed the steps, the require packages will download and install on your device.

How to set a new language as your default on Windows 10

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Click on Time & Language.

  3. Click on Region & language.

  4. Under “Languages,” use the Windows display language drop-down menu to select the display language for features like Settings and File Explorer. (This is the setting that will change the language of Windows. If you only want to change language for preference for apps and website)

    Set new default display language on Windows 10
    Set new default display language on Windows 10

After completing the steps, you’ll need to sign out and sign back into Windows 10 to apply the changes. If you only want to change the prefered language for app and websites, do not change the “Windows display language” settings, simply use the up-arrow button to move the language you want to the top, and then Windows 10 will use it as the default.

How to manage language settings on Windows 10

If you need to change the settings for a specific language or set it as your new default, do the following:

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Click on Time & Language.

  3. Click on Region & language.

  4. Click the Options button.

    Preferred languages options
    Preferred languages options
  5. Change the settings you want, such as handwriting, speech, or add a new keyboard layout.

    Languages options on Windows 10
    Languages options on Windows 10

Although you’ve been able to add and switch languages on Windows 10 since the beginning, version 1803 (April 2018 Update) introduces new changes and new options, which are reflected in this guide.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].