Guide to Installing and Uninstalling Language Packs in Windows

Windows operating system supports numerous languages, allowing users to customize their experience. Beyond the default language, you can easily introduce various other languages by utilizing Windows language packs. This guide outlines the steps to add, remove, or modify language packs in Windows.

If your Windows license permits only one display language (as it does with my current setup, which defaults to English (US)), additional languages (e.g., French) must be configured at the time of purchase, and changing them requires a license upgrade. However, you can still expand your language options by installing more language packs.

How to Install Language Packs through Windows Settings

For Windows 11 users, navigate to Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region. If you’re using Windows 10, you’ll want to access Start > Settings > Time & Language > Language.

In the right-hand panel, check the Preferred Languages section, where all currently installed language packs are displayed. To add a new language, click on the Add a Language button.

A list of available language packs, including regional variations, will appear. You can either scroll through the list or utilize the search function. Select your desired language and click the Next button.

Many users prefer English regardless of their geographical location, and you can choose from various English language options such as English (Australia) or English (Canada), aside from the standard English (US).

During the installation of the language pack, Windows may also download additional features like Enhanced Speech Recognition and Handwriting if they are available. You can uncheck these options if they are not needed and then click on the Install button.

The time taken for the installation will vary based on the language pack and any extras involved.

Upon installation, the new language pack will be set up automatically the next time you reboot your computer. For Windows 11, you can rearrange your preferred languages by clicking the three-dot icon and selecting Move up or Move down. Users of Windows 10 have access to drag-and-drop features or arrow buttons for sorting preferences.

To adapt your keyboard to the new language, select it and go to Language options in Windows 11 or Options for Windows 10 users. Here, you’ll see the installed keyboard layouts. Click on the Add a Keyboard button to introduce a new layout.

Using PowerShell to Install Language Packs

In recent versions of Windows 11 and 10, you can utilize PowerShell for adding language packs. Launch PowerShell in Administrator mode by accessing the Run command with Win + R, typing powershell, and pressing Ctrl + Shift + Enter.

First, retrieve the list of installed languages on your device by executing:

To install a new language pack, use the following command:

For example, to install French from France, the language code is fr-fr; for Australian English, you would use en-au. The installation duration can range from seconds to several minutes.

Install Language Packs via the Registry Editor

The Registry Editor also allows for the installation of new languages on your Windows system, especially convenient when you’ve procured a complete language pack online. Open the Registry by entering regedit in the Run command. Once open, navigate through the following path:

Next to the Run value, create a new string and name it after the language intended for installation (e.g., es-es for Spanish from Spain). Make sure to save the language installer pack in one of your Windows directories and input its path into the Value data field of the new string.

How to Remove a Windows Language Pack

If you wish to eliminate a language pack from Windows, you have to first change the primary display language. Depending on your license agreement, some editions of Windows do not allow modifications to the primary language.

Here are two approaches to accomplish this.

Remove Language Packs through Settings

Access the Language & Region section within Settings, and Move down any installed language you intend to remove. Click the three-dot icon and select Remove. This option will be unavailable for the primary language, which also serves as your display language. The removal process is typically swift.

Remove Language Packs with PowerShell

Removing a language using the PowerShell method is straightforward and particularly helpful if you encounter issues removing it via Settings. Launch the PowerShell window in administrator mode, and display the list of apps installed on your device with Get-InstalledLanguage.

To remove a specified language pack, input the following command:

In this instance, to remove British English, you would enter en-GB. The uninstallation process typically takes about a second to complete.

Whether you are bilingual, multilingual, or simply wish to toggle between different languages for display or input tasks, Windows accommodates the installation of multiple language packs.

Having additional language packs can greatly aid in working with languages featuring intricate scripts, enabling effective typing in Office and Microsoft 365 applications. You may also need to type emojis and special characters, multiple options exist for doing so on a Windows system.

Image Credit: Pixabay. All screenshots by Sayak Boral.

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