How to add a second language in Windows 11

Switching between languages on your computer can be extremely beneficial, particularly for bilingual individuals, travelers, and anyone who wants to expand their language skills. Adding and switching languages in Windows 11 is straightforward. Here is how to add a second language in Windows 11.

Windows 11 offers an easy way to manage multiple languages, making it simple to add and switch between different languages. To add or manage language settings, open the Language & region section in the Settings app.

Open Language & region in Settings

1. Left-click on the Start button to bring up the Start menu.
2. In the list of pinned apps on the Start menu, left-click on Settings (gear icon).
3. In the left-hand column, left-click on Time & language.
4. In the right-hand column, left-click on Language & region.

This section allows you to view your current language settings and make adjustments as needed. Here, you’ll see your primary language listed, along with options to manage languages for menus, apps, and websites.

Add a second language

1. In the Preferred languages section, left-click on the Add a language button.
2. A new window will open showing a list of available languages. You can either scroll through the list or use the search bar at the top to find the language you want to add.
3. Left-click on the language you want to add, then left-click Next.

Select and install your language

You may see a list of optional language features you can install alongside the language pack, such as text-to-speech, enhanced speech recognition, and handwriting.

On the Install language features window, make sure the box is checked in front of Language pack if you want the full language experience, including translated menus and settings. Select any additional features you wish to install, then left-click Install.

Windows 11 will begin downloading and installing the language pack, which may take a few moments depending on the size of the package and your internet connection speed.

Set your language preferences

Once the installation completes, the new language will appear in your Preferred languages list.

To set the second language as your display language:

1. Left-click on the Windows display language pull-down menu and select the new language.

To change the order of language preference:

1. Left-click on the three (3) horizontal dots next to the newly added language.
2. Left-click on Move up.

To add a keyboard layout for the new language:

1. Left-click on the three (3) horizontal dots next to the newly added language.
2. Left-click on Language options.
3. Under Keyboards, left-click on Add a keyboard.
4. Left-click on the keyboard layout that corresponds to the language. You can add as many keyboard layouts as needed.

Switching between languages

After adding your second language, switching between them is quick and easy using keyboard shortcuts:

• Press the Windows logo key + Spacebar to toggle between your installed languages.
• If you have added multiple keyboard layouts for the same language, press Alt + Shift to switch between them.

Windows 11 also lets you set specific regional formats for dates, times, and currency that align with your second language. While still in Language & region settings, look for the Regional format section and left-click the pull-down menu to choose how data is presented based on your language preference.

Adding a second language in Windows 11 is a straightforward process that opens up a world of possibilities, whether it's for work, travel, or personal enrichment. By following the steps above, you can enjoy the full benefits of multilingual capabilities directly on your device.