Windows Integration Errors

How to Fix Strange Characters Instead of English Text in Windows 11

WPS Editor Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is seeing unexpected directional symbols or strange characters replacing standard English text in Windows 11 and Office applications.

How to Fix Strange Characters Instead of English Text in Windows 11

Product: Windows 11
Device & OS: Windows 11
Scenario: Occurs after upgrading to Windows 11, changing system configurations, or experiencing a Windows display issue.
Observed behavior: The system interface, applications, or documents display gibberish, unfamiliar symbols, or directional characters instead of legible English text.

Before you start

Before beginning troubleshooting, save any open documents and close your applications, as these steps will require restarting core Windows processes and rebooting your computer.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify Windows and Office Language Settings

Ensure that your system and application display language hasn't been accidentally altered to a foreign language or different character set.

Open Windows Settings

Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app, then navigate to 'Time & language' from the left sidebar.

Check Display Language

Click on 'Language & region' and verify that 'Windows display language' is set to English. If it is not, select English from the drop-down menu.

Check Application Settings

If the issue only occurs in Office applications, open the application, go to Options > Language, and confirm that English is set as the default display and authoring language.

Verify Windows and Office Language Settings

Sign Out Required: You may need to sign out of your Windows account and sign back in for the display language changes to take full effect.

Solution 2

Restart the Windows Explorer Process

Restarting Windows Explorer can clear up temporary graphical glitches and display bugs affecting the system interface.

Solution 3

Repair Corrupted System Files using DISM

Run Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) commands to fix corrupted system image files that may cause text rendering failures.

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1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my Windows 11 text suddenly change to strange symbols?

This usually occurs due to an accidental change in the system region/language settings, a corrupted Windows update, or missing system font files that force Windows to use fallback directional characters.

Will running DISM commands delete my personal files?

No. The DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) commands only check and repair core Windows system image files. They will not delete, move, or modify your personal documents, photos, or data.

How do I boot Windows 11 in Safe Mode if the text issue persists?

You can enter Safe Mode by holding the Shift key while clicking 'Restart' from the Start menu power button. Then navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings, click Restart, and press F4 or F5 when prompted.

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