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How to Change Microsoft 365 and Excel Display Language to English
Question details
The user needs to change the interface language of Microsoft 365 and Excel to English after standard language settings failed to apply.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 and Excel
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Trying to configure the Microsoft Office interface to display in English rather than the laptop's original default language.
- Observed behavior
- Office retains the laptop's original language despite Windows language settings being set to English, and standard Control Panel uninstalls leave behind old language components.
Ensure you have your Microsoft account login credentials handy, as you will need them to download the installer and reactivate your Microsoft 365 subscription after the clean installation.
Use the Microsoft Complete Office Uninstall Tool
Run the dedicated Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant to completely wipe residual language components before reinstalling Office in English.
A standard Windows Control Panel uninstallation often leaves behind residual registry keys and language files. This causes Microsoft 365 to revert to the laptop's original language upon reinstallation. Using Microsoft's complete uninstall tool ensures all hidden components are removed, giving you a completely clean slate.
Navigate to the official Microsoft Support website and download the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant (Office uninstall tool).
Launch the downloaded tool, select your version of Microsoft 365, and follow the on-screen prompts to completely remove all Office applications and background components.
Reboot your Windows device to finalize the removal process and clear any lingering language registry entries from your system memory.
Log in to your Microsoft account online, download the Microsoft 365 installer, and explicitly select English as your preferred interface language during the setup wizard.
Try WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Multilingual Experience
If you want to avoid complex uninstallation tools just to change a display language, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a lightweight, highly compatible alternative that makes switching interface languages incredibly simple.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for Windows.
- 2. Install the software: Run the lightweight installer, which sets up in minutes without interfering with your system's existing language registries.
- 3. Change language instantly: Open WPS Office, click the Global/Settings icon in the top right corner, select 'Language', and choose English to apply it immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why didn't changing my Windows language automatically update Excel to English?
Microsoft 365 sometimes locks in the original installation language components. If the dedicated Office language pack wasn't fully downloaded or if conflicting registry entries exist, the application will default to the laptop's original region settings regardless of your Windows preferences.
Is the Microsoft complete uninstall tool different from the standard Apps & Features menu?
Yes. The standard Apps & Features (or Control Panel) uninstaller often leaves behind user data, preferences, and language registries. The Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant is designed to aggressively wipe all hidden Office-related files for a true clean installation.
Will I lose my Excel spreadsheets if I completely uninstall Microsoft 365?
No. Uninstalling the Microsoft 365 software only removes the application files. Your personal Excel spreadsheets, Word documents, and other files saved on your local hard drive or OneDrive will remain completely safe and untouched.
