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How to Remove an Office Display Language in Windows 11
Question details
The user needs to uninstall an unwanted display language from Microsoft Office, but the standard removal method fails because the language pack does not appear in the installed programs list.
- Product
- Microsoft Office 365
- Device & OS
- Windows 11
- Scenario
- Attempting to clean up Office display languages by uninstalling an unused language pack like Polish.
- Observed behavior
- The language appears in the Office language settings but cannot be removed because it is missing from the Windows Programs and Features list due to an inconsistent installation.
Ensure you have administrator privileges on your Windows 11 device and close all Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) before attempting to modify the installation.
Set a New Default Language and Modify Office Installation
Before removing a language, you must set another language as the default. Then, you can modify the Office installation to remove the unwanted language pack.
Microsoft Office requires at least one primary display language. If you only have two languages installed and want to remove one, the other must be set as the default first.
Open Microsoft Word, go to File > Options > Language. Under the 'Office display language' section, select your preferred language (e.g., English) and click 'Set as Preferred'. Click OK and restart Word.
Right-click the Windows Start button and select 'Settings'. Navigate to 'Apps' in the left sidebar, then click on 'Installed apps'.
Scroll down or search to find your Microsoft Office or Microsoft 365 installation. Click the three dots next to it and select 'Modify'.
Choose 'Add or Remove Features' (or 'Online Repair' if prompted for a general fix). Expand the 'Office Shared Features' > 'International Support' section, find the unwanted language, click the icon next to it, and select 'Not Available'. Click 'Continue' to apply.
Repair Corrupted Microsoft 365 Language Settings
If the language pack is completely missing from the uninstallation list but still shows up in Office, the registry or installation files may be inconsistent and require a repair.
Enjoy Hassle-Free Multilingual Support with WPS Office
If managing language packs in Microsoft Office is proving complicated or failing due to system errors, consider switching to WPS Office. It offers a lightweight, easy-to-use interface with seamless display language switching and full compatibility with Microsoft formats.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for Windows.
- 2. Install the application: Run the installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up the suite on your PC.
- 3. Switch languages easily: Open WPS Office, click the Settings (gear) icon in the top right corner, choose 'Switch Language', and immediately apply your preferred display language.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn't the Office language pack showing up in Programs and Features?
This occurs when the language-pack registration becomes disconnected or inconsistent with the main Microsoft Office installation. Running a Microsoft Office 'Online Repair' usually restores these missing entries.
Can I remove the default Office display language?
No. Microsoft Office requires at least one display language to function. You must install a second language and set it as your default 'Preferred' language before the system allows you to remove the original one.
Is it possible to remove an Office language directly from Word?
You can remove authoring (proofing) languages directly within Word via File > Options > Language. However, removing a full display language pack requires modifying the software installation through Windows Settings or the Control Panel.
