Fix Microsoft 365 Display Language Not Changing to Japanese
Question details
The user is unable to change the display language of OneNote and other Microsoft 365 applications to Japanese despite selecting it in settings.

- Product
- Microsoft 365, OneNote
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Changing the Office display and authoring language to a new region (Japanese).
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft 365 applications continue to display in English even after the settings are changed and Windows is restarted.
Ensure you have an active internet connection and administrator privileges on your computer, as you may need to repair or reinstall Microsoft 365.
Perform an Online Repair of Microsoft 365
Since the display language is shared across the entire Office suite, running an Online Repair can fix background configuration errors preventing the language update.
Sometimes, the local installation files become corrupted, causing changes in the language settings to fail to apply correctly across applications like OneNote, Word, and Excel.
Click the Start menu and select Settings, then navigate to Apps and click on Installed apps (or Apps & features).
Scroll through the list of installed programs until you find your Microsoft 365 installation. Click the three dots (or left-click) and select Modify.
In the pop-up window, select 'Online Repair' (not Quick Repair) and click Repair. Follow the on-screen prompts and restart your computer once the process is complete.
Completely Uninstall and Reinstall Microsoft 365
If changing settings and repairing fails, completely removing and reinstalling the Japanese-language version of Office is the proven method to resolve this issue.
Switch to WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Multilingual Experience
If you are tired of complex settings and installation issues in Microsoft 365, try WPS Office. It provides an intuitive interface, supports multiple display languages easily without requiring complete reinstallations, and offers seamless compatibility with all major Microsoft Office file formats.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for Windows.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded installer. The lightweight design ensures it installs in just a few minutes.
- 3. Change Display Language Easily: Open WPS Office, click on the Settings icon in the top right corner, select 'Switch Language', and instantly apply your preferred language without reinstalling.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Office display language keep reverting to English?
This usually happens due to corrupted registry keys or conflicts between your Windows region settings and the Office installation files. An Online Repair or full reinstallation is often required to sync them.
Do I need to buy a new language pack for Microsoft 365 to use Japanese?
No. Microsoft 365 subscriptions include access to all supported language accessory packs for free. You can download them directly from your Microsoft account or within the Office app settings.
Will uninstalling Microsoft 365 delete my OneNote notebooks or Word files?
No. Uninstalling the Microsoft 365 applications only removes the software itself. Your personal files, documents, and OneNote notebooks (which are usually synced to OneDrive) remain safely on your computer or cloud storage.
How do I change the display language in WPS Office?
In WPS Office, you can change the display language by clicking the global Settings icon (gear icon) in the upper right corner of the home screen, selecting 'Switch Language', choosing your desired language, and restarting the application.





