Office Settings & Configuration

How to Change Microsoft Office Display Language from Arabic to English

WPS Content Manager Sep 28, 2026 871 views

Question details

The user needs to change the display language of their Microsoft Office applications from Arabic to English.

How to Change Microsoft Office Display Language from Arabic to English

Product: Microsoft Office
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Modifying the application interface language after installation.
Observed behavior: Microsoft Office applications are displaying menus, ribbons, and controls in Arabic instead of the desired English language.

Before you start

Ensure you have an active internet connection, as you may need to download the English language pack if it is not already installed on your device.

Solution 1Recommended

Change Display Language via Office Options

Modify the preferred display language directly within the settings menu of any Microsoft Office application.

The display language setting controls the language used for all user interface elements, including ribbons, menus, and buttons. Changing this preference in one application (like Word) will automatically apply it across the entire Office suite, so you do not need to repeat the process for Excel or PowerPoint.

Open an Office application

Launch any Microsoft Office application, such as Word, Excel, or PowerPoint.

Access the Options menu

Click on 'File' in the top ribbon, then select 'Options' located at the bottom of the left-hand menu panel.

Navigate to Language Settings

In the Options dialog box that appears, click on 'Language' in the left-hand pane to open the language configuration screen.

Set English as the preferred language

Under the 'Office display language' section, select 'English' from the list of available languages and click the 'Set as Preferred' button. If English is not listed, click the 'Add a Language' button to download and install the English language pack.

Restart Microsoft Office

Click 'OK' to save your changes. You must close all open Office applications and restart them for the new English interface to take effect.

Change Display Language via Office Options

Managed Organization Settings: If the language options are grayed out or you cannot add a new language, your Microsoft 365 environment is likely managed by your organization. Please contact your IT administrator to request the language change.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Multilingual Experience

Having trouble managing language packs or restrictive administrative settings in Microsoft Office? Try WPS Office. It is a free, lightweight alternative that supports multiple display languages effortlessly while maintaining strict compatibility with your existing Microsoft Office files.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installer for your operating system.
2. Install the software: Run the setup file and follow the quick on-screen instructions to install the suite.
3. Select your language: Open WPS Office, click the Global Settings gear icon, select 'Language', and choose English as your default interface language.

Easily switch between different display languages directly in the settings menusFully compatible with Microsoft Office formats, including .docx, .xlsx, and .pptxFree and lightweight alternative that will not slow down your deviceFamiliar user interface requires no steep learning curve

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is English missing from my Office display language options?

If English is not listed under your display languages, it means the corresponding language pack has not been installed on your system. You can add it directly by clicking the 'Add a Language' button within the Office Language settings to download it from Microsoft's servers.

Will changing the language in Word also change it in Excel?

Yes, modifying the display language in any single Microsoft Office application universally updates the language settings for the entire Office suite. After a restart, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook will also display in English.

What is the difference between display language and authoring language?

The display language dictates the language of the application interface, such as ribbons, menus, and buttons. The authoring (or proofing) language controls the spell check, grammar validation, and dictionary tools for the actual text you type into your documents.

Office App Problems