'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Change Microsoft Word Menus Back to English on Mac
Question details
The user needs to revert Microsoft Word's interface language back to English on a Mac after it was accidentally changed.
- Product
- Microsoft Word for Mac
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- After using the translation feature on a document, Microsoft Word's tabs and menus unexpectedly changed to a foreign language (such as Italian).
- Observed behavior
- The Word interface displays in the wrong language, and the standard Windows solution (File > Options) is missing on the Mac version of the software.
Ensure all your unsaved work in Microsoft Word is saved and fully quit the application, as you will need to restart your Mac or the app to apply system-level language changes.
Adjust macOS Language and Region Settings
Word for Mac relies on your Apple system's default language. Adjusting your macOS Language & Region settings will successfully revert Word's interface back to English.
Unlike the Windows version of Microsoft Office, Word for Mac is natively integrated with macOS and does not feature a dedicated 'File > Options > Language' menu. You must change the language at the system level to affect Microsoft Word.
Click the Apple menu icon in the top-left corner of your Mac screen and select 'System Preferences' (or 'System Settings' on newer macOS versions). If your system is currently displaying in Italian, look for 'Preferenze di Sistema'.
Click on the 'Language & Region' icon (labeled 'Lingua e Zona' in Italian).
Under the 'Preferred Languages' section, ensure English is at the top of the list. If it is not, click and drag it to the top position. If English is missing entirely, click the '+' button to add it.
Close the settings window. A prompt may appear asking if you want to restart your computer. Restart your Mac to ensure the language changes are applied properly across Microsoft Word and other system applications.
Try WPS Office for a Seamless, Easy-to-Use Experience on Mac
Tired of dealing with complex system settings just to change your word processor's interface? WPS Office is a free, lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office that offers highly compatible document editing with an intuitive interface on Mac.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free macOS installation package.
- 2. Install and Launch: Follow the simple on-screen instructions to install the software, then open WPS Office from your Applications folder.
- 3. Open Your Documents: Open any existing Word documents natively without worrying about formatting loss or complex setup menus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I find 'File > Options > Language' in Word for Mac?
Microsoft Word for Mac natively relies on Apple's macOS system language settings to determine its display language. The 'File > Options' navigation path is exclusive to the Windows version of Microsoft Office and does not apply to Mac users.
Will changing my Mac's system language affect other applications?
Yes, adjusting the primary language in macOS 'Language & Region' settings will change the interface language for your entire operating system and all installed applications that support that language.
Can I set Word to English while keeping my Mac in another language?
Yes, on macOS Catalina and newer versions, you can use the per-app language feature. Navigate to System Preferences > Language & Region > Apps, click the '+' icon, choose Microsoft Word from the application dropdown, and set its specific language to English.
