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How to Change the Display Language in Microsoft 365 Web App
Question details
The user needs to change the interface language of Microsoft 365 web applications back to English.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 Web App
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- The Microsoft 365 web apps (such as Word and Excel) display menus and options in the wrong language, despite Windows, the browser, and desktop Office being set to English.
- Observed behavior
- The interface and menus within the Microsoft 365 web environment are rendering in an incorrect language.
Ensure you have your Microsoft account login credentials handy, as applying these language settings will require you to sign out and sign back into your session.
Change Display Language via Microsoft 365 Settings
The most direct way to fix the language rendering in your web apps is by updating your global Microsoft account profile settings.
Microsoft 365 web applications pull their display language directly from your Microsoft account preferences. Updating this central setting will apply your preferred language across web versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Click on the Settings (gear) icon in the top right corner of the Microsoft 365 web interface.
Select the 'Change your language' option to open your Microsoft account profile settings.
In the 'Settings and Privacy' page, locate the 'Display language' section and set your preferred language to English.
Save your changes, then sign out of your Microsoft account completely and sign back in to refresh the web applications.
Clear Browser Cache and Site Data
If the language doesn't update after changing your account settings, your browser may be caching the older, incorrect language version of the site.
Try WPS Office for a Seamless Multi-Language Experience
If you frequently encounter syncing or configuration issues with web-based office suites, WPS Office offers a powerful desktop alternative. It provides a lightweight, easy-to-use environment where changing display languages is simple and doesn't require navigating complex account portals.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office installer to your computer.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the installer and open WPS Office for a fast, offline-capable productivity experience.
- 3. Select Your Language: Navigate to the Global Settings menu within WPS Office to instantly switch your display language at any time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Microsoft 365 web app language different from my desktop app?
Microsoft 365 web apps pull their language settings from your online Microsoft account profile or browser preferences, which operate independently from your local Windows OS or desktop Office installation settings.
Does changing the web app language affect my desktop Office applications?
No, the display language setting configured via the Microsoft 365 web portal is tied to your online account and does not override the display language installed on your local desktop applications.
How long does it take for the language change to take effect in Microsoft 365?
Language changes usually apply immediately after saving and refreshing the page. If the old language persists, you must sign out of your account, clear your browser cache, and sign back in to force the update.
Can I set different languages for Word web and Excel web?
No, the display language setting is applied globally across all Microsoft 365 web applications (including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) linked to your Microsoft account.
