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How to Remove a French Language Pack in Microsoft Office 2021
Question details
The user needs to remove a French language pack from Microsoft Office 2021, but the removal option is unavailable and the interface displays a mix of English and French text.
- Product
- Microsoft Office 2021
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to fully revert the Office 2021 display language to English (UK) after installing a French language pack.
- Observed behavior
- The 'Remove' button is missing in the Office Language Options, menus remain partly in French, and two Microsoft Office entries appear in the Windows Programs and Features list.
Ensure you have your Microsoft Office 2021 product key accessible, as you may need it to reactivate the software if a full reinstallation is required.
Set Preferred Language and Repair Office
Use the Windows Control Panel to repair the Office installation, which can resolve bugs preventing language pack removal.
When the 'Remove' button is missing in Office settings, it often points to a corrupted installation or a conflict with Windows regional settings. Running a built-in repair can restore normal functionality without needing to uninstall the software completely.
Open Windows Settings, navigate to 'Time & Language' > 'Language & region', and ensure your 'Windows display language' and 'Regional format' are set to English (UK).
Open any Office app like Word, go to 'File' > 'Options' > 'Language'. Under 'Office display language', select 'English (UK)' and click 'Set as Preferred'.
Open the Windows Control Panel and select 'Programs and Features'. Find 'Microsoft Office' in the list, right-click it, and choose 'Change'. Select 'Online Repair' and follow the on-screen prompts to fix the missing button issue.
Reinstall Microsoft Office
If repairing the installation does not work, perform a clean reinstallation of Office with the correct language selected.
Switch to WPS Office for Seamless Language Management
If Microsoft Office 2021 language settings remain broken or duplicate installations are causing system conflicts, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative with easy-to-manage language options—no duplicate installations or complicated repair processes required.
- 1. Download and Install: Get the free WPS Office installer from the official website and complete the quick installation.
- 2. Open Settings: Launch WPS Office, click the 'Settings' icon (gear) in the top right corner, and select 'Language'.
- 3. Choose Your Language: Select your preferred language from the list to apply it instantly across Word, Excel, and PowerPoint alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Remove button greyed out or missing in Office language settings?
This usually happens when the language pack is designated as the default Windows display language, or when there is a registry error causing Office to recognize multiple conflicting language components.
Can I just delete one of the Office entries in Programs and Features?
It is not recommended to arbitrarily delete one if you are unsure which is correct. Deleting one entry can corrupt shared files for your entire Office installation. Instead, run an Office repair or uninstall both for a clean reinstallation.
How do I ensure Windows regional settings aren't forcing Office into French?
Open the Windows Settings app, navigate to 'Time & Language', and select 'Language & region'. Verify that both your 'Windows display language' and your location-based 'Regional format' are explicitly set to English (UK).
