Office Settings & Configuration

How to Set the Preferred Language in OneNote for Windows

Adam Davis Oct 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to change the display or proofing language in OneNote but cannot find the language settings in the app.

How to Set the Preferred Language in OneNote for Windows

Product: OneNote
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Adjusting the preferred application language for a better user experience or accurate spelling checks.
Observed behavior: OneNote for Windows 10 uses the system default language and lacks the File menu and built-in language settings available in the standard desktop version.

Before you start

Verify which version of OneNote you are using by looking for a 'File' tab in the top ribbon. OneNote for Windows 10 does not have a File menu, while the desktop version does.

Solution 1Recommended

Change the Language via Windows Settings (OneNote for Windows 10)

Use this method if your OneNote app lacks a File menu, meaning you are using the Windows 10 version that syncs with your system language.

OneNote for Windows 10 does not have its own independent language settings. Instead, it relies on the primary language configured in your Windows operating system.

Open Windows Settings

Click the Start button and select the gear icon to open Settings, or press the Windows key + I on your keyboard.

Navigate to Time & Language

Click on 'Time & Language', then select the 'Language' or 'Language & region' tab from the left sidebar.

Set Windows Display Language

Under 'Windows display language', select your preferred language from the drop-down menu. If your language is not listed, click 'Add a language' to install it.

Restart OneNote

Close OneNote for Windows 10 completely and reopen it. The app interface will now display in your newly selected default language.

Change the Language via Windows Settings (OneNote for Windows 10)

Solution 2

Change Language in OneNote Desktop Version

Use this method if your OneNote application has a 'File' tab in the ribbon, indicating you have the standalone desktop version.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the File menu missing in my OneNote app?

If you cannot see the File menu, you are likely using OneNote for Windows 10, which is a pre-installed app that features a simplified ribbon interface. The File menu is only available in the standalone desktop version of OneNote.

Can I have both OneNote versions installed on my computer?

Yes, you can install both OneNote for Windows 10 and the OneNote desktop application simultaneously. You can search your Windows Start menu for 'OneNote' to see which versions are currently installed.

How do I change the spell check language in OneNote for Windows 10?

OneNote for Windows 10 automatically checks spelling based on the keyboard layout currently active in Windows. To change the proofing language, simply switch your Windows keyboard input language using the language bar on your taskbar or by pressing the Windows key + Spacebar.

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