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How to Use Excel in English While Keeping Microsoft 365 in Dutch
Question details
The user wants to set Microsoft Excel's display language to English while maintaining Dutch as the interface language for other Microsoft 365 applications like Word and OneNote.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Customizing specific display languages for individual applications within the Microsoft Office suite.
- Observed behavior
- The user is attempting to find a per-application language setting in Microsoft 365 but discovers that language preferences seem to apply globally across the entire suite.
Verify that you have an active Microsoft 365 subscription and administrative privileges on your computer to install new language packs if needed.
Change the Global Display Language for Microsoft 365
Because Microsoft 365 does not support setting different display languages for individual applications, you must change the language for the entire Office suite to use Excel in English.
Microsoft Office architecture uses a shared language pack system. Changing the interface language in one application automatically updates the language for all other installed Office apps, including Word, PowerPoint, and OneNote.
Launch Microsoft Excel. Click on 'File' in the top-left corner of the ribbon, and then select 'Options' at the very bottom of the left-hand menu.
In the Excel Options dialog box, click on the 'Language' tab located in the left-hand pane.
Under the 'Office display language' section, click on 'English'. If English is not in the list, click 'Install additional display languages from Office.com' to download it.
Click the 'Set as Preferred' button next to English, then click 'OK'. Restart all open Microsoft Office applications for the new language settings to take effect.
Submit Feedback for Per-Application Language Support
Since isolated language settings for single apps are not currently supported, you can request this feature directly from the Microsoft development team.
Try WPS Office for a Lightweight and Flexible Experience
While Microsoft 365 restricts you to a single display language across all applications, you can explore WPS Office as a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative. It offers a familiar interface, making your transition seamless while handling all your essential spreadsheet and document tasks.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office installation package.
- 2. Install and Configure: Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts to set up the software on your device.
- 3. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Excel spreadsheets and Word documents without worrying about format conversion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install two different language versions of Microsoft Office on the same computer?
No, Microsoft Office uses a unified installation architecture. While you can install multiple language accessory packs, the primary display language you set will apply globally to all Microsoft 365 applications.
How do I change the spell check language for just one document in Excel?
You can change the proofing language for a specific file by navigating to the Review tab, clicking Language, and selecting 'Set Proofing Language'. This only affects spelling and grammar checks, leaving your display language unchanged.
Will changing my Office display language affect my Windows system language?
No, your Microsoft Office display language is managed entirely separate from your Windows operating system language. If you want them to match automatically, you can select the 'Match Microsoft Windows' option within the Office language settings.
Are Microsoft 365 language accessory packs free to download?
Yes. As long as you have a valid Microsoft 365 subscription or a supported standalone version of Office, you can download and install any available language accessory pack for free from Microsoft's official support website.
