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How to Change the SharePoint Language Dropdown from FRENCH to FRANÇAIS

Amos Gikunda Oct 1, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to know if it is possible to customize the language names in SharePoint's dropdown menus to display localized labels, such as FRANÇAIS instead of FRENCH.

How to Change the SharePoint Language Dropdown from FRENCH to FRANÇAIS

Product: Microsoft SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Customizing the user interface localization labels for language selection settings within a SharePoint environment.
Observed behavior: SharePoint natively controls the display names in its language dropdowns, preventing administrators from manually renaming them to localized versions.

Before you start

Because the native language labels are locked at the system level by Microsoft, verify that you have access to a connected Microsoft Office desktop app so you can submit official feedback for this feature.

Solution 1Recommended

Submit Feedback to Microsoft for Localized Language Labels

Since SharePoint administrators cannot manually rename system-controlled language dropdown labels, the official approach is to request this feature directly from Microsoft.

SharePoint strictly controls the names of the languages displayed in its default interface. Currently, there is no out-of-the-box administrative setting or PowerShell command that allows you to manually change the label 'FRENCH' to its localized version 'FRANÇAIS'.

Open an Office Application

Launch any Microsoft Office desktop application, such as Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, that is connected to your Microsoft 365 account.

Navigate to the Help Menu

Locate and click on the 'Help' tab in the top ribbon menu of the application.

Access the Feedback Tool

Click on 'Feedback' from the menu options, and then select 'Send Feedback' or 'I have a suggestion'.

Submit Your Feature Request

Explain that you would like SharePoint language dropdown menus to support localized display names (e.g., FRANÇAIS instead of FRENCH) and submit your request to the development team.

Submit Feedback to Microsoft for Localized Language Labels

Alternative Developer Approach: If you require localized names immediately, a developer can build a custom SharePoint Framework (SPFx) web part to act as a customized language switcher, bypassing the default Microsoft dropdown completely.

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Try WPS Office for a Highly Localized and Seamless Experience

While SharePoint and Microsoft 365 strictly limit interface customizations, you can enjoy a more flexible, lightweight, and user-friendly document editing experience with WPS Office. It offers extensive multi-language support and serves as an excellent, completely free alternative to Microsoft Office.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button for your operating system.
2. Install the Suite: Run the downloaded installer and follow the straightforward on-screen instructions to set up the software.
3. Select Your Language and Edit: Launch WPS Office, easily select your preferred interface language from the settings, and instantly open your existing Microsoft Office files.

Provides native localized interfaces to suit your language preferences perfectly.Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint file formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx).Lightweight architecture ensuring fast launch times and minimal system resource usage.All-in-one suite combining document, spreadsheet, and presentation tools in a single window.Completely free to download and use with a familiar, intuitive user interface.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can a SharePoint Administrator use PowerShell to rename the language dropdown labels?

No. The language names in the native SharePoint language dropdown are system-controlled by Microsoft and cannot be altered using PowerShell scripts or settings in the SharePoint Admin Center.

Will changing my browser language to French automatically change the dropdown label to FRANÇAIS?

While changing your browser's primary language will translate the overall SharePoint interface into French, the specific labels inside the standard language selection dropdown may still remain standardized (e.g., FRENCH) based on Microsoft's current design.

Is there a way to create a custom language switcher in SharePoint?

Yes. Developers can use the SharePoint Framework (SPFx) to create a custom language switcher web part. This allows full control over the UI, meaning you can display 'FRANÇAIS' or any other localized label instead of relying on the default dropdown.

How do I know if Microsoft implements my feedback?

Microsoft regularly reviews feedback submitted through Office apps and the feedback portal. If a requested feature like localized language labels gains enough traction, it may be added to the Microsoft 365 roadmap, which is publicly accessible online.

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