How to Add a Language Pack in Windows 11 Using PowerShell
Install and set display languages from the command line — ideal for scripting and deployment.
Overview
PowerShell can install language packs and set the system language without the Settings GUI — perfect for automation and imaging. This guide shows the commands to add, set, and manage languages in Windows 11.
Adding a language pack with PowerShell.
Key Takeaways
- Install-Language adds a language pack by tag (e.g., fr-FR).
- Set-SystemPreferredUILanguage sets the display language.
- Use language tags (BCP-47) like en-US, de-DE, ja-JP.
- Great for scripted/deployment scenarios.
Find the Language Tag
1. Language tags follow BCP-47, e.g., en-US (English US), fr-FR (French), es-ES (Spanish), de-DE (German).
2. List installed languages: Get-InstalledLanguage
3. Confirm the tag you want before installing.
Install a Language Pack
1. Open PowerShell as administrator.
2. Run: Install-Language fr-FR (replace with your tag).
3. Wait for it to download and install the pack and features.
Set the System/Display Language
1. Set the display language: Set-SystemPreferredUILanguage fr-FR
2. Optionally set it for the current user: Set-WinUILanguageOverride -Language fr-FR
3. Sign out and back in (or restart) to apply fully.
Other Useful Commands
- Get-InstalledLanguage — list installed languages.
- Get-SystemPreferredUILanguage — show the current display language.
- Uninstall-Language fr-FR — remove a language pack.
- Set-WinUserLanguageList — manage the user’s language list.
Troubleshooting
Problem: Install-Language not recognized.
Solution: It’s available on Windows 11 (and recent Windows 10); update Windows, and run PowerShell as administrator.
Problem: Pack won’t download.
Solution: Check your internet connection and that Windows Update isn’t blocked (packs come via Windows Update).
Problem: Display language didn’t change.
Solution: Sign out/in or restart after Set-SystemPreferredUILanguage.
Problem: Metered connection blocks it.
Solution: Language packs need a non-metered connection or an allowance to download over metered networks.
Conclusion
PowerShell makes language management scriptable: Install-Language adds a pack by BCP-47 tag, Set-SystemPreferredUILanguage sets the display language, and companion cmdlets list or remove languages — ideal for automation and deployment without touching the GUI.
