Language packs add additional display, help, and proofing tools to Microsoft 365. You can install additional language accessory packs after installing Microsoft 365. If a language accessory pack is described as having partial localization, some parts of Microsoft 365 may still display in the language of your copy of Microsoft 365.

If a language is listed only once, German for example, then that pack includes the tools for all countries/regions that use that language.

Important: If your organization installed Microsoft 365 on your computer, contact your IT department to install any language packs.

Step 1: Install the language accessory pack

Select the version of Microsoft 365 you're using from the tabs below, then select the language desired from the drop-down list. Then choose the appropriate architecture (32-bit or 64-bit) from the download links provided. If you're not sure what you're using, see What version am I using?

Once the file is downloaded, open it to start installation. 

Step 2: Configure Microsoft 365 language

After you install the language accessory pack, you must configure Microsoft 365 for your new language preferences. This configuration affects all your Microsoft 365 applications.

Note: If you're using Office 365 and the commands available are different from what's shown here, select the Office 2016 tab and follow the instructions there.

  1. In any Microsoft 365 application, on the File tab, select Options

  2. On the left, select Language.

  3. Under Office display Language, make sure the display language you want to use is listed.

    Office display language

  4. Under Office authoring languages and proofing, make sure the language you want to use for authoring your document is listed.

    Office authoring languages and proofing

    If the language accessory pack includes proofing tools for that language, its status appears as Proofing installed. If the status is Proofing available, select the link to install the proofing tools. 

  5. Restart all programs for your changes to take effect.

You can change the default language for all your Microsoft 365 applications in the Set the Office Language Preferences dialog. For more information, see Add a language or set language preferences in Office.

Step 2: Configure Microsoft 365 language

After you install the language accessory pack, you must configure Microsoft 365 for your new language preferences. This configuration affects all your Microsoft 365 applications.

Note: If you're using Office 365 and the commands available are different from what's shown here, select the Office 2016 tab and follow the instructions there.

  1. In any Microsoft 365 application, go to File > Options > Language.

  2. Under Office display language, make sure the display language you want to use is listed.

    Office display language

  3. Under Office authoring languages and proofing, make sure the language you want to use for authoring your document is listed.

    Office authoring languages and proofing

    If the language accessory pack includes proofing tools for that language, its status appears as Proofing installed. If the status is Proofing available, select the link to install the proofing tools. 

  4. Restart all programs for your changes to take effect.

You can change the default language for all your Microsoft 365 applications in the Set the Office Language Preferences dialog. For more information, see Add a language or set language preferences in Office.

Step 2: Configure Microsoft 365 language

After you install the language accessory pack, you must configure Microsoft 365 for your new language preferences. This configuration affects all your Microsoft 365 applications.

  1. In any Microsoft 365 application, go to File > Options > Language.

  2. Under Choose Editing Languages, make sure the language you want to use is added to this list.

    The dialog box where you can add, select, or remove the language Office uses for editing and proofing tools. If the language accessory pack includes proofing tools for that language, the Proofing column shows Installed. If the status is Not installed, select the link to install the proofing tools.

  3. Under Choose Display Language, you can change the default Display and Help languages for all your applications.

    The dialog that allows you to select the language that Office will use for it's buttons, menus and help.

    If the language accessory pack contained Display and Help for the language, you should see it listed here.

  4. Restart all programs for your changes to take effect.

You can change the default language for all your Microsoft 365 applications in the Set the Office Language Preferences dialog. For more information, see Add a language or set language preferences in Office.

See Also

Need more help?

Want more options?

Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.

Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.

Find solutions to common problems or get help from a support agent.