Change Display Language in PowerPoint

If you want to change the display language in PowerPoint, this tutorial is for you.

Whether you’ve downloaded a version of the software with an incorrect default language or you’re looking to enhance your language skills, we will guide you through the process step by step.

Setting a New Preferred Language in PowerPoint

Ready to select a new preferred language for PowerPoint? Follow these simple steps:

• Open the toolbar and navigate to File → Options.
• In the left menu, click on Language.
• In the Office display language section, choose any option from the list and click on Set as preferred.
• If you want the Office language to match the language of your Microsoft Windows, select Match Microsoft Windows.
• A popup will appear, prompting you to relaunch the program to apply the changes.
• Close PowerPoint and then reopen it. Remember to save any changes to your presentation before closing.

Installing Additional Display Languages in PowerPoint

If the language you wish to set as preferred is not available in the list, follow these steps:

• Click on Install additional display languages from Office.com.
• Select a language and click Install.
• A new window will open in your browser to allow you to download the language pack. Click Download.

• Your browser will display the download specifications for the selected language. Click Download again and wait a few moments.

• Once the download is complete, double click on the package to install it. PowerPoint will prompt you to save your current work before proceeding; click Save. Choose either the 64-bit or 32-bit version based on your Windows configuration.

• Wait for the installation to finish, which may take a couple of minutes. A popup will confirm that the installation is complete; click Close (or its translated equivalent based on the selected language).

• Reopen PowerPoint and go to File → Options → Language. The new language should now appear in the list. Click on it and then select Set as preferred. Click OK.
• A popup will notify you to close the program and reopen it to apply the changes. Click OK again.
• Open PowerPoint once more, and the new language will be displayed!

If you’re using a Mac, follow these steps to modify the language:

• Go to the Apple menu and select System Preferences → Language & Region.
• Choose a preferred language from the list.
• If your desired language is not listed, click the + button to add it, then restart Office.
• To change the editing language, go to Tools → Language.
• Select your preferred language and click OK. If you want to set it as default, check that option.

Changing the Language for Office 2016 or Earlier Versions

For older versions of Office, use the following steps:

• Open Office and go to File → Options → Language.
• Select a language option and click Set as Default.
• If the desired language is not available, click Add additional editing languages and choose one from the list, then click Add.

Ensure that the Keyboard Layout is enabled. If it isn’t:

• Click on Not enabled.
• Click on Add languages, select one from the list, then click Add and close the dialog box.

Verify that the proofing tools are functioning. If it indicates Not installed:

• Click on Not installed and download the language accessory pack, following the instructions similar to those in the previous section.
• In PowerPoint, go to File → Options → Language. Select the new language and choose Set as Default or Match Microsoft Windows if applicable.

Changing the Language of PowerPoint Proofing Tools

In PowerPoint, you can also set the authoring language for your text, which is useful for grammar and spelling checks. Here’s how to configure it:

• Again, go to the language options and click on Office authoring languages and proofing.
• Choose your desired language and select Set as Preferred.
• Click OK, and a warning will appear; click OK again to confirm.

• If your language isn’t listed, click on Add a Language… and select one from the list. If you want the program to check your grammar and spelling, mark Get proofing tools and click Add. This will take you to the installation page. Note that some languages may not have proofing tools available.

• Once on the webpage, click Download and wait for the download to finish.
• Open the file, and a window will confirm that the installation is complete. Click Close (or its translation based on the selected language).
• Restart PowerPoint and go to File → Options → Language. Your selected language should now be available.
• Click on it, select Set as Preferred, and confirm by clicking OK twice.

As you can see, changing the language in PowerPoint is straightforward! Follow these steps in the language settings, and the program will assist you with grammar and spelling corrections.