How to change Windows Language

[aprocfu]

Hi, I would like to know if Windos language can be changed from English to let say to Japanese and vice-versa. Or do I need to install Windos for Japanese language.

I appreciate your assistance

 

[mintjulep]

The second.

 

[vacunita]

Windows unfortunately is region specific, so the complete installation is in the predefined language for the region form where you purchased either the retail copy of Windows, or the PC that had it pre-installed.

The only way to change a language is to install a version from the region whose language you want to use.





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Ignorance is not necessarily Bliss, case in point:
Unknown has caused an Unknown Error on Unknown and must be shutdown to prevent damage to Unknown.

 

[BadBigBen]

There is a way!

Multilingual User Interface (MUI) is a technology that provides localized user interface for globalized applications and user interface language resource management in the Windows operating system. Support is provided for adding MUI functionality to globalized applications to run on Windows Vista and later, as well as many pre-Windows Vista operating systems. The MUI localization and resource management models enhance development, testing, and support for world-ready software.

Features of MUI technology include:

* Simplified language management for software localization. MUI allows the language settings for the operating system to be changed to a supported language according to user preferences.
* An innovative resource technology based on the splitting of the application code binary from language resource files. You can add resources for an additional language without needing to recompile or relink your application. Additional localized resources become optional add-ins.
* Complete application programming interface (API). Windows Vista and later expose the MUI API for you to use in adding MUI functionality to globalized applications. Language management functions enable your applications to support a wide variety of user interface languages. The API also includes resource loading functions that enable the resource loader to load resources on Windows Vista and later, as well as pre-Windows Vista operating systems.

and

The following platforms support MUI technology:

* Windows 7 and later.
* Windows Vista.
* Windows XP Professional, Windows XP for Tablet PC, Windows XP Embedded, Windows 2000 Professional, Windows 2000 Server, and Windows Server 2003. These platforms have both localized versions and MUI versions. The MUI Pack can be added to the English version to make it into a MUI version.

source: MSDN about Multilingual User Interface (MUI)

also have a read here:

Windows XP SP3 RTM Multilingual User Interface (MUI) Pack

http://www.pctipsbox.com/windows-xp-sp3-rtm-multilingual-user-interface-mui-pack/

Ben

"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."

How to ask a question, when posting them to a professional forum.

 

[linney]

If I remember correctly MUI can only be installed on English language versions of Windows, and also some of the Home versions of Windows do not support it.

 

[vacunita]

I Pretty sure that's correct there were limitations as to who could install the MUI.

I know Windows 7, and I think Vista also now offer the option to install additional languages for Menus and dialogs.

You can try Microsoft's Language Offerings page see if they have something you can use:

http://www.microsoft.com/unlimitedpotential/programs/llp.mspx

----------------------------------
Ignorance is not necessarily Bliss, case in point:
Unknown has caused an Unknown Error on Unknown and must be shutdown to prevent damage to Unknown.