How to Change Default Language in Internet Explorer

Updated 7 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

This guide shows you how to quickly change the default language in Internet Explorer, which affects how web pages are displayed and how the browser handles language-specific content. You’ll need to have administrator access to your Windows computer, as changing system language settings may require elevated permissions.

What You’ll Need

A Windows PC with Internet Explorer installed (IE 11 is the final version).
Administrator account access.
Internet connection to download language packs if needed.

Step-by-Step

Open Internet Explorer. Launch the browser from the Start menu or desktop shortcut.
Access Internet Options. Click the gear icon (⚙) in the top-right corner, then select Internet options from the drop-down menu. Alternatively, press Alt + T to open the Tools menu and choose Internet options.
Go to the Languages section. In the Internet Options dialog, click the General tab. Under the Appearance section, click the Languages button.
Add or reorder languages. The Language Preference dialog lists the languages IE uses for displaying web pages. To change the default, select a language from the list and click Move up until it is at the top. To add a new language, click Add, choose the language from the list, and then move it to the top.
Set the language for menus and dialogs. If you want the browser’s own interface (menus, buttons, error messages) to appear in a different language, check the box Display language for menus and dialog boxes (if available). This option appears only if you have installed the corresponding language pack for Windows.
Apply the changes. Click OK on the Language Preference dialog, then click OK on the Internet Options dialog. Restart Internet Explorer for the changes to take effect.
Verify the change. Visit a website that supports multiple languages (e.g., a site with language-specific content). The browser should request the top language in its HTTP headers, so the site may display in that language if available.

Common Mistakes

Not moving the language to the top. Simply adding a language doesn’t make it the default; you must move it to the top of the list.
Confusing browser language with Windows display language. Changing the IE language preference only affects web content and some browser UI, not the entire Windows interface.
Forgetting to restart IE. The changes may not apply until you close and reopen the browser.
Assuming all websites will switch automatically. Websites decide which language to serve based on your browser’s language headers, but they may have their own language selection or ignore the header.
Using the wrong setting for menus. The checkbox for menus and dialogs only appears if you have the appropriate Windows language pack installed; otherwise, it’s grayed out or missing.

Tips

Use the language list for multiple languages. You can add several languages and order them by preference. IE will request them in order, so if the first isn’t available, it tries the next.
Clear cache after changing. To ensure websites pick up the new language, clear your browser cache and cookies (Tools → Internet Options → Browsing history → Delete).
Check Windows language settings. For the browser UI to change, you may need to install a Windows language pack via Control Panel → Clock, Language, and Region → Language.
Use keyboard shortcuts. Press Alt + X to open the Tools menu directly, then press O for Internet options.

Troubleshooting

Language list is empty or missing. If the Language Preference dialog shows no languages, click Add to add at least one. If the dialog doesn’t open, ensure you’re on the General tab and click the Languages button under Appearance.
Changes don’t stick after restart. This can happen if you have group policies or third-party software managing IE settings. Check with your system administrator. Also, ensure you have the necessary permissions to modify settings.
Websites still display in the old language. The site might have its own language selector, or it may not support the language you requested. Try clearing cache and cookies, and check if the site has a language dropdown (often at the top or bottom of the page).
Menu language doesn’t change. This is because the browser UI language is tied to Windows display language, not the IE language preference. Install the Windows language pack and set it as the display language, then restart.
Can’t find the Languages button. In some IE versions, the button is labeled Languages and is under the General tab, but in older versions it might be under Advanced or Content. Double-check the tabs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Internet Explorer keep reverting to English?

This can happen if you haven’t moved the desired language to the top of the list, or if a group policy overrides your settings. Also, some websites ignore the browser language and use their own detection.

Do I need to install a language pack to change the browser language?

No, for web content language, you only need to add the language in the Language Preference dialog. For the browser’s own menus and dialogs, you need a Windows language pack.

How do I set Internet Explorer to request a specific language from websites?

Add the language to the list and move it to the top. The browser sends an Accept-Language header with that language first, so websites that support it will serve content in that language.

Can I have multiple languages and switch between them?

Yes, you can order multiple languages. To switch, simply reorder them in the Language Preference dialog. There is no quick toggle, but you can change the order whenever needed.

What is the difference between the language list and the Windows display language?

The language list in IE controls which language web pages are requested in. The Windows display language controls the language of the operating system and applications, including IE’s menus if the checkbox is enabled.

Is it possible to change the language per website?

No, the language preference is global for all websites. However, many websites have their own language selector that lets you choose a language for that site, which overrides the browser’s request.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.