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Windows Lock Screen in Another Language: How to Change
Re-enabling Windows Spotlight is the easiest fix
4 min. read
Published onJanuary 31, 2024
published onJanuary 31, 2024
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When we turned on one of the work PCs this morning, the lock screen or Windows Spotlight, as it is called, was in another language. At first, it appeared Chinese. Then, on subsequent reboots, the language changed to Thai, Finnish and Turkish.
When we checked, it seems that the issue started after a Windows Update, which points to a bug in the recently released OS version. With that in mind, we began the troubleshooting and managed to get back English as the lock screen language!
To start with, click theDislike (Not a fan)option at the top right of the lock screen where it asks,Like what you see?, and check if Windows now reverts to the default system language.
What can I do if Windows lock screen is in another language?
1. Re-enable Windows Spotlight
When the lock screen is in another language, whether on Windows 10 or Windows 11, it’s theWindows Spotlight issuesto blame.
If this doesn’t work, you can always disableWindows Spotlightand switch toPicture, at least until Microsoft releases a patch for the bug. We recommend you do it if none of the solutions listed below work.
2. Manually select the language
3. Copy language settings
Remember, only execute this fix after you havechanged the system languagetoEnglishor the desired one.
4. Remove Bing as the search engine
5. Uninstall recent Windows updates
In case you still have the Windows lock screen in Chinese or another language,uninstall other recent Windows updatesuntil the problematic one is found. Once it’s fixed, we recommend youdisable Windows updatesfor the time being.
6. Reset Windows
Afactory reset of Windowshelps when the Windows Spotlight screen appears in another language. You may keep the files because, in our experience, this didn’t trigger any software conflicts.
As we said earlier, if the problem remains unresolved until now, disableWindows Spotlightand set apicture for the lock screen. And do not forget to keep checking OS updates for a patch!
Before you leave, discover some quick tips tocustomize the Windows lock screenfor a more vibrant interface.
For any queries or to share what worked for you, drop a comment below.
More about the topics:Lock Screen,Windows 11
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
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Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
