How to Change the Language on Excel

If you’re wondering how to change the language on Excel, whether for editing, spell check, or the entire interface, you’re in the right place! 🌐 Changing the language in Microsoft Excel can help you work more comfortably, collaborate internationally, or match system preferences. The process is slightly different across Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu/Linux, but it’s simple once you know where to look. Let’s walk through the step-by-step process on each platform—with bonus keyboard shortcuts to speed things up! ⌨️

Why Change the Language in Excel?

Changing the language in Excel is more than just translating menus. It can affect:

Spell check and grammar tools 📝
Date/time formatting and separators
Function names (yes, SUM becomes SOMME in French!)
Interface (ribbon, tooltips, error messages)
Collaboration with international teams 🌐

How to Change the Language in Excel on Windows 🪟

Step-by-Step:

Open Excel
Go to File > Options
Select Language on the sidebar
Under Office Display Language, click Add a Language
Choose your desired language and click Set as Preferred
Restart Excel to apply changes

🔹 Shortcut Tip (Windows):

Press Alt + F, then T (opens Excel Options)
Use arrow keys to go to Language
Press Alt + A to add a new language

Windows System-Wide Change (Optional):

Open Settings → Time & Language
Select Language & Region
Click Add a Language and select your target
Restart for changes to fully apply

How to Change the Language in Excel on macOS 🍎

On macOS, Excel follows the system language by default. To change it:

Change Display Language:

Open System Settings > General > Language & Region
Click + to add a language
Drag your preferred language to the top
Restart your Mac and Excel

Change Proofing Language (in Excel only):

Select text in Excel
Go to Tools > Language
Choose your desired language
Click OK

🔹 Shortcut Tip (macOS):
While there’s no direct shortcut for changing language settings, you can use:

Cmd + , → Opens Excel Preferences
Use Tab and arrow keys to navigate settings

How to Change the Language in Excel on Ubuntu/Linux 🐧

If you’re using Excel via Wine or through Office Online on Ubuntu:

For Office Online (in Browser):

Sign in to Excel Online
Click your profile icon > My Account
Under Settings & Privacy, go to Language & Time
Select your preferred language
Refresh your session

System-Wide Language (Wine or VM users):

Go to Settings > Region & Language
Click Manage Installed Languages
Add your desired language
Restart Ubuntu and Excel

🔹 Shortcut Tip (Ubuntu):
Most Linux-based Excel alternatives (like LibreOffice Calc) let you switch proofing languages with:

Ctrl + Shift + F7 (toggle proofing)
Or use Tools > Language > For All Text

Tips for Multilingual Excel Users 🌍

Proofing tools (spelling & grammar) must be installed separately in some cases.
Always restart Excel after changing display languages.
You can set different languages for editing and display independently.
In Excel 365, changes sync across devices via your Microsoft Account.

Common Issues & Fixes 🛠️

Issue	Fix
Language doesn’t appear in options	Check if it’s installed on your OS first
Function names still in old language	Change the editing language, not just display
Excel won’t update language	Restart Excel and sign out/in from Office
Language won’t save on macOS	Ensure Excel is closed before changing system language

FAQs About Changing Language in Excel

Can I have different display and editing languages in Excel?
Yes, Excel allows separate settings for interface and proofing language.

Do function names change with language?
Yes! For example, SUM() becomes SOMME() in French Excel.

Is it possible to switch Excel languages without changing my OS?
Yes, in Excel settings (especially on Windows), you can set Office languages independently.

Why won’t Excel change language after I select a new one?
You likely need to restart Excel—or in some cases, your entire device.

Can I change language only for one spreadsheet?
Not for display language, but yes for proofing/spell check—select text and change its language.

Is there a language pack I need to install?
Sometimes. Office may prompt you to install the proofing tools if they’re not included by default.

Conclusion: Speak Excel in Any Language 🌎

Knowing how to change the language on Excel is a game-changer if you work in international environments or simply prefer another language interface. Whether you’re on Windows, macOS, or Ubuntu, the steps are clear—and with a few clicks (or key presses), you’re ready to Excel in your own tongue. 🎯

Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts

If you need help for Windows, you can find a whole list of all keyboard shortcuts here.

https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/

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