Changing Default Languages

Word is a program that is sold all over the world. In fact, you can get an idea of the far reach of Word by looking at the Language option from the Tools menu. Here you can see dozens of languages that Word can be configured to use.

So how do you get Word to use a different language as its default? Oddly enough, you don't do it in Word. Instead, you must change your Windows configuration by following these steps:

1. Choose the Settings option from the Start menu. Windows displays the Settings menu.
2. Select the Control Panel option from the Settings menu. Windows displays the Control Panel.
3. Double-click on the Regional Settings applet. Windows displays the Regional Settings Properties dialog box.
4. Make sure the desired language is set on the Regional Settings tab. (Click here to see a related figure.)
5. Make sure the proper keyboard configuration is set on the Input Locales tab. (Click here to see a related figure.)
6. Click on OK.
7. Restart your computer.

Now, when you use Word, you should have no problem having the default language be exactly want you want on any new documents. You should realize, however, that the grammar and spelling tools may still not work properly even though your default language has changed. This is because those tools are not installed for all languages. Instead, you may need to purchase foreign language tools from Alki Software (this is where Microsoft would send you, as well). You can visit their Web site at http://www.alki.com.

For additional information on this topic, make sure you view this tip.