How can I change the language of my Windows VPS?

What this is#

Your Windows VPS comes with Windows Server in English, and Windows can run in your language instead. Three separate settings hide under "language", and most frustration comes from changing the wrong one, so, the map first:

• Display language: what menus, Settings, and dialogs are written in, the big one, needs a language pack.
• Keyboard layout: what your keys type, changeable instantly, no pack needed, and independent of display language (English Windows with a German keyboard is a perfectly normal combination).
• Regional format: dates, currency, decimal separators, also independent.

Changing the display language#

1. Settings → Time & Language → Language (on Server 2025/2022; Language & region on newer builds).
2. Add a language, pick yours, and make sure "Set as my Windows display language" is ticked in the add dialog (and include the Language pack component if offered).
3. Windows downloads the pack, then sign out and back in (your RDP session, disconnect and reconnect), the interface comes back in your language.

Two Server realities worth knowing: the download needs a few minutes (watch for it under the language's Options), and on some Server builds the list of display-capable languages is shorter than the full input-language list, if yours appears without the "display language" option, that build ships it as input/format support only.

Keyboard layout only#

If what you actually want is to type in your layout: same Language page → Add a language → untick the display option, or add a keyboard under your existing language's Options. Switch layouts with Win+Space. One RDP nuance: the client usually carries your local keyboard into the session, so if typing produces wrong characters, align the layout inside the VPS with the physical keyboard you're using.

Formats, and the deeper system screens#

• Regional format (dates, decimals): Settings → Time & Language → Language & region → Regional format, apps pick it up per-account.
• The display language applies to your account. To also cover the login screen, system accounts, and new users: Control Panel → Region → Administrative tab → "Copy settings...", tick Welcome screen and system accounts and New user accounts. (The time zone is its own separate setting, and its own article.)

If a language pack refuses to download, check Windows Update health first, packs come through the same pipe.

Still need help?#

You can open a support ticket. So we can help on the first reply, it's worth mentioning:

• the VPS hostname or IP and your Windows Server version,
• the language you're adding,
• what's still in the wrong language (display, keyboard, or formats), and whether the pack downloaded.

Related questions#

• "How do I change Windows Server to my language?"
• "How do I add a keyboard layout on my Windows VPS?"
• "Why does my RDP session type the wrong characters?"
• "How do I apply the language to the login screen and new accounts?"