PowerPoint is an easy-to-use program with an interface similar to other Microsoft Office Programs. Even better, it allows you to create presentations in different languages for use by a mixed global audience. But how do you change the language in PowerPoint?
There are three methods on how to change the language of PowerPoint. For starters, you can modify the language for selected texts in the presentation. Alternatively, you can modify the language for the whole application. You can also alter the language for a particular presentation.
So, do these methods work? In this step-by-step guide, we will discuss all of this and more.
How To Change The PowerPoint Language?
As I said, There are at least 3 ways you can alter the language of PowerPoint. Let’s discuss how each works.
Method 1: Change The Language For Specific Text In A Presentation
This is the easiest method of changing your PowerPoint’s language by choosing a specific text. It involves the following:
Step 1: Start your PowerPoint application and select “New”. Then, click on “Blank Presentation”.
Step 2: Next, highlight the text on the presentation that you would like to change the language. If it is the entire text, right-click on the text and press “Ctrl + A” on your keyboard if using a Windows computer. But if using a Mac, press “Command+A”.
Step 3: From the left sidebar at the bottom of your PowerPoint window, Choose “Language”. A new pop-up window will appear with different languages.
Step 4: Choose your preferred language from the list and click “Default”. On the popup window that appears, click “Yes” to set the language. Then, press the “OK” button. Your presentation should now appear in the new language.
Method 2: Change The Language for The Entire PowerPoint Application
In this method, you get to modify the editing and display language for the whole PowerPoint and Microsoft Word applications. Here is how to do it.
Step 1: Open your PowerPoint on your Windows computer. Here is how it should look like:
Step 2: Once you have opened the application, click on “Options” at the bottom part of the left sidebar.
Step 3: A pop-up window will appear after clicking ‘’Options”. Select “Language” on the left sidebar.
Step 4: Under the Office Display Language, choose your desired language if it’s already in the menu. Then, click on “Set as Preferred” from the right sidebar and press “OK”.
Step 5: Next, a pop-up window will appear, asking you to restart Office so the language modifications can be implemented. Click the “OK” button and close your PowerPoint application. Then, open the program again.
Step 6: If your preferred language is unavailable, click “Add a Language” from the right sidebar. Then, choose the language you want to use from the list and click “Install”.
Step 7: A pop-up window will show up with “Install Office Language”. Click the “OK” button to start downloading the new language. The process will only take a few minutes.
Step 8: After installing the new language, this pop-up window will appear. Click “Continue” to close and restart your PowerPoint application and allow the modifications to take effect.
Here is a short video you can watch to understand better how this method works:
Method 3: Change The Language For A Specific Presentation
This is also a relatively easy way to alter the language of PowerPoint, but only for a particular presentation. Here are step-by-step instructions on how it works:
Step 1: Start your PowerPoint application. Then, click on the tab “New” from the top left sidebar. Next, choose “Blank Presentation”.
Step 2: On the top menu, click the “Review” tab if you have a Windows computer. If using a Mac, select the “Tools” tab instead.
Step 3: Click on the “Language” tab from the dropdown menu and choose “Language Preferences”.
Step 4: A new language dialog box will pop up. From the Office Display Language, choose your desired language. Then, click on “Set as Preferred” from the right sidebar. Next, press the “OK” button.
Step 5: A popup window will appear requesting you to restart Office so the language alterations can be executed. Click on the “OK” button to allow it. 
Step 6: If you would like to alter the proofing language, select your preferred under the Office Authoring Languages and Proofing. Then, click on the “Set as Preferred” button.
Step 7: Lastly, press the “OK” button at the bottom right in the dialog box. This will automatically alter the language.
Step 8: If your desired language is unavailable in the Office Display Language list, click on “Add a Language” to install it.
If you are using a Mac computer, watch this video on how to change the PowerPoint language:
Troubleshooting Tips for Changing PowerPoint Language
Sometimes, you may experience problems while trying to change the language of PowerPoint. Below are a few troubleshooting tips that could help you.
- Before attempting to alter the language, ensure your Office 365 subscription supports the language you want to use for PowerPoint.
- Make sure your PowerPoint application is up-to-date. Outdated versions may have bugs or compatibility problems.
- If you have set multiple language preferences in PowerPoint, try clearing them and restart the program. Then, modify the language.
- Clean the cache and delete any temporary files related to PowerPoint.
- Delete and reinstall the Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint. This could help fix any corrupted files, causing the issue.
- Alternatively, restart your PC and try to alter the language once more.
- If all the above options don’t yield results, you can reach out to Microsoft Support for further assistance.
Conclusion
When presenting to a diverse audience from different countries and cultures, knowing how to change PowerPoint language is crucial. It is the only way to serve them better. The good news is that there are several easy ways to make the modifications.
However, some methods only allow you to modify the language for selected text and others for the entire presentation. So, you must carefully choose the best one that matches your needs. With that said, if you counter challenges while trying to alter the language, there are various troubleshooting tips to help you.