Solved Adding Language Pack to 'Windows 8.1 with Bing'

Hi, I am looking to buy a laptop here in Germany where I live, but as an 'auslander' (i.e foreigner), my native language is English, so I'm wondering if its possible to change the user language to English on the low-end laptops equipped with 'Windows 8.1 with Bing.'

From what I have read online, there are supposedly no handicaps or limitations for the end user for the Bing-version Windows, however, I have noted from this article that the "About Windows" screen cap states something to the effect of it being a 'single language.'

Does this mean that I cannot switch to everything being in English with this version of Win 8.1, or is it still possible to add a language pack?

Thank you!

Hi Gb33, welcome to the Eight Forums.

Myself an ex-pat living in Germany I know how important but sometimes difficult it is to find a computer here with pre-installed OS in any other language than German. Luckily Windows 8 made this a bit easier due language packs being available in all editions except single language edition.

Windows 8.1 with Bing is available in four different versions. One of them, Windows 8.1 with Bing China we can forget . Remains Windows 8.1 with Bing Single Language, Win 8.1 with Bing N and normal Windows 8.1 with Bing. You can use language packs (change display language from German to any language) in both N and normal versions, the Single Language can only be used in its original language.

Short: ask the store, check what version of Windows 8.1 with Bing the laptop has. Version N comes without Windows Media Player and other media features but these can be easily added by yourself with no cost (Download Media Feature Pack for N and KN versions of Windows 8.1 from Official Microsoft Download Center). You can use language packs in version N to change your display language. Windows 8.1 with Bing normal version has all media features and can also use language packs.

Be careful, check that you will not get a German Single Language version.

Kari

Kiitos Kari!

(My mother is Finnish and I can understand a little and can speak a few phrases when I visit my relatives).

Thank you for the exact info that I needed. I will be sure to check with the store/seller to see whether its a single language version being included with the computer.

GB33

If I may suggest something: Why not get a laptop or PC without OS, then download and install the free Windows 10 Technical Preview. You can use it for free until April 2015 which gives you time to find a good deal on Windows 8.1 or move directly to Windows 10 when the final version is released.
I have Win 10 Tech Preview as main (only) OS on three computers, two of them laptops, and I have had no issues with it. If interested check our sister site for download and installation instructions.

The Windows Ten Forums: Windows 10 Forums
Clean Install: Windows 10 Technical Preview - Clean Install

Kari

gb33 said:

Hi, I am looking to buy a laptop here in Germany where I live, but as an 'auslander' (i.e foreigner), my native language is English, so I'm wondering if its possible to change the user language to English on the low-end laptops equipped with 'Windows 8.1 with Bing.'

From what I have read online, there are supposedly no handicaps or limitations for the end user for the Bing-version Windows, however, I have noted from this article that the "About Windows" screen cap states something to the effect of it being a 'single language.'

Does this mean that I cannot switch to everything being in English with this version of Win 8.1, or is it still possible to add a language pack?

Thank you!

Click to expand...

got on this and install language

https://social.technet.microsoft.co...le-message-in-windows-81?forum=w8itprogeneral