Removing foreign language fonts

Anonymous
2009-10-30T16:13:49+00:00

Does anyone know of a way to remove the many foreign language fonts from Windows 7? There wasn't an option to exclude them during setup. I've tried deleting them, but Windows tells me that they are system fonts which cannot be deleted. I've also tried "Hiding" them, but they still show up in the font list in Office and other programs. All I want and need are the basic English language fonts. Having to wade through dozens of useless (to me) fonts is a major annoyance. There should be a way to exclude them from my system if I don't need them.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Accessibility

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Anonymous
2009-12-05T14:33:12+00:00

Hello mcbarker69,

The reason that I did not know the fonts in question is because no particular fonts were mentioned, and I had gone into fonts and removed a couple foreign fonts with no problem. However that being said, in order to remove the fonts that are being referred to follow these steps:

Take ownership of the file:

 - Click Start Orb > type fonts in the search box > click Fonts

 - Right-click the font > click Properties - Click Security tab > click Advanced - Click Owner > click Edit - Select your Username > click OK

Click OK on the Windows Security box

Change Permissions of the file:

 - Click Permissions > click Change Permissions

 - Select your Username > click Edit

 - Checkmark Allow for Full control

 - Click OK - Click OK

Click Yes on the Windows Security box

 - Click OK

You will need to remember the names of your font(s) that you want to delete.

Delete the file:

Will need to start Safe mode with command prompt

Restart your computer and tap F-8 continually, this will bring you to your Advanced Boot Options, select Safe mode with command prompt.

Once you have booted:

In command prompt navigate to fonts:

 - type cd c:\windows\fonts > press enter

 - type del "font name" > press enter *Do not use the quotes around the font name

This should bring you back to a clean prompt.

Once you are finished > Ctrl+Alt+Del > select restart from the arrow in the bottom right corner of your screen and start Windows normally.

Hope this helps

As the Windows Security box states; this could cause Windows to act differently. Make sure you know which fonts you are removing and that Windows does not need them before you remove any protected system fonts. This could cause many complications with your installation of Windows.

Chris.H

Microsoft Answers Support Engineer

Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

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  1. Anonymous
    2010-08-13T18:37:12+00:00

    What an impressive ten-month thread!  Yet, still no easy fix either from Microsoft or from all these resourceful tech gurus.  Until now...  I stumbled on a simple solution.

    On a long-shot, I downloaded a program I found on C-NET's software site (http://download.cnet.com/windows/) that had good reviews and the uncatchy name of "High-Logic MainType" (from high-logic.com).

    This simple program effortlessly allowed me to uninstall the long list of unwanted files that are otherwise so difficult to remove and sent them to a backup directory.  (To be safe, in case I later need, say, Lao I did not delete any files.) Three quick clicks (right click, uninstall, yes) and done! Sweet. Uncluttered.

    Before Windows will let MainType load, it always prompts you to affirm that you want to allow the "program to make changes to the computer."  Presumably, that way it gets authority to uninstall those protected fonts (as well as regular fonts). The program has many other features for font management that I have found helpful today -- but just its power to delete the several dozen unwanted, menu-muddying fonts makes it more than worth its $49 price!

    Problem solved!

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  2. Anonymous
    2010-08-04T20:31:48+00:00

    Hi Gyan

    Thank you for taking the time to let us know that MS isn't ignoring this problem. I work with several graphics programs on a regular basis, each of which offers every system font in the Win7 list. At least, with Office, one can hide many of the foreign language fonts, but not so with non-MS programs. The ability to remove these fonts should be a major priority for Win7 SP1. Again, thank you for the information.

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  3. Anonymous
    2010-08-04T18:09:02+00:00

    Hi Skip,

    Thank you for sharing your thoughts, you can be sure that Microsoft listens and considers all users opinions. We are currently aware of the situation and how the current font enumeration mechanism could be a pain for some users. I can let you know that we are considering several options to make the process of finding a suitable font more focused, and to make the font removing process simpler.

    Best Regards

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  4. Anonymous
    2010-07-12T09:34:44+00:00

    T.B.H the tedious bit is making a shortcut,making a folder, moving the fonts that you will never use. Apart from the fact we are talking SYSTEM fonts here.

    Well, That's My Two-penneth Worth

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