Chinese characters on the first screen after switch on

Anonymous
2024-01-09T12:53:49+00:00

The screen before I put my PIN in (I don't know if that is the lock screen or called something else) has suddenly started to use Chinese traditional language. I have checked and updated the region in control panel and copied the settings to lock screen and even ticked the new use box, as suggested by other solutions. I've rebooted several times but it still comes back as Chinese. When I click on the area that (I assume is saying) I want more information on the screen, it opens up MSN page with Chinese stories and information. How do I change the settings to show English text again?

Why has this happened? I have not changed any settings in my system prior to now.

I also can't get a screenshot because as soon as I touch a key the PIN request screen comes up replacing the screen with the Chinese characters in it.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Input and language

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-01-17T20:53:39+00:00

    Perhaps you should try Microsoft's spell check feature.

    It's not Spotligth.

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-01-17T17:56:32+00:00

    It was solved on its own... apparently it was a Windows bug

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-01-17T15:57:47+00:00

    I may have found a solution.
    I contacted live support and they are now aware of the issue. they suggested a windows restore which would solve it.

    But what worked for me is much simpler.

    1- I went to settings/personalization : switched from windows spotlight to picture
    2- Tried to lock the screen but no change

    3- switched back to windows spotlight

    now it's back in english. hope this helps

    This worked like a charm. Makes sense too if you think about it.

    Thank you!!!

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  4. Anonymous
    2024-01-17T14:44:24+00:00

    Very much the same - have tried turning Windows Spotlight off then back on again - all setting are UK English but still getting these Chinese characters on the lock screen and if I click through I also get Chinese news etc

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  5. Anonymous
    2024-01-16T16:56:56+00:00

    mines all set to usa, but keeps switching looks like malaysian or indonesian now, was kanji or chinese characters before. only happening on the win 11 pc my win 10 is fine

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