How to Change Language in Visual Studio Code

Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is one of the most popular code editors in the world, used daily by developers, students, and IT professionals. With its extensive customization options, it allows users not only to tailor themes and extensions but also to switch the interface language to suit their preferences. Whether you are more comfortable working in your native language or simply experimenting with localization features, changing the display language in VS Code is straightforward once you know where to look.

TLDR: You can change the language in Visual Studio Code by installing a language pack through the Extensions Marketplace and then selecting it as your display language. After installation, VS Code prompts you to restart for the changes to take effect. Alternatively, you can configure the display language manually by editing the locale.json file. The entire process takes only a few minutes and significantly improves usability for non-English speakers.

Why Change the Language in Visual Studio Code?

By default, VS Code is installed in English. While English is the dominant language in software development, not everyone prefers working in it. There are several reasons why someone might want to change the interface language:

• Improved comprehension: New programmers may better understand settings and messages in their native language.
• Educational environments: Schools and universities often use localized interfaces to help students grasp concepts more easily.
• Accessibility: Some users feel more confident and productive navigating software in their first language.
• Collaboration: International teams might standardize different language environments based on region.

Fortunately, Microsoft has made it easy to localize VS Code through official language packs available in the Extensions Marketplace.

Method 1: Changing the Language Using Language Packs

The most common way to change the display language is by installing a language pack. Visual Studio Code provides official language packs for many languages, including Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Italian, and more.

Follow these steps:

1. Open Visual Studio Code.
2. Click on the Extensions icon in the Activity Bar on the left (or press Ctrl+Shift+X).
3. In the search bar, type language pack followed by your desired language (e.g., “Spanish Language Pack”).
4. Look for the official Microsoft language pack.
5. Click Install.
6. Once installed, VS Code will prompt you to restart to apply the new language.
7. Click Restart, and the interface will appear in your selected language.

After restarting, menus, settings, notifications, and most interface elements will be displayed in the new language. It’s that simple.

Method 2: Using the Command Palette

Another quick method involves the Command Palette, a powerful tool that allows you to execute commands quickly.

1. Press Ctrl+Shift+P (or Cmd+Shift+P on macOS).
2. Type Configure Display Language.
3. Select it from the dropdown menu.
4. If you have not yet installed a language pack, you will see an option to search for more in the Marketplace.
5. Choose your preferred language and follow the prompts.
6. Restart VS Code when prompted.

This approach is especially helpful if you prefer keyboard shortcuts and quick navigation over browsing manually through extensions.

Method 3: Manually Changing the Locale Configuration

If you prefer a more technical approach or if the automatic method doesn’t work, you can manually configure the display language by editing the locale.json file.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P).
2. Type Configure Display Language.
3. Select the option that opens the locale.json file.
4. Modify the file to include your desired locale setting.

For example:

{
  "locale": "es"
}

In this example, “es” represents Spanish. Other common locale codes include:

• fr – French
• de – German
• it – Italian
• ja – Japanese
• zh-cn – Simplified Chinese
• ru – Russian

After saving the file, restart Visual Studio Code. If the corresponding language pack is installed, the interface will switch accordingly.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Although the process is usually seamless, you might occasionally encounter issues. Here are some common problems and solutions:

• Language doesn’t change after restart: Make sure the correct language pack is installed and enabled.
• Partial translation: Some extensions may not be localized, resulting in mixed languages.
• Locale file resets: Ensure you save your changes correctly in locale.json.
• Unsupported language: Check the Marketplace for the availability of your desired language pack.

If issues persist, uninstall and reinstall the language pack or update VS Code to the latest version.

Changing the Language Back to English

Switching back to English (or any other language) follows the same method:

1. Open the Command Palette.
2. Select Configure Display Language.
3. Choose en (English).
4. Restart VS Code.

You can also uninstall any language packs you no longer use by visiting the Extensions panel and clicking Uninstall.

Language Settings vs. Programming Language

It’s important to distinguish between the display language of the interface and the programming language you’re coding in. Changing the interface language does not affect:

• Syntax highlighting
• Compiler or interpreter behavior
• Project files
• Code formatting

The interface simply translates menus, dialogs, tooltips, and configuration descriptions. Your code continues to function exactly the same.

Benefits of Using a Localized Interface

Switching the interface language can have several unexpected advantages:

• Faster onboarding for beginners: Students can focus on logic instead of translating interface labels mentally.
• Reduced cognitive load: Working in your native language often feels more intuitive.
• Improved productivity: Less confusion means fewer navigation errors.
• Training adaptability: Trainers can adjust environments based on audience preferences.

However, experienced developers sometimes prefer to keep the interface in English, especially when troubleshooting or following online tutorials, which are often published in English.

How Language Packs Work

Language packs in VS Code work by translating interface strings through localization files. These packages do not modify core functionality. Instead, they overlay translated resources on top of the default English strings.

Because VS Code is built on a modern, extensible architecture, localization happens dynamically at runtime. This ensures that switching languages does not require reinstallation or complex setup procedures.

Microsoft regularly updates language packs alongside new VS Code releases, ensuring compatibility and improved translation coverage over time.

Best Practices When Changing the Language

If you plan to switch languages regularly or set up VS Code for others, keep the following best practices in mind:

• Keep VS Code updated: Updates often improve language compatibility.
• Use official language packs: These are maintained by Microsoft and are more reliable.
• Test after restart: Make sure everything loads properly.
• Backup configuration files: Especially if editing locale.json manually.

For shared or work computers, coordinate with your team before changing the default display language, as it might impact collaborative workflows.

Final Thoughts

Changing the language in Visual Studio Code is a simple yet powerful customization option. In just a few clicks, you can transform the entire interface into a language that feels more natural to you. Thanks to official language packs and easy configuration tools, there’s no need for complicated installations or technical expertise.

Whether you’re a beginner learning to code, a teacher setting up classroom environments, or a professional developer optimizing your workflow, adjusting the display language can make your coding experience smoother and more comfortable. And if you ever want to revert to the original settings, VS Code makes that just as easy.

Ultimately, Visual Studio Code’s flexibility is one of the key reasons behind its popularity. From themes and extensions to language localization, it empowers users to create the coding environment that works best for them.