Windows 11 Language Bar Missing: 5 Ways to Get It Back

Have you recently encountered a missing language bar on Windows 11? This seems to be a rampant issue among most Windows 11 users. Language packs are included in Windows to ease users who deal with foreign languages.

Hence, enabling more than one pack will activate the language bar on the taskbar. However, this has not been the case for some users who have reported missing language bars on their Windows 11.

What does it mean for the language bar to be missing on Windows 11?

As earlier stated, the language bar is only prompted when more than one language packs are active on the Windows OS.

A missing language bar often signals an issue with the multiple languages installation and settings on your device. Also, it would prevent you from switching between keyboards at will.

Why does the language bar disappear?

The language bar can be missing on Windows 11 if a single language is added as an input language. Other causes are:

• Corrupt files/system errors: Corrupt files on the hard drive can affect the PC settings and cause missing Windows 11 language bar problems. Don’t hesitate to learn how to repair and restore corrupted system files.
• Issues with Windows updates: Missing language bar is one of the multiple errors that could occur when Windows is outdated.
• Settings misconfiguration: This problem often occurs if you have mistakenly hidden the language bar on Windows 11.

Our article on fixing the keyboard language changes automatically in Windows 11 also has other causes for language bar issues.

What can I do if the language bar is missing on Windows 11?

Consider performing these checks before trying other major troubleshooting options:

• Use shortcut keys to change the language if your PC supports it: Alt + left Shift.
• Restart your PC to see if the problem persists.

If you still can’t see the language bar or you can’t change the language, apply our solutions below to fix the problem.

1. Remove and again add the language pack

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings, head to Time & language from the navigation pane, and click on Language & region on the right.
2. Click on the ellipsis next to the other language pack, and choose Remove.
3. Click Yes to confirm the change.
4. Now, click on the Add a language button.
5. Search for the language pack you removed earlier, select it from the list, and click on Next.
6. Finally, click on Install and wait for the process to complete.

One of our readers pointed out that re-adding the language pack usually fixes things when the language bar is missing in Windows 11.

2. Update Windows

1. Click the Start button and select Settings app.
2. Choose Windows Update from the left pane and Check for updates.

If there are new updates, Windows will automatically identify and download them. Then you can update and restart your device to fix the missing language bar problem.

However, if Windows Update is not working correctly, it’s time to apply some easy fixes.

3. Enable the language bar in Settings

1. Click the Start button and select Settings app.
2. Click Time & language and click Typing.
3. Choose Advanced Keyboard settings.
4. Expand the Language bar options.
5. Check the box for Show text labels on the Language bar and Show additional Language bar icons in the taskbar.
6. Click OK to save the changes.

Once done, verify whether the language bar is still missing in Windows 11. If that’s the case, head to the next solution.

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4. Change Registry Editor settings

1. Press the Windows + R keys to launch the Run dialogue box, input regedit, and click OK or press Enter.
2. Copy and paste this path to navigate and press Enter: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\CTF\LangBar
3. Double-click on DWORD ShowStatus and edit value data to 4.
4. Click OK to save changes and restart the PC.

It’s of utmost importance to follow this method strictly to get back the missing language bar in Windows 11. Wrongful modification of the Registry Editor may lead to a serious problem for the PC.

We recommend performing a backup of the Registry, but if you run into trouble, here’s our guide on how to restore the Registry without a backup.

5. Use Command Prompt

1. Click the Start button, input cmd, and click on Run as administrator.
2. Input the following and press Enter: sfc/scannow
3. Then, run the following and press Enter: CHKDSK/f/r
4. Press Y and hit Enter.
5. Finally, restart your PC.

This process will scan and also perform a disk checkup for your PC during the reboot process.

As earlier stated, corrupt files can cause Windows 11 to miss the language bar. Hence, this process will identify the corrupt files affecting the PC.

6. Run Ctfmon.exe

1. Click the Start button and input ctfmon, then click on Run as administrator on the right.
2. Choose Yes to grant permission.
3. Restart your PC.

These are the best fixes to solve the Windows 11 language bar missing problem. We hope you were able to re-enable the language bar. It is essential to follow the steps outlined to get the best results.

Besides, you can find out what to do if you cannot remove the keyboard language in Windows. Lastly, check how to remove the keyboard layout in Windows 11 if you face any issues.

If you have any other questions or know a method not listed here, simply comment in the section below.