How SharePoint determines display language

Language determination process

SharePoint uses a priority-based approach to determine which language a user sees. This ensures that users experience the site in their preferred language whenever possible.

1. User Profile Settings

SharePoint first checks the language defined in the user’s Microsoft 365 profile.

2. Browser Language Preferences

If no profile preference is set, SharePoint uses the language configured in the user’s browser settings.

3. Default Site Language

If neither of the above options apply, SharePoint defaults to the site’s primary language, as defined by the administrator.

Refer to the following flowchart for a more complete overview.

This layered approach ensures that users always see content in the most appropriate language available.

Visit this page to find out which languages SharePoint currently supports.

Additional resources:

• Enabling multilingual support in SharePoint
• SharePoint's built-in translation capabilities and limitations