Can I install an additional Language pack to Microsoft Surface

Question

I currently live in China so my only options to buy a Surface tablet is to buy it here or in Hong Kong.

Problem is that by default the entire UI is in Chinese. In the x86 version of Windows 8 you can install additional language packs to solve this, but I'm wondering if this is true for the tablet as well

Can't find any official information on it either, at least nothing that refers to the tablet directly. (and whether or not the Chinese version is restricted in some way)

Update: So I bought it and was able to add English language support without any issues. The only caveat is that the boot process still uses Chinese language, but once I sign in, everything is in English.

Solution

Without actually trying it myself, I cannot be sure. However, I am assuming that you are trying to get a tablet with Windows RT on it.

To learn how to get additional language packs, see Languages in Windows 8 and Windows RT, where it shows how to do it on the desktop, as well as in the Modern UI interface (quoted below):

Here's how to do it:

1. Open the Search charm, enter language, choose Settings, and then tap or click Add a language.
   • In the Language Control Panel, tap or click Add a language.
2. Browse or use the search box to find the languages you want to add, and then double-tap or double-click the language you want to add.

And here is what AndrewTechHelp in Configuring Windows 8 and Windows RT To Spell Correctly Outside The US says:

Microsoft has made language packs available to ALL editions of Windows 8 and also Windows RT

And even Office in Building Office for Windows RT says:

One area that was identified for space savings was language packs. Many OEMs load multiple languages onto the systems they ship... ...If a user decides later that they want one of the languages that were removed the system will automatically download the required files from Windows Update.

That suggests that you can get language packs even in Windows RT.

Comments

[pratnala]

You can go to language settings and change it. Don't think it should be an issue. Unless the firewall has firewalled Windows Update For eg, I changed my language from English (US) to English (India)

[pratnala]

Or you can find out in the shop if an English version is available

[TimothyP]

The guys in the shop haven't got a clue, wouldn't even let me try :p

[pratnala]

If you have already have a Windows 8 PC at home, try installing a language pack in that and see if it works

[TimothyP]

Doing that now :)

[TimothyP]

Well was able to change from english to chinese on my touchsmart... I'm going to risk it and get a surface later today

[pratnala]

See if you can change it back to English

[TimothyP]

@Journeyman Geek, wish I could give you a +1 for the edit, you are absolutely correct

[TimothyP]

This is what I'm thinking as well, and I'm trying that on my desktop now, my biggest fear is that the Chinese version might be restricted because of the government

[Ramhound]

@TimothyP - How would they restrict it exactly? The Surface is being sold by Microsoft and they have a single product line Microsft Surface RT ( not including size and cover models ).

[Ramhound]

You could also post a walkthrough since you already half way did it.

[TimothyP]

Well, when I bought the Asus Transformer in China it had a custom firmware which had removed the support for Google Accounts, had to root it and install a custom firmware to get it fixed, was scared Microsoft had given in as well.

[TimothyP]

What you describe here works perfectly. I just bought it and I know just enough Chinese to work through the menu's so I installed the language pack and it works like a charm. Every other day they block the Windows store but other than that it works fine :-)

[TimothyP]

Also, however downvoted this, there was no reason to do so!