How to Turn Off the Language Bar in Group Policy

Techwalla may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

The Windows language bar is a floating toolbar that appears in the taskbar in Windows operating systems. The main purpose of the language bar is for computers with handwriting or speech recognition software or computers with second languages installed. You can hide the language bar easily by right-clicking the task-bar, selecting "Toolbars" and then un-checking "Language Bar." If you wish to prevent other computer users from being able to access the language bar, fortunately you can restrict access to the Regional and Language options in Control Panel using the Group Policy editor, effectively turning off the language bar.

Advertisement

Step 1

Boot your computer and log in to Windows using an administrator account.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Press the "Windows" and "R" key on your keyboard simultaneously. The Windows Run box will appear.

Advertisement

Step 3

Type in "gpedit.msc" and press "Enter." The Group Policy editor will appear. The Group Policy editor is a utility that allows you to set user access restrictions on the computer.

Step 4

Navigate to the following directory in the Group Policy editor by double-clicking the folders in the left window pane:

Advertisement

Advertisement

User Configuration/Administrative Templates/Control Panel/Regional and Language Options

Step 5

Double-click "Restrict selection of Windows menus and dialogs language." A dialog box will appear.

Step 6

Select "Enabled" and click "OK" to save your changes. Exit the Group Policy editor.

Video of the Day

Advertisement

Advertisement

references

Report an Issue

screenshot of the current page

Screenshot loading...