Fixing Windows 11 System Tray Language Pack Glitch: A User's Guide

If you've recently found your Windows 11 System Tray cluttered with language packs that you never installed, you're not alone. This infuriating bug, which presents non-installed language packs as if they were active, has left many users scratching their heads and venting frustrations on platforms like Reddit. So, what exactly is happening, and how do you fix it? Buckle up, Windows aficionados, as we delve into this pesky problem and its solution.

The Bug: An Unexpected Guest in Your System Tray​

The issue at hand involves a recurring glitch where the System Tray displays language packs that seem to have taken an unauthorized vacation in your taskbar. Imagine waking up to find a party for a language you never invited – that's exactly how many users feel when they see these unwanted entries. Some have even described their experience as akin to "a keyboard layout switcher appearing out of thin air," despite Windows showing that they never opted for the English (US) pack.

User Reactions: A Call for Help​

Frustrated users have taken to Reddit, writing impassioned posts pleading with Microsoft for a fix or at the very least, an option to disable the unwanted icons entirely. One user lamented, "The bug has been plaguing me for years!" This sentiment resonates with many who are fed up with the constant reminders of languages they don’t need cluttering their workspace.

A Temporary Solution: PowerShell to the Rescue​

While Microsoft seems slow to address this particular irritation, there’s a workaround users have proposed that’s been met with positive feedback from others experiencing the same issue. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how you can remove these rogue language packs using PowerShell:

Step 1: Open PowerShell​

• Press Windows + X to open the Power User menu.
• Select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin) from the options.

Step 2: Execute the Command​

• In the PowerShell window, type in the following command:
  
  Code:

  powershell Get-WinUserLanguageList

Step 3: Review and Modify​

• Review the output to see if any unwanted language packs are listed.
• If you spot the pesky language pack, you can remove it from your user language list with:
  
  Code:

  powershell Set-WinUserLanguageList  -Force

  
  Replace with your desired option, excluding the one you want to remove.

Step 4: Restart Your Computer (Optional)​

• While not always necessary, rebooting your system can help finalize changes and refresh the System Tray.

Why Is This Happening?​

The root cause of this issue appears to be a lingering bug within Windows 11 itself. Microsoft hasn’t made the option to disable these language pack icons straightforward, which may be part of the confusion. Users had become accustomed to having this ability in previous versions of Windows, but the missing option seems to have been swept under the rug with the introduction of Windows 11’s sleek, new interface.

Conclusion: A Call for Change​

This issue highlights the need for better user control in Windows 11’s design. As it stands, the inconvenience caused by these unexpected notifications can be a source of regular annoyance. While the workaround provides some relief, it doesn't solve the underlying issue.
If you are a Windows 11 user, we highly recommend keeping an eye on any updates from Microsoft regarding this peculiar bug. The company may eventually roll out patches or hotfixes for this and other minor bugs affecting productivity. In the meantime, consider sharing your experiences on forums and with Microsoft directly – after all, user voices can drive significant changes in software development.
Have you faced this issue, and did the PowerShell trick work for you? Join the conversation in the comments below!

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Source: Windows Report Windows 11's System Tray displays language packs that weren't installed. Here's what you need to do