Can't change language in Ubuntu 26.04

Support and Help
, ,
1

Ubuntu Version: 26.04

Desktop Environment (if applicable): GNOME

Problem Description:
Did a clean install of Ubuntu 26.04. Picked ‘Dutch (Belgium)’ as my language in the Installer, selected my keyboard and region.

Upon first launch, various elements on the desktop are still in English (context menus, quick menus in the dock, time format in the top bar, quick menu in the top right corner, …).

Screenshots or Error Messages:
No error messages.

What I’ve Tried:

  1. I’ve tried changing the language in Settings > Region & Language. It only provides ‘Dutch’ as an option; all else seems to be selected correctly.
  2. I’ve tried changing the language using ‘sudo dpkg-reconfigure locales’. Nothing seemed wrong here.

I’ve never had a problem like this in any previous version of Ubuntu, and have no clue what might cause it.

1 Like
2

Make sure the system is fully updated.

3

The system is up-to-date.

4

If so open Settings > Region & Language > Manage…

Very likely it’ll tell you the language is partially installed, something quite common for any language other than English. Follow the procedure.

1 Like
5

What is the full output of locale ?

6

Thanks for pointing me toward a solution. What you suggested didn’t work - it used to in previous versions. So, what I did is, I completely uninstalled the Dutch language packages and reinstalled it. Upon reboot, it now works.

Conclusion is that there might be a bug when selecting a language in the Installer during a clean install. I don’t know if other people have experienced this problem, however.

2 Likes
7

This topic was automatically closed 18 hours after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.