How to install a language pack on Windows Server 2008 (R2).

The language packs provide an alternative user interface for the users. I mostly use the language packs when I’m deploying Windows Remote Desktop Services. Here is a short “how to” to install a language pack on Windows Server 2008 (R2).

  1. First, download the language pack from Microsoft. You can find it at the Download Center. I’ve downloaded the entire Multilingual User Interface (MUI) ISO and burned it to a DVD disk.
  2. If you are installing the MUI on a RDS Session Host, don’t for get to put the server in the install mode by typing C:>change user /install at the command prompt.
  3. With the command prompt still open, start C:>lpksetup.exe. The Install or uninstall display languages wizard will appear.
  4. Click on Install display languages. Next, click on the Browse button and select the lp.cab file.
  5. Click on Next when the lp.cab file is loaded.
  6. Accept the license terms and click Next. The selected language pack is being installed.
  7. Click on Finish and then select the new language to display. Check the “Apply display language to welcome screen and system accounts” check box and click on Change display language button.
  8. Restart Windows for the system language change to take effect and you’re done.

 Note: You do not have to change the mode of the RDS Session Host back to execute. After reboot the default mode will be the execute mode.

Tested on Windows Server 2008 R2 Build 7600

Cheers!

– Marek.Z

8 Comments

  1. Hi, thanks for posting this – these were the instructions we were looking for although we’re having a problem with the languages wizard excepting the cab file. Would you expect this process to be the same for 2008 (standard) with SP2? The actual problem is when I browse to select the cab file from the dvd it errors saying cab file is not compatible with the version of windows. I downloaded the img from http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=e9f6f200-cfaf-4516-8e96-e4d4750397ff . We downloaded 6001.18000.080118-1840_amd64fre_Server_LP_6-KRMSLPX6_DVD.img as we wanted Thai and we have a 64bit 2008 install. Any information or advice would be much appreciated.. Cheers

    • Hi Callum,

      Let me get this right. You are using the Windows Server 2008 SP2 (not the R2 version) right?

      Then it is most likely that your installation is 32-bit. Please download the 32-bit version of the language pack for Thai. This one should do the trick 6001.18000.080118-1840_x86fre_Server_LP_6-KRMSLP6_DVD.img

      Cheers!

  2. Very strange, the microsoft download site does not seem to have traditional chinese version for the language pack for windows 2008 r2. only simplified.

  3. I was able to install the language pack but it only reflects to my account. How can i apply this to ALL users? I already check the “Apply display language to welcome screen and system accounts” check box and click on Change display language button.

      • Yes i did restart hoping it will reflect to ALL users. I have relogin with the same account and it did become Japanese but when i login as another account it is still English.

        Please advice. Thanks

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