Surface Pro 4 - Changing Single Language Version

Maeldun · 23 May 2016

Hello,

After attempting to change the display language on my Chinese Surface Pro 4, and also after much head-to-wall slamming, I have come to the conclusion that my computer is likely a single language version (why does this even exist? seriously....)

Surface Pro 4 - Changing Single Language Version-winver.jpg

This is my winver

So I've then resolved to reinstall windows 10 with an English version. There are some questions I have regarding this:

Is the best/only way to do it through the Window's Media creation tool? Would a refresh windows or something similar do the trick?
Is there a hidden partition on my computer with a system restore function?
What about product keys and such? Windows 10 came with my computer (obviously) and I don't know of any product keys. Will I need one when I install windows through a Window's Media creation tool?
Finally, to use the Window's Media creation tool, is there a tutorial for this? I downloaded it from the microsoft website, but it runs in Chinese.....

Thanks for any help, much appreciated.

cereberus · 23 May 2016

0)They exist becaus they are cheaper.

1) you have to install new version - use MCT. You need a new licence.

2) There will not be a hidden partition as such, as windows 10 can rebuild itself. Also you can create recovery usb/dvd or simply use MCT.

3)You will need to buy a new licence.

4) There are tutorials on this site

Windows 10 - Clean Install - Windows 10 Forums

alphanumeric · 23 May 2016

Are the keys actually language specific? I "don't think" you need a new license. I could be wrong, but I don't think the keys are tied to a language, only the version. If it was me, I'd download the SL version, in the language you want, and see if it activates.

If you run this utility, https://www.tenforums.com/software-ap...7-showkey.html it will tell you if you have the single language version or not. The install media you create with the MCT will look for and use OEM embedded keys automatically. If the key is not tied to a specific language you won't be asked to enter a key. If your prompted to enter a key that means I'm wrong and it is language specific. If it won't activate, you can always just go back to the original version/language.

cereberus · 23 May 2016

I could be wrong here re key. I guess only way to find out is to try it.

alphanumeric · 23 May 2016

None of my MSDN Retail keys are marked as being tied to any one language. I don't have access to the SL keys though? I can see where one might think they are, but I'm doubtful. Call me an optimist. As far as I know Microsoft has never locked keys to one language. If it was mine I'd try it. Nothing to lose (if your going to reinstall anyway) but some time testing it. It might save a few bucks too.

alphanumeric · 23 May 2016

Your e-mail address is in your screen shot by the way. You may want to repost that image with it removed. I hate that Microsoft does that.

cereberus · 23 May 2016

alphanumeric said:

Your e-mail address is in your screen shot by the way. You may want to repost that image with it removed. I hate that Microsoft does that.

Good news is that you can remove it in latest Insider versions.

In meantime, you can use a junk email account and use it as an alias to your normal account so only junk email is shown. Can't remember how I did it but was not too difficult.

NavyLCDR · 24 May 2016

cereberus said:

Good news is that you can remove it in latest Insider versions.

In meantime, you can use a junk email account and use it as an alias to your normal account so only junk email is shown. Can't remember how I did it but was not too difficult.

Also, if your first login is with a local account, only the username for the initial local account will be displayed.