Windows Language Bar
One of the most annoying features in Windows XP is the Language bar. You usually see it after you do a fresh install on a computer. It’s annoying because most users don’t use it or need it but it uses up space in the task bar. Also, it was easy to temporarily disable it but most users don’t know how to permanently remove or disable it. Before I show you how to permanently get rid of the Language bar, here’s a little information on what it is and what it’s for.
What is the Language bar?
The Language bar appears on your desktop automatically when you add handwriting recognition, speech recognition, or an Input Method Editor (IME) as a method of entering text. In addition, if you add a second language or keyboard layout, you can display the Language bar from the taskbar.
Now that you know what it’s for, we can proceed with the methods of removing it.
Using the Classic view in Control Panel:
- Click Start, then click on Control Panel, and then double-click Regional and Language Options.
- On the Languages tab, under Text services and input languages, click Details.
- Under Preferences, click on Language Bar.
- Deselect the Show the Language bar on the desktop check box.
Using the Category View:
- Click Start, click Control Panel, and then click Date, Time, Language and Regional Options.
- Click on Regional and Language Options.
- On the Languages tab, under Text services and input languages, click Details.
- Under Preferences, click Language Bar.
- Deselect Show the Language bar on the desktop check box.
That’s it. That should permanently disable the annoying Language bar. However, if you might need it in the near future, just follow the same steps and this time make sure the Show the Language bar on the desktop option is checked to enable the language bar.
June 6th, 2007 at 9:28 am
straight forward steps Jaypee.. ive experienced this many time over and sometimes, with my japanese layout keyboard, some keys just go weird and doesn’t act as they should be
June 6th, 2007 at 9:54 am
@dimaks - Thanks! Whenever I post tips and tricks, I try to make it as easy as possible for readers to understand them. We always have to assume that not all readers are computer literate or savvy.
June 6th, 2007 at 12:08 pm
Love the new theme!
Also, another awesome article I’m adding to my Google Reader faves.
June 6th, 2007 at 1:29 pm
@Ade - Thanks man! I finally found a theme that I really like and that works well with my blog. Glad you liked this article.
October 19th, 2007 at 2:09 am
Hello fellas,
Having a tiny “problem” with the language bar….It’s GONE…I use two languages and the two-letter “thingy” on my taskbar is quite usefull as a notification. The “show language bar is” option selected in the toolbars part when the taskbar is right-clicked….and it’s still not there…..any ideas
October 19th, 2007 at 2:15 am
@Piggy - First of all, what version of Windows are you using? Windows XP or Vista? Secondly, do you use more than one language on your computer? If you ‘re using more than one language, you might want to check the Advanced tab beside the Settings tab.
(Windows XP) Regional and Language Options > Languages > Details > Advanced
check if the System Configuration > Turn off advanced text services box is checked/selected or not. If it is checked/selected, uncheck/unselect it and click Apply and then click OK.
That should work and fix the issue you’re having with the Language Bar.
October 13th, 2008 at 2:40 am
I have a problem in my Windows! In
Regional and Language Options >> Languages tab >> Details >>Preferences >> Language Bar , I can not select ” Show the Language bar on the desktop ” check box. It is disabled. How I can enable it ? Please help me !
October 13th, 2008 at 2:45 am
@Palwan - What version of Windows are you using and how many languages you use on your computer? You might be experiencing the same issue that Piggy has. Please refer to the instructions I gave on the previous comment. Hope it helps.