Hello! david. Thanks for explaining that clearly.

This can happen if:

1. A recent Office update reset your language settings (it does happen!).
2. Excel synced with a different language set on your Microsoft account or Windows.
3. A shared workbook you opened was created with Dutch regional settings, and Excel “remembered” them.

Here’s the simplest, most reliable way to get Excel back to English:

Step 1: Check Excel’s Display & Help Language Settings

Open Excel.

Go to File → Options (usually at the very bottom left).

In the Excel Options window, select Language on the left side.

Under two sections — Office display language and Office authoring languages and proofing — check what’s listed:

If Dutch (Nederlands) is shown at the top, that’s the reason.

Click Add a language (if English isn’t listed), then choose English (English – United States) or your preferred English version.

Once English is added, click “Set as Preferred” under both sections.

Click OK and restart Excel.

This usually restores all the headings, menus, and instructions to English immediately.

Step 2: Double-Check Windows Language Settings (if Step 1 didn’t work)

Sometimes Excel follows Windows language settings. To check:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Time & Language → Language & region.
3. Make sure English is set as the Windows display language and preferred app language.
4. Restart Excel again.

Step 3: Check if You’re Opening a Dutch Template

If only one file is showing Dutch headings but others are fine, the issue might be that the workbook is based on a Dutch template or regional settings. Try creating a new blank workbook:

If the new one is in English → the file itself had Dutch settings.

You can then copy/paste your data into a new English-based workbook.

See if this helps. If you need further assistance, just let me know.

Best regards,

Kimberly