Prerequisites:
Step 1: Check if Arabic is supported in your Office 2016 version
Step 2: Download the Arabic language pack
Step 3: Install the Arabic language pack
Step 4: Configure Office 2016 to use the Arabic language pack
Step 5: Set up Arabic as a proofing language
Step 6: Verify the Arabic language pack installation
Troubleshooting tips:
Additional resources:
How to Install the Arabic Language Pack for Microsoft Office 2016
If you need to create documents, use spell-check, or change the display interface to Arabic in Office 2016, you will need to install a specific Language Accessory Pack. Microsoft provides these packs to help users tailor their software to their native language or professional needs. 1. Identify Your Office Version (Bit-Level)
Before downloading, you must know whether you are running the 32-bit or 64-bit version of Office 2016. Open any Office app (like Word). Go to File > Account > About Word.
Look for the version details at the top of the window to see if it says "32-bit" or "64-bit." 2. Download the Arabic Accessory Pack Visit the official Microsoft Language Accessory Pack page. Select Office 2016 from the drop-down menu or tabs. Choose Arabic from the list of available languages.
Click the download link that matches your version (32-bit or 64-bit). 3. Run the Installer Once the file is downloaded: Close all open Office programs.
Double-click the downloaded .exe file to begin the installation.
Follow the on-screen prompts. The installer will download the necessary files and apply the Arabic tools to your existing Office suite. 4. Configure Office Settings
After installation, you need to tell Office to use the new language: office 2016 arabic language pack install
For Proofing: Open Word, go to File > Options > Language. Under "Choose Editing Languages," ensure Arabic is added and set as "Enabled."
For Interface: In the same Language menu, under "Choose Display Language," move Arabic to the top of the list if you want the menus and buttons to appear in Arabic.
Restart Office: Close and reopen your apps for the changes to take effect. Important Notes
Internet Connection: You must stay connected to the internet during the installation process as the installer fetches data from Microsoft servers.
Volume Licensing: If your Office 2016 was provided by an employer or school via Volume Licensing, you may need to download the language pack through the Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) or contact your IT administrator.
Microsoft Office 2016 remains one of the most widely used productivity suites worldwide. For Arabic speakers, or those working with Arabic text, having the interface and proofing tools in Arabic is essential. Whether you need to write documents from right-to-left, use Arabic spell-check, or switch the entire ribbon menu to Arabic, installing the Office 2016 Arabic Language Pack is the solution.
However, the installation process is not always straightforward. Unlike newer Microsoft 365 versions, Office 2016 requires a specific approach. This long-form guide covers everything you need to know about the Office 2016 Arabic Language Pack install — from downloading the correct pack to troubleshooting common errors.
| Problem | Solution | |---------|----------| | "The language pack cannot be installed because Office is not installed" | The installer didn't detect Office. Reinstall Office 2016 first, then the pack. | | Architecture mismatch error | Your Office is 64-bit, but you downloaded 32-bit pack (or vice versa). Download the matching version. | | Arabic text appears as boxes/gibberish | Install Arabic Supplemental Fonts or enable "Complex Scripts" support: Control Panel → Region → Administrative tab → Change system locale → select Arabic (Saudi Arabia). | | Display language reverts to English after restart | Run Office as administrator → set language again. Also check Windows display language (Settings → Time & Language → Language → Add Arabic). | | Right-to-left alignment missing | In Word Options → Advanced → Show document content → Set "Numeral" to "Arabic" and enable "Use contextual spelling". | Prerequisites:
For Volume License customers only.
Note: The default direction switches to right-to-left automatically for Arabic. You can insert left-to-right text when needed via the Paragraph section.
A: No. You must add the Arabic keyboard in Windows Settings (Time & Language > Language > Add a language > Arabic). Then use Windows key + Space to switch between keyboards.
Once the language pack is installed, you need to switch Office to use Arabic as the primary display language.
Go to the official Microsoft Download Center:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=55408 (Note: This is the general language pack page; select Arabic from the list).Choose your version:
Run the installer:
img or exe file.Set Arabic as the default language (optional): You have Office 2016 installed on your computer
If your organization has a Volume Licensing agreement with Microsoft, this is the safest and most legitimate method.