Windows 7 Multilingual User Interface (MUI) Packs and Language Interface Packs (LIPs)

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Windows 7 RTM Enterprise 90-Day Evaluation is available for download here.

Microsoft has centralized all downloads of language resources for Windows 7 and Windows Vista on a single webpage, simplifying access for end users. Essentially, the Redmond company has put together a centralized hub for downloading additional languages for the successors of Windows XP. Both Multilingual User Interface (MUI) Packs and Language Interface Packs (LIPs) are featured on the “Download languages for Windows” page, along with the necessary links, and additional information for end users.

“You can download and install additional languages to view Windows menus, dialog boxes, and other user interface items in your preferred language. Additional languages will work only with a genuine copy of Windows. Some languages are installed from the Microsoft Download Center, and some are installed using Windows Update. In addition, some languages require a premium edition of Windows or a particular parent language,” Microsoft informed.

Essentially, both MUI) Packs and LIPs are available for free, however, while the later are available for all editions of Windows, the first can only be leveraged by customers with the Ultimate and Enterprise SKUs. In fact, running a MUI Pack in any other SKU of Windows 7 or Vista with the exception of the high end editions means breaking the license agreement associated with the resources.

LIPs too come with restrictions, in the sense that only users that have a specific base language for Windows will be able to access additional languages. The “Download languages for Windows” page offers details on the requirements for LIPs.

“Language Packs. If you're running the Ultimate or Enterprise edition of Windows, you can download any of the 33 available language packs by using Windows Update. Language packs provide a translated version of Windows dialog boxes, menu items, and help content,” Microsoft noted.

“Language Interface Packs (LIPs). LIPs can be installed over any edition of Windows and provide a translated version of only the most common dialog boxes, menu items, and help content. You can download LIPs from the Microsoft Download Center by using the links below. To install a LIP, you will need to have the required parent language installed on your PC. If your language is listed as "coming soon," it's on the way—check back here for updates,” the company added.