Adding the Arabic language pack to Microsoft Office 2016 allows you to change the display language, use proofing tools like spell check, and improve your overall workflow when working with right-to-left text.
While LAPs are the most common, other terms can cause confusion:
You will see a tree view:
: If you receive an error stating the software is incompatible, you downloaded the 32-bit pack for 64-bit Office, or vice versa. Return to Step 1 and verify your system type.
The ribbon, File menu, right-click context menus, and dialog boxes will now appear in Arabic. Word will also default to right-to-left text direction.
Tip : To check your version, open Word and go to > Account > About Word .
Yes. In Language preferences, just choose your display language and restart Office. Both remain installed.
Microsoft Office 2016 supports Arabic via language accessory packs that add editing, proofing, display, and help in Arabic. Installing the Arabic language pack for Office 2016 seems straightforward, but real-world friction — mismatched editions, 32‑ vs 64‑bit, MSI vs Click‑to‑Run, and Windows language settings — turns a simple task into a small systems puzzle. Below is a compact, practical, and mildly investigative look at how to get Arabic working reliably in Office 2016 and what commonly trips people up.
If editing in Arabic works but spell check does not, the proofing tools may have failed to install properly. Open the Language Options window again, remove Arabic from your editing languages, restart your computer, and follow Step 3 to add it back. Office 2016 Click-to-Run vs. MSI Conflicts
To perform a repair:
Close all open Office applications before starting the installation to prevent errors.