Japanese font changed after updating to new computer & Windows 11?

Title: Troubleshooting Japanese Font Changes After Upgrading to Windows 11 on a New Computer

Introduction

Transitioning to a new computer can bring about various unexpected challenges, especially when dealing with language settings and fonts. Recently, many users have reported changes in the display of Japanese text after upgrading to Windows 11. If you’ve experienced similar issues—such as all Japanese characters appearing in a uniform font, even affecting titles in games that previously used distinct fonts—this guide aims to help you understand the underlying causes and explore solutions.

Understanding the Issue

The problem typically arises when switching from an older system running Windows 10 to a new device with Windows 11. In such cases, the default font rendering for Japanese text may shift, leading to uniformity across different applications and websites. Notably, users have observed that fonts which previously displayed unique or decorative styles are now replaced by a standard font, affecting the visual authenticity of certain games and web content.

Key Factors Contributing to the Issue

1. Font Installation and Defaults: Since no additional fonts were manually installed, it’s likely that the default Japanese font settings on Windows 11 differ from those in Windows 10.

2. System Language and Regional Settings: Having both English and Japanese languages installed, with English set as the display language and the region set to the US, can influence font rendering and availability.

3. Windows Version and Build: The system build, such as version 26100.4770, may also impact font rendering behaviors, especially with updates and new font technologies in Windows 11.

Potential Causes

• Changes in Windows 11’s approach to font management and rendering.
• Updates to system fonts that affect how Japanese characters are displayed.
• Default font substitution in certain applications or browsers that prioritize system fonts over application-specific fonts.

Step-by-Step Solutions

1. Verify Language and Region Settings

2. Ensure that Japanese language support is fully installed.

3. Go to Settings > Time & Language > Language.

4. Confirm that Japanese is added to the language list and has all optional features installed, such as Handwriting and Speech.

5. Check Font Settings in Windows

6. Windows doesn’t provide a direct user interface for changing system fonts in Windows 11, but you can adjust font defaults within specific apps or via registry edits.

7. Adjust Browser or Application Font Settings

8. For web browsers, navigate to advanced appearance settings and specify preferred fonts for Japanese content.