Frequently Asked Questions
Windows Language Interface Pack (LIP)
What is Windows LIP?
Microsoft Windows Language Interface Pack (LIP) is a high-quality, localized "skin" for emerging or minority language markets. (Click here for a list of available languages.) Based on MUI technology, LIP provides the desktop user with an approximately 80% localized user experience by translating a reduced set of user interface (UI) elements. LIP is installed on a licensed copy of Windows and has a dependency on a base Language Pack of Windows.
What is the difference between LIP and LP?
The main difference is in the level of localization in comparison to Language Pack (LP) packages: LIP packages provide the desktop user with the most frequently accessed user interface and basic user assistance support (help files). In addition, LIP is installed as a language add-on on top of an existing LP with base language dependency (Catalan LIP can only be installed on top of Spanish or French LP, Welsh LIP can only be installed on top of English LP). In addition, once a LIP is installed, switching the user interface between the LIP language and the LP base language is possible for users on all versions of Windows.
LIP relies on the same resource-loading technology that MUI LP is built on, and installs ontop of one base LP (in most cases).
Is the same language available as both a LIP and a LP?
No. Languages are offered as a LIP or a LP depending on the level of investment that Microsoft has in a specific country/region. It is possible for a LIP market to grow into a LP market between the current and future Windows rollout.
What is localized and what is not in the LIP package?
The LIP packages do not have complete localization coverage. Only more frequently used UI is localized. Components not localized include administrative tools, system error messages, event logs, and others. Only the basic User Assistance (Help) files are localized.
If an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) computer with LIP pre-installed is purchased, and the LIP language is selected at setup, the setup experience will be localized as well.
Will LIP be supported on future releases of Windows Service Packs?
A LIP will work on future Windows Service Packs. However, new or updated resources introduced as result of the Service Pack will remain in the base LP language of the system. Some resources that used to be localized may appear in the base language after the Service Pack installation.
Will the Windows XP LIP be supported on Windows Vista or future release of Windows?
No. Windows XP LIP can only be installed on Windows XP platform. New technology and features that were introduced in Windows Vista require a newly designed LIP package. While Microsoft has not yet released an operating system beyond Windows Vista, it is likely for a future LIP version to follow the same logic.
If I upgrade from Windows XP + LIP to Windows Vista, will I end up with the same LIP UI language?
No. Upgrading from Windows XP to Windows Vista is only allowed between the same base system languages. Cross language upgrade is not supported. Upgrading from Windows XP with LIP installed to Windows Vista with the same base language will remove the Windows XP LIP from your system. A newly designed LIP for Windows Vista will be required to restore the desired LIP UI language.
OS Platform | LIP | Upgrade Path | Result | Comment |
| Windows XP (English) | Vietnamese | Windows Vista (English) | Windows Vista (English) | Install Windows Vista Vietnamese LIP to restore UI language in Vietnamese |
| Windows XP English | Bulgarian* | Windows Vista (Bulgarian) | Not supported | Cross-language upgrade is not supported |
*Bulgarian LIP is only available for Windows XP. This is one of the languages that became a LP in Windows Vista.
How can I obtain LIP packages?
You can acquire LIP through the Microsoft Download Center or through the Local Language Program site. LIPs can also be pre-installed with a new computer as an OEM version from your PC manufacturer where available.
Note: LIPs are not available through retail channels or through volume licensing programs such as the Microsoft Open License Program (MOLP/Open), Select, and Enterprise agreement. Customers of these channels can simply download the LIP from the Microsoft Download Center.