Microsoft-windows-languagefeatures-basic-zh-cn-package 31bf3856ad364e35 Amd64 .cab [repack] -
The file you mentioned is a Feature on Demand (FOD) package for Windows that provides Simplified Chinese (zh-cn)
basic typing features, including spell checking, dictionary, and word breaking. To "generate" or install this feature using that specific file, you can use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) How to Install the Feature Prepare the File : Ensure the file is saved in a simple directory (e.g., Open Command Prompt : Search for in the Start menu, right-click it, and select Run as administrator Run the DISM Command
: Paste the following command (adjusting the path if yours is different):
dism /Online /Add-Package /PackagePath:"C:\Temp\Microsoft-Windows-LanguageFeatures-Basic-zh-cn-Package~31bf3856ad364e35~amd64~~.cab" Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard
: Once the operation finishes (it may take several minutes), restart your computer to fully apply the changes. Why use this method?
This manual installation is the standard "feature generation" method when: Offline Installation : You are working on a machine without internet access. Fixing Stuck Downloads The file you mentioned is a Feature on
: The standard "Add a language" setting in Windows is stuck or failing with errors like 0x800f0950 Image Deployment
: You are building a custom Windows image for multiple computers.
: For a full Chinese UI experience, you may also need related packages for Handwriting
Chinese basic typing not completing download - Microsoft Q&A
Troubleshooting: Manual Installation of Simplified Chinese Basic Language Features Section 8: Where to Obtain This
If you have ever tried to add Simplified Chinese to your Windows 11 or 10 machine only to see "Basic Typing" or "IME Dictionaries" stuck at 0% for hours, you are not alone. This is a notorious issue where the automated Features on Demand (FOD) download fails to trigger or complete.
The package at the heart of this is Microsoft-Windows-LanguageFeatures-Basic-zh-cn-Package~31bf3856ad364e35~amd64~~.cab. This file contains the essential spell-checking, text prediction, and word-breaking components required for the Chinese IME to function. Why the Standard Download Fails
Commonly, these downloads hang due to Windows Update service glitches, network restrictions in corporate environments, or corrupted local metadata. When this happens, the "Dictionaries are not ready" error persists, making it impossible to type Chinese characters even if the keyboard layout is visible. The Solution: Manual Installation via DISM
To bypass the stuck Windows Update process, you can manually install the .cab file using the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool.
Chinese basic typing not completing download - Microsoft Q&A Windows Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) – Inside
Section 8: Where to Obtain This .cab Legally
Microsoft does not provide individual .cab files for language components on the Microsoft Update Catalog for consumer downloads. However, you can legally acquire them via:
- Windows Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) – Inside the
Microsoft-Windows-LanguageFeatures-Basic-zh-cn-Package source folder of the OS ISO.
- MSDN Subscription downloads – The original
sources\langpacks\ folder of Windows 10/11 media.
- UUP Dump (for build 19041+) – Generate cumulative update files including language components.
- Running Windows installation media: Extract
install.wim, mount it, and copy the package from C:\Windows\Servicing\Packages (but only if the host OS already has it installed).
⚠️ Warning: Downloading .cab files from third-party file repositories is a security risk. Always verify file hash against official Microsoft references.
Error 3: After installing, Chinese IME does not appear
Cause: The package is present, but the IME is not enabled. Or the user profile is corrupted.
Solution:
- Go to Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region > Add a language > Chinese (Simplified, China). Even though the basic feature is there, Windows still requires you to “add” the language to the user profile.
- Alternatively, run PowerShell as admin:
$LangList = New-WinUserLanguageList zh-CN; Set-WinUserLanguageList $LangList
Troubleshooting & Notes
- Version Mismatch: The most common error occurs when the version of the .cab file does not match the version of Windows you are installing it on. For example, trying to install a Windows 10 version 21H2 language pack on a Windows 10 version 1909 image will likely fail. Ensure the package matches your OS build number.
- Dependencies: While the Basic pack works independently, if you want full functionality (like typing in Pinyin with prediction, or speech), you may need to install the "Language Features" components found in the Settings app after installing this basic pack.
- Settings App Alternative: For general users (not IT pros), it is usually easier to install this via the graphical interface:
- Go to Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region.
- Click Add a language.
- Select Chinese (Simplified, China).
- Windows will automatically download the required packages (including this basic one) and optional features from Windows Update.
From offline image:
dism /image:C:\mount\windows /remove-package /packagename:"[full identity]"
Note: Removing the Basic package will also remove any dependent language packs or IME installations. The operating system will revert to default input (typically English) on next reboot.
Scenario D: Minimal Embedded/IoT Images
Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC images often strip all language components to save space. Adding this single .cab (approx 15-25 MB) restores input without dragging in the full 300 MB language pack.
Deep Dive: Understanding the microsoft-windows-languagefeatures-basic-zh-cn-package 31bf3856ad364e35 amd64 .cab
Part 7: Troubleshooting Common Errors
