Why Do Scan Reports Download in the Previous Language After an Account Language Change?

Qualys scan reports use a caching mechanism for generated reports. When you download a report for the first time, it is generated as per the language configured for your account. This generated report is then cached on the server. The cached report remains available for seven days before it expires.

During the cache period, all subsequent downloads of the same report continue to display the cached version in the original language. This remains the case even if the user changes the account language.

How Scan Report Language Caching Works?

1. A scan is completed, and no report cache exists on the server.
2. The user downloads the report.
   The report is generated using the language currently configured for that user account.
3. The generated report is cached on the server.
4. Any subsequent downloads of the same report during the cache period displays the cached version in the original language.
5. Once the cache expires, a new report is generated using the language setting of the next user who downloads the report.

For example, when you download a report while your account language is set to Japanese, the report is generated and cached in Japanese. And, when you change the account language to English, the downloaded report again still displays the Japanese version because the cached report remains active. This is the expected behavior and works as designed.

Change Scan Report Language

Solution 1: Regenerate the Report in the Desired Language

1. In the VM module, go to Profile > View Profile.
2. Click the Locale tab, in the Language list, select your preferred language, and then click Save.
   
3. Go to Reports > Scans.
4. Right-click the report and under Quick Actions > click Relaunch.
5. In the ReLaunch Vulnerability Scan dialog box, click Launch.
   The scan is complete.

6. Right-click the report and under Quick Actions > click Download.
7. Under Select Download Format, click a required format, and then click Download.
   

The system generates and caches a new report in the selected language.

Solution 2: Wait for the Cache to Expire

The report cache typically expires after seven days. After the cache expires, downloading or generating the report again creates a new cached version using the current account language setting.

Solution 3: Generate the Report Using a Different User

A different user with the required permissions can:

1. Set the account language to the preferred language.
2. Generate or download the report after cache expiration or by generating a new report.

This creates a new report cache in the desired language.

Conclusion

The scan report language is determined when the report is first generated and cached. Changing the account language afterward does not immediately update existing cached reports.

To receive reports in the desired language, users should update their language settings before generating a new report or wait for the existing cache to expire.

If you need help to change a scan report language, contact Qualys Support for further assistance.