How to Use Periods in Windows 11 Date Formats
Using periods in Windows 11 date formats replaces the standard forward slashes on your taskbar and apps with dots like 09.12.2023. Windows 11 normally shows short dates with slashes, such as 9/8/21, but you can change this setup in your Region settings.
Typing `MM.dd.yyyy` into the short date box makes your PC show periods instead of slashes. This quick tweak helps you match the date style you want on your screen.
Change your short date format in Windows 11’s regional settings to use periods. Go to Settings Time & Language Language & Region, then Administrative language settings Formats Additional settings Date, and change the Short date to `dd.MM.yyyy`.
Why Change Your Date Format?
Windows 11 users can change the date format to use periods instead of slashes. This change helps the date format match regional standards or personal readability needs. Adjusting this Windows 11 setting customizes the system clock and date display for a specific workflow.
What happens when you are done?
Once these steps are complete, your taskbar clock and system applications will update to show your new date format. This change is global for your user profile, meaning most apps that pull system time will adopt the new style immediately.
Method 1Using Windows Settings
The Settings app offers a quick way to customize your date format with periods or dashes.
Inside Settings, click Time & Language on the left. Then, on the right side of your screen, select Language & Region.
A new box named Region appears. Click on the Formats tab. Because the default options do not include periods, typing the format in manually is necessary.
Click the Additional settings button at the bottom of the window.
A new box named Customize Format appears. Click the Date tab at the top.
Look for the Short date box. Change the slashes to periods, for example: dd.MM.yyyy. Click Apply to see a preview.
You can also change the Short time format if you wish. Once you are happy with the changes, click OK to save your settings and close the windows.
Method 2Using Control Panel
You can change these settings through the classic Control Panel. Press the Windows key, type Control Panel, and press Enter. Navigate to Clock and Region > Region. This opens the same Region dialog box used in Method 1, allowing you to modify the Short date format directly.
Method 3Using Registry Editor
Method 4Using PowerShell
You can change the Windows 11 date format using PowerShell, which is great for setting up multiple computers at once.
This command updates registry settings directly. The command provides a fast method for IT administrators to make changes on many computers at once.
How to Revert to Default Settings
If you want to go back to the original format, return to the Region > Additional settings > Date tab. Click the Reset button at the bottom of the window. This restores the default Windows date format for your region.
Summary
Customizing your Windows 11 date format lets you choose how dates appear, making your computer more personal. Whether you prefer using the Settings menu, the Control Panel, or advanced tools like PowerShell, you can switch from slashes to periods in your date display.
Why does my date format keep reverting to default?
Company-managed computers often enforce a Group Policy (a centralized system administrators use to manage network settings) that overrides local changes. If your IT department enforces specific regional settings, those policies will override your manual changes every time you sign in or restart your computer. Contact your system administrator to request a change.
Does changing the date format affect system logs or file timestamps?
No. Changing the display format only changes how the date appears to you on your screen. The underlying system logs, file creation dates, and database timestamps remain stored in a standard machine-readable format. Your data remains safe and accurate regardless of how you choose to view it.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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