How to Use Periods in Windows 11 Date Formats

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

You can change your Windows 11 date format using the built-in Settings app ⚙️ to add periods instead of slashes. Open Settings, go to Time & language, and choose Language & region to start setting up your preferred date style without needing any extra software.

Inside Settings, click Time & Language on the left. Then, on the right side of your screen, select Language & Region.

Scroll down to the "Related settings" area and click Administrative language settings. Be aware: This step may require administrator permission.

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. Click OK to save your settings and close the open 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

Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\International. Locate the sShortDate string value, double-click it, and change the value to yyyy.MM.dd. Restart your computer for changes to take effect.

Method 4Using PowerShell

You can change the Windows 11 date format using PowerShell (a command-line shell for system administration).

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.