How to Change the Taskbar Clock to 12 or 24 Hour Format in Windows 11
Taskbar clock format changes in Windows 11 switch the time display in the bottom-right corner of your screen between a 12-hour AM/PM layout and a 24-hour military time count from 00:00 to 23:59. You can update this setting in Windows 11 using either the Settings app or the older Control Panel .
You can change the Windows 11 taskbar clock format through either Settings or Control Panel . Navigate to Time & language Language & region Regional format and select your desired short time style. Alternatively, open Control Panel , go to Region, and adjust the Short time format.
Option 1Change Clock Format Using Windows Settings
- Open Settings : Press
Win + Ion your keyboard. - In Settings, click Time & language in the left menu.
- Click Language & region on the right side.
- Scroll down to Regional format and click on Change formats.
- Find the Short time dropdown menu and pick your preferred clock style:
- For 12-hour clock, choose formats like
9:40 AMor09:40 AM. - For 24-hour clock, choose formats like
9:40or09:40.
- For 12-hour clock, choose formats like
- Close Settings. Your taskbar clock will now show the time in the format you chose.
Changing the Windows 11 taskbar clock format through the main Settings app takes only a few clicks. You can switch between 12-hour and 24-hour time by heading to the region settings and picking a new short time style from the dropdown menu, which updates your clock right away.
Option 2Change Clock Format Using Control Panel
- Open Control Panel . You can do this by searching for it in the Start menu .
- Make sure Control Panel is in Icons view (not Category view).
- Click on Region.
- Under the Formats tab, click the Short time dropdown and choose your time format:
- For 12-hour clock:
h:mm ttorhh:mm tt. - For 24-hour clock:
H:mmorHH:mm.
- For 12-hour clock:
- If you don’t see the format you want, click Additional settings…, then go to the Time tab to type a custom format.
- Click OK to save your changes.
- Close Control Panel .
Using the classic Control Panel is another reliable way to change your Windows 11 taskbar clock format. By opening the Region settings, you can select custom 12-hour or 24-hour time patterns from the short time menu or type your own format to fix a clock that refuses to update.
Summary
- You can easily switch your taskbar clock between 12-hour and 24-hour formats.
- This can be done either through Windows Settings or the Control Panel .
- Pick whichever format feels easiest for you to read.
- Changing this setting helps Windows match how you like to see time.
Switching your Windows 11 taskbar clock format between 12-hour and 24-hour styles takes just a moment using either the modern Settings app or the traditional Control Panel . If your clock fails to update right away, restarting Windows Explorer in Task Manager will refresh the display and apply your changes.
Was this guide helpful?
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.
No comments yet — be the first to share your thoughts!