How to Change the Taskbar Clock to 12 or 24 Hour Format in Windows 11
The Windows 11 taskbar clock lets you choose between a 12-hour (AM/PM) or 24-hour format. This setting directly changes how time appears on your taskbar, for example, from ‘3:00 PM’ to ’15:00′.
The 12-hour clock divides the day into two 12-hour periods, using AM for morning and PM for afternoon and evening. The 24-hour clock, often called military time, numbers hours consecutively from 00 to 23.
You can adjust this display preference through a simple tweak in the Windows Registry. This central database holds many important system settings.
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.
Use the main Windows Settings to change your taskbar clock format to 12 or 24 hours. Pick your preferred style from a dropdown menu to adjust how time appears on your taskbar.
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.
The Control Panel provides another path to adjust your Windows 11 taskbar clock format. You can select either a 12-hour or 24-hour display by adjusting the short time format.
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 between 12 and 24-hour formats is possible via Windows Settings or the Control Panel. Either method allows you to select the time display that suits your reading preference, ensuring your PC aligns with your needs.
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!