How to Change Time Format in Windows 11
Want to change how your clock displays the time on Windows 11? This guide shows you how. Your time format controls how the clock looks on your taskbar and elsewhere in Windows.
Open Settings, navigate to Time & language, then Language & region. Expand Regional format and click Change formats. Select your preferred time format from the dropdown menus for Short time and Long time.
Why Change Your Time Format?
Windows lets you pick how you want to see the time. You might want 12-hour format (with AM/PM) or 24-hour format. You can also customize it to show the time the way you prefer.
What Happens When You Change It?
Once you change your time format, Windows updates how the time appears everywhere on your computer. The clock on your taskbar will show your new format right away.
Where Windows Stores This Information
Windows keeps your time format settings in a special database called the registry, specifically under the Control Panel’s International section.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\International
The specific settings are stored in these values:
sShortTimesTimeFormat
Option 1Change Time Format in Settings
- Open Settings by pressing
Win+Ion your keyboard. - Click on Time & language on the left side.
- Click on Language & region on the right side.
- Look for Regional format and click it to expand the options.
- Click on Date & time format (or Change formats on older Windows 11 versions).
- In the dropdown menus, select the time format you want for Short time and Long time.
- Close Settings when you’re done.
You can easily change the Windows 11 time format using the Settings app.
Option 2Change Time Format in Region Control Panel
- Admin privileges required. Open the Control Panel and switch to icons view.
- Click on the Region icon.
- Go to the Formats tab.
- Use the dropdown menus to select your preferred format for Short time and Long time.
- Click OK to save your changes.
Option 3Change Time Format with Custom Settings
For more control, you can set a custom Windows 11 time format using the Control Panel’s Region settings, though this requires administrator access.- Admin privileges required. Open the Control Panel and switch to icons view.
- Click on the Region icon.
- Go to the Formats tab.
- Click on Additional settings.
- Click on the Time tab.
- In the dropdown menus, select a format for Short time and Long time. You can also type a custom format in the text boxes if you want something different.
- Click OK.
- Click OK again to close the Region window.
Summary
Changing your Windows 11 time format is straightforward, with options in Settings or the Control Panel.
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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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