How to Change Time Format in Windows 11
The time format in Windows 11 controls how hours and minutes appear on your taskbar clock and lock screen. Switching between a standard 12-hour display and a 24-hour format takes less than a minute directly inside the main Settings app.
You can change this setting without installing any extra tools or programs.
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?
Choose either a 12-hour display with AM/PM or a 24-hour layout depending on your preference.
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 reflect your new format immediately.
Where Windows Stores This Information
Windows 11 stores your Windows 11 time format settings inside the Registry Editor (a central database for system and app settings). You can view and edit these values by browsing to the path 🗝️HKEY_CURRENT_USER\
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 change the Windows 11 time format using the main Settings app without touching any advanced tools. Open Settings by pressing Win+I, go to Time & language, select Language & region, and open your regional format options to pick a new style for your clock.
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
You can set a custom Windows 11 time format using the classic Control Panel if you want more control than the main settings app allows. Open the Control Panel, click Region, and open the Formats tab to type in your own custom letters for hours, minutes, and seconds.- 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
Adjusting your Windows 11 time format offers clear options within both Settings and 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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