How to Set a 24-Hour Clock on Windows 11 Lock Screen

This guide explains how to switch your clock to a 24-hour format on the lock screen in Windows 11.

The lock screen is the image you see when you first turn on your computer or when you lock your session. To get to your desktop, you press a key and enter your password.

Why use a 24-hour clock?

Using a 24-hour clock, often called military time, helps remove confusion between morning and afternoon hours. It is a simple way to keep your schedule clear.

What happens when you finish?

Once you complete these steps and restart your PC, your lock screen will display time using the 24-hour format (for example, 14:00 instead of 2:00 PM).

How to change the clock format

You can change this setting using the Windows Settings app. Note that you must have administrative privileges to change system-wide regional settings.

1. Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key + I on your keyboard, or click Start > Settings.

2. In the Settings menu, click on Time & language on the left side, then select Language & region.

3. Look for the Region section and click the Regional format tile to open more options.

4. Click the Change formats button.

5. Find the Long time option. Use the dropdown menu to choose your preferred format:

• Choose 9:40:07 AM or 09:40:07 AM for a 12-hour clock.
• Choose 9:40:07 or 09:40:07 for a 24-hour clock.

6. Close the Settings app.

7. Restart your computer to apply the new time format to your lock screen.

Summary

You can quickly switch your Windows 11 lock screen to a 24-hour clock through the Settings menu. Simply navigate to Time & language > Language & region > Regional format and adjust the Long time setting. Remember to restart your computer to see the changes take effect.