How to Set a 24-Hour Clock on Windows 11 Lock Screen
Setting a 24-hour clock on your Windows 11 lock screen changes how time is shown from AM/PM to a 00-23 format.
This means your PC will display times like 21:30 instead of 9:30 PM, making it easier to read the time quickly, especially if you prefer the military time style.
You can do this directly in Windows 11’s region settings without needing any extra programs. This change applies to your entire PC, including the lock screen you see before logging in.
Adjust your Windows 11 regional format settings to use the 24-hour clock. Go to Settings > Time & language > Language & region, click Regional format, and change the Long time option to a 24-hour format like 09:40:07. Restart your PC for the change to apply.
Why use a 24-hour clock?
Using a 24-hour clock, also known as military time, removes confusion between morning and afternoon hours. This format keeps your schedule clear, and many professionals prefer it to avoid errors in time-sensitive tasks.
What happens when done?
Once these steps are complete and your PC restarts, your lock screen will display time using the 24-hour format (for example, 14:00 instead of 2:00 PM). This change applies system-wide to your user profile.
Method 1Using the Settings App
You can set the 24-hour clock on your Windows 11 lock screen using the Settings app. This is the most direct way to adjust the time format for your user account. Follow these steps to switch to a 24-hour display.
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.
Method 2Using Control Panel
- Press Windows key + R, type control, and hit Enter.
- Click Clock and Region, then Region.
- Under the Formats tab, click Additional settings.
- Go to the Time tab and change the Short time to HH:mm.
Method 3Registry Editor (Advanced)
- Press Windows key + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
- Navigate to: 🗝️HKEY_CURRENT_USER\ Control Panel\International
- Double-click sShortTime and change the value to HH:mm.
Method 4PowerShell for Deployment
Use this for bulk updates. Requires administrator privileges.
Set-Culture -CultureInfo en-GB
Summary
Switching to a 24-hour clock on your Windows 11 lock screen is mainly done through the Settings app by adjusting regional formats, though advanced users can use the Registry Editor.
Does changing the time format affect system logs?
Yes, changing the regional format settings can influence how timestamps appear in system logs and event viewers. Windows uses the system-wide regional settings to determine the display format for date and time strings across various administrative tools and background services.
Can I force 24-hour time for all new user accounts?
Yes, you can set the 24-hour clock for all new user accounts on Windows 11 by copying your current regional settings to the default profile using 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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