How to Set a 24-Hour Clock on Windows 11 Lock Screen
A 24-hour clock on the Windows 11 lock screen changes the standard AM/PM time display into a 00 to 23 format. This setting makes your PC show times like 21:30 instead of 9:30 PM, which helps you read the time faster at a glance.
You can turn on this 24-hour time format directly inside the Region settings app on Windows 11 version 22H2 and later. The change applies to your entire PC, including the lock screen you see before you sign 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?
Adopting a 24-hour clock removes any ambiguity between morning and afternoon hours. This format keeps schedules clear, and many professionals prefer it to avoid errors in time-sensitive tasks.
What happens when done?
Once these steps finish and your PC restarts, the lock screen displays 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
The Settings app provides a direct way to configure the 24-hour clock on your Windows 11 lock screen. Adjusting the time format for your user account takes only a few moments. Follow these steps to switch to a 24-hour display.
1. Open the Settings app by pressing the Win+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
Granular control is available through the classic Control Panel.
1. Press Windows key + R, type control, and hit Enter.
2. Click Clock and Region, then Region.
3. Under the Formats tab, click Additional settings.
4. Go to the Time tab and change the Short time to HH:mm.
Method 3Registry Editor (Advanced)
This method requires administrator privileges. Proceed carefully, because incorrect edits inside the registry can cause system instability.
- Press Windows key + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
- Navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\International
Method 4PowerShell for Deployment
Bulk updates utilize this method, which requires administrator privileges.
Set-Culture -CultureInfo en-GB
Summary
Switching to a 24-hour clock on the Windows 11 lock screen happens primarily through the Settings app by adjusting regional formats, though advanced users can employ the Registry Editor.
Does changing the time format affect system logs?
Yes, changing the regional format settings influences how timestamps appear in system logs and event viewers. Windows uses 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, setting the 24-hour clock for all new user accounts on Windows 11 is possible by copying 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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