Changing the time format to 24-hour in Windows 11 is pretty simple and can be done in just a few steps. This guide will take you through the process so your computer displays military time instead of the regular 12-hour AM/PM format.
How to Change Time to 24 Hour Format in Windows 11
In this section, you’ll learn how to switch your Windows 11 clock from the 12-hour format to the 24-hour format. This will make your system time display in military time, which is particularly useful if you prefer that style of timekeeping.
Step 1: Open Settings
First, you need to open the Windows 11 settings.
You can do this by clicking on the Start button and then selecting the gear icon, or simply by pressing "Windows + I" on your keyboard.
Step 2: Go to Time & Language
Next, navigate to the Time & Language section.
In the Settings window, click on "Time & Language" on the left-hand side. This is where you will find all the settings related to your system’s date and time.
Step 3: Click on Date & Time
Now, click on the Date & Time tab.
Here, you will see options for setting the time and date. This section allows you to manage how the date and time are displayed on your computer.
Step 4: Scroll to Related Settings
Scroll down until you see the "Related settings" section.
Under this section, click on "Additional date, time & regional settings." This will open a new window where you can access more advanced settings.
Step 5: Open Date, Time, and Regional Formatting Settings
Click on "Change date, time, or number formats."
This will take you to the Region settings window where you can customize how dates, times, and numbers are formatted on your system.
Step 6: Change the Long Time Format
In the Formats tab, click on the "Additional settings" button.
A new window pops up. Click on the "Time" tab and look for the "Long time" field. Change the format to HH:mm:ss.
Step 7: Apply and Save
Click Apply and then OK to save your changes.
After making these changes, your system clock should now display the 24-hour format.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your Windows 11 system will show time in the 24-hour format. This change should apply instantly, making it easier for you to read the time if you prefer the military format.
Tips for Changing Time to 24 Hour Format in Windows 11
- Make sure to double-check that you have selected the correct format (HH:mm:ss) in the Time settings.
- If you are having trouble finding the settings, use the search bar in the Settings window.
- Restart your computer if the changes do not take effect immediately.
- You can always switch back to the 12-hour format by following the same steps and choosing a different format.
- Customizing your date and time settings can also help make other regional settings align better with your preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won’t my time format change to 24-hour?
Sometimes a restart is required for changes to take effect. Make sure you’ve followed each step correctly.
Can I change the time format back to 12-hour?
Yes, you can easily revert to the 12-hour format by following the same steps and choosing a different time format.
Will changing the time format affect other settings?
Generally, changing the time format will not affect other settings. However, it might change how time is displayed in certain apps.
What is the difference between HH:mm and hh:mm?
"HH:mm" represents the 24-hour format, while "hh:mm" represents the 12-hour format with an AM/PM indicator.
Do I need administrator rights to change the time format?
No, you do not need administrator rights to change the time format in Windows 11.
Summary of Steps
- Open Settings
- Go to Time & Language
- Click on Date & Time
- Scroll to Related Settings
- Open Date, Time, and Regional Formatting Settings
- Change the Long Time Format
- Apply and Save
Conclusion
Changing the time to a 24-hour format in Windows 11 is a straightforward task that can make your life a bit easier, especially if you are used to military time. Following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to make the change quickly and efficiently. Always remember that you can switch back to the 12-hour format anytime you want, offering great flexibility. For further reading, consider looking into other regional settings that might make your operating system more personalized and user-friendly. Now that you know how to change the time format, why not explore other customization options Windows 11 offers?
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.