Changing the 24-hour clock format to a 12-hour clock in Windows 11 is a straightforward task that can be accomplished using the system settings. You can navigate to date and time settings, adjust the date and time formats, and switch from a 24-hour to a 12-hour clock. This guide will walk you through each step.
How to Change 24 Hour to 12 Hour in Windows 11
By following these steps, you’ll change the time displayed on your system from the 24-hour format to the more commonly used 12-hour format. This can make it easier to read and understand the time on your computer.
Step 1: Open Settings
First, click on the Start menu and select “Settings.”
The Settings menu is where you’ll find most of the system configurations. You can also press Windows + I to open the Settings directly.
Step 2: Go to Time & language
Next, navigate to “Time & language” in the Settings menu.
This section contains all the settings related to date, time, language, and region—essential for changing the clock format.
Step 3: Click on Date & time
Now, click on “Date & time” under the Time & language section.
Here, you’ll see options for setting the time automatically and manually, as well as formatting options.
Step 4: Scroll to Formats
Scroll down and click on “Change date and time formats.”
This option allows you to customize how the date and time are displayed on your system.
Step 5: Change Short Time and Long Time
In the “Change date and time formats” menu, select the dropdown menus for “Short time” and “Long time,” and choose the 12-hour format (e.g., h:mm tt).
“Short time” and “Long time” determine how the time is displayed in various parts of Windows. h:mm tt will show the time in a 12-hour format with AM/PM.
Step 6: Close Settings
Finally, close the Settings window.
Your changes will be applied automatically, and you’ll see the new 12-hour format reflected on your taskbar clock and other time displays.
After completing these steps, your Windows 11 clock will show time in the 12-hour format, complete with AM and PM indicators.
Tips for Changing 24 Hour to 12 Hour in Windows 11
- Consistency: Make sure to change both “Short time” and “Long time” to ensure consistency across all time displays.
- Verify: Double-check your changes by looking at the time on your taskbar.
- Region Settings: Ensure your region settings match your preferred time format.
- Use Search: If you’re having trouble finding the settings, use the search bar in the Settings menu.
- Restart: If the changes don’t appear immediately, try restarting your computer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this change affect my scheduled tasks?
No, changing the time format will not affect any scheduled tasks or alarms. They will still function as intended.
Can I switch back to the 24-hour format?
Yes, you can switch back by following the same steps and choosing the 24-hour format options.
Will this affect other users on the same computer?
No, this change will only affect your user account. Other users will see the time format they’ve set.
Do I need to change my BIOS settings?
No, changes to the time format in Windows 11 do not require any BIOS adjustments.
What if the settings don’t save?
Ensure you have administrative privileges on your account. If issues persist, try restarting your computer or checking for Windows updates.
Summary of Steps
- Open Settings.
- Go to Time & language.
- Click on Date & time.
- Scroll to Formats.
- Change Short Time and Long Time.
- Close Settings.
Conclusion
Switching from a 24-hour to a 12-hour clock format in Windows 11 is a simple yet effective way to make your system’s time display more familiar and user-friendly. By following the outlined steps, you can easily navigate through the settings and apply the changes in just a few minutes.
Remember, this change is purely cosmetic and won’t affect how your computer operates or how scheduled tasks work. It’s all about making the clock more intuitive to read. If you ever wish to revert the changes, the process is just as straightforward.
For further reading, you might want to explore other customization options in Windows 11 to make your computing experience more tailored to your needs. Happy tweaking!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.